LITTLETON, Mass. –Credit unions in two states have named new leadership.
In Massachusetts, the $2.6-billion Workers Credit Union has named Jay Champion as its new president and CEO. He brings over 35 years of experience developing high performing and engaged teams at financial institutions. Since July of 2023, Champion has served as the credit union’s Interim CEO following the retirement of Doug Petersen, who was with the credit union for 27 years.
Champion most recently served as president and CEO of Westerra Credit Union in Denver, and prior to that as COO of Elevations Credit Union in Boulder, Colo.
Workers CU said that throughout his experience serving in multiple C-suite roles for various financial institutions over the past 30+ years, “Champion has become highly skilled in building healthy and engaged team cultures, enhancing business process management, and driving organizational performance.”
‘Seasoned Leader’
“Jay is a seasoned financial leader and has the skills needed to maintain our team’s delivery of top-notch member service,” Board Chair Nilesh Gunda said in a statement. “In less than a year, Jay has made a positive impact on Workers Credit Union and our mission to empower our members to achieve financial wellness. We’re confident in Jay’s ability to continue advancing our goals while being an innovative leader to help the credit union continue to thrive.”
According to Workers CU, since joining the organization Champion has established a “vision for financial growth and stability that focuses on member choice and innovation, empowering his team to think creatively about the future while honoring the past.”
‘Incredible Impact’
“Workers Credit Union is an institution that has made an indelible impact on North Central Massachusetts since its founding 110 years ago by helping people and businesses save, spend, invest, borrow, and plan,” Champion said. “Our team is passionate about being the community economic engine that people and businesses in our markets can count on. I am honored to lead our team in our mission to continue improving the daily lives of our members.”
Educational Background
Champion obtained his Master of Business Administration with finance and management concentrations from Texas A&M University – Commerce and his Bachelor of Science in economics from East Texas State University. He is also a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.
Lion’s Share FCU Names New CEO
Meanwhile, in Salisbury, N.C., the $72.1-million Lion’s Share FCU has named Ronald Baron as its new president and CEO.
Baron had previously served as president and CEO of Del-One CU in Delaware, and has also held positions with Azura Credit Union and with Virginia National Bank.
In a statement on LinkedIn, Baron noted that after previously announcing his retirement plans, his plans changed when family members moved to North Carolina and he learned the Lion’s Share FCU was looking for a new CEO.
“The welcome at Lion's Share FCU has been very heartfelt and sincere,” Baron said in his posting. “I am humbled to have been chosen for this leadership role and trust in the fact that God's plan is being fulfilled by my being here.”
The credit union has more than 12,000 members.