CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Two credit unions have named new CEOs.
In Colorado, Columbine Federal Credit Union has selected Arick Williams to replace John Faries, who served as president and CEO from 2011-2020.
Williams had previously served as VP-lending, a position he held since 2013, after joining the credit union in 2011.
During his tenure Williams has watched assets grow to $63-million from $43 million, and its loan portfolio has grown to $49 million from $22 million.
“We are so pleased to have Arick assume the role of CEO at Columbine,” said Board Chairman Deb McBride. “Arick set a goal early in his career to become a CEO and it is that ability to have a vision, the tenacity to go after that vision and the unwavering dedication to achieve that vision that makes Arick the kind of leader we want and need for our credit union now and well into the future. I genuinely believe that our staff and members will all benefit from having Arick at the helm of our organization.”
Williams has more than two decades’ experience in credit unions, and his relationship with credit unions began more than 30 years ago. Williams called himself a “credit union lifer.”
‘Part of My DNA’
“Credit Unions have been a part of my DNA before I really knew what they were and the incredible call to service they inspire,” Williams said.
Williams said the opportunity “to go from a kid with a savings account to the CEO of a credit union is quite humbling. I’m honored with the opportunity to continue the great work our Columbine Family and volunteers have been doing for years.”
Williams’ career path began at Fort Sill FCU with part-time jobs including teller, records retention, and an internship. In 2006, he joined Oklahoma Employees Credit Union (now Oklahoma’s Credit Union) where he found his passion for lending.
From 2011-2013, he served as branch manager at Columbine CU, overseeing tellers, loan officers and collections until his promotion to VP of Lending
“To this day, I remember the first loan I wrote during training,” said Williams. “I remember the impact we made in someone’s life by saying yes, when others were saying no. As I reflect now, it’s moments like this one where I started connecting the dots between the founding principles of the credit union movement and how I can live that mission today.”
Mills42 FCU Names New CEO
Meanwhile, in Lowell, Mass., Mills42 FCU has named Derek Cronin to lead the organization. The hiring was first reported by the Cooperative CU Association. As CUToday.info reported here, Cronin succeeds Carla Rasetta, who exited the position to join her family’s business. Rasetta will be joining the board of the credit union.
Cronin most recently served as executive manager/CEO of Beverly Municipal FCU in Massachusetts. He first entered the financial services industry in 2008, when he started as a teller at Eastern Bank in Swampscott. He has since held positions as teller manager at Eastern Bank and assistant branch manager with St. Jean’s Credit Union.
“People helping people. That is the credit union way, and it is something I believe in strongly,” Cronin told the CCUA. “Over my 12-plus years in the financial services industry, I have seen how larger banks operate compared to smaller credit unions, and there is nothing like the small, local, community feel of a credit union. I look forward to continuing the Mills42 mission of, ‘Build from here,’ by ensuring every member feels that they are not just a number, as is the common perception that customers of larger banks have.”
Mills42 FCU has $26-million in assets.