HEATH, Ohio.–Credit unions in Ohio and Wisconsin have named new CEOs.
In the Buckeye State, Hopewell FCU has named Chris Simmons to lead the organization. Simmons succeeds longtime president and CEO James G. Johnson, who is retiring in March after nearly 25 years of service.
“His loyalty and admiration for the credit union movement continues and he looks forward to supporting the organization as a loyal member and cooperative advocate,” Hopewell FCU said.
Simmons most recently served as vice president of specialized lending with CME FCU, and prior to that with Kemba Financial Credit Union, where he served as the manager of consumer lending.
“I am both humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead Hopewell Federal Credit Union and its tradition of serving the unique needs of our member-owners,” said Simmons. “The decisions that drive me are rooted in continuing Hopewell’s mission to help its members grow financially. I will continue the long tradition that Hopewell has in supporting the communities we have the privilege of serving.”
New CEO at Simplicity CU
Meanwhile, in Marshfield, Wis., Simplicity Credit Union has named Nicholas Faber as its president/CEO. Simmons was previously CFO with the credit union.
“Simplicity CU has such a great team and supportive board,” said Faber, ”I’m excited about the opportunities we have to continue helping our members and making a positive impact in our communities.”
After graduating from UW-Lacrosse with honors with a double major in accountancy and finance, Faber worked in public accounting for 10 years before being chosen in 2018 to serve as Simplicity CU’s CFO and to lead the accounting, compliance, and data analytics team.
“This will allow me the opportunity to get to know and work with our members in a new way and I’m really looking forward to that,” he said.
Faber succeeds former CEO Patricia Wesenberg, who passed away. More on Wesenberg, who was well known to many in credit unions, can be found here.