OAKTON, Va.–Montez (Cory) Hairston, president and CEO of the $1.2-billion Congressional FCU, has died. No cause of death had been released.
Mr. Hairston had been with Congressional FCU for more than 18 years, and was named to lead the organization in October of 2022 after having previously served as interim CEO. Mr. Hairston had also served as VP of internal audit. He also held positions with Community Bank of Virginia and with the state regulator.
“The entire Congressional Federal family mourns this loss. On behalf of our board of directors, management team and employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Montez’s family,” the credit union said in a statement. “Mr. Hairston was a remarkable figure who brought dedication and passion to the organization. We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Montez Hairston. Montez was a steadfast leader and a tireless advocate for transparency. The company’s directors and employees, as well as the many members whose lives he touched, mourn his loss.”
Mr. Hairston is survived by his wife, Tamaisha, and three daughters, HaDiya (and husband Turvell Wilson), Halle, and HaKneil; and the “joy of his heart,” his granddaughter Averie.
The credit union, which serves those who work on Capitol Hill, has more than 47,000 members.
New CEO at ORNL FCU
Separately, in Oak Ridge, Tenn., ORNL Federal Credit Union has named Jenny Vipperman president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1.
Vipperman will replace Colin Anderson, who will retire after serving over 10 years at ORNL FCU, including eight years as president.
“I am honored and excited to be joining ORNL FCU as the next president and CEO,” Vipperman stated. “I want to thank the board of directors for entrusting me to lead the credit union as we build upon its 75 year legacy. Fueled by our shared passion for member service and unwavering commitment to our community, I look forward to working alongside the ORNL FCU staff and volunteers to further invest in the experiences and value we bring to our members, employees, and community."
Vipperman, with over 15 years in the credit union industry, joins ORNL FCU from VyStar Credit Union in Jacksonville, Fla., where she served as chief lending officer.
Vipperman is also the current fundraising committee chair and past board secretary of the National Credit Union Foundation and co-chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association Credit Union Network.
“We are excited to have Jenny join the ORNL FCU team. She is a nationally-recognized credit union leader whose commitment to the credit union movement is demonstrated through her personal and professional work to improve the financial lives of all members,” said Randy Gorman, ORNL FCU board chair. “Her unique experience and expertise of the credit union industry will be essential as ORNL FCU continues to grow and be the best financial partner for our members.”
Vipperman earned a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech. She earned the Certified Mortgage Banker designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association in 2020.