JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –Two credit unions have announced new CEOs.
Jax Federal Credit Union has named a new president and CEO. The $387-million Jax Federal has selected Joseph “Joe” Nowland to lead the organization, succeeding Gerri Sexsion, who will retire on March 29 after 21 years as president/CEO.
Nowland has more than 24 years of experience in financial services, most recently as chief business services officer with the $8.2-billion VyStar Credit Union in Jacksonville. Prior to joining VyStar, the credit union said Nowland spent most of his career in key management and executive roles with First Union/Wachovia Bank on the retail and business banking side of the organization. His last role at the bank was community bank president for the Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee market, where he was responsible for the financial performance of retail and commercial banking.
Other roles during his career included: Small Business Banking Manager/Vice President for Georgia; Regional Retail Manager/Vice President (overseeing 11 branches) in Baltimore, Maryland; Regional Sales Manager/Vice President for the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Market (Southern Maryland, Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia); and Senior Financial Specialist in Northern Virginia.
Nowland also spent two years during this timeframe as the vice president of sales and marketing for NETSEC, an internet technology company funded by E-Trade, which was ultimately acquired by MCI for $105 million.
‘Honored to Be Selected’
“I’m honored to be selected as Jax Federal Credit Union’s next president and chief executive officer,” said Nowland. “Jax Federal Credit Union has done an outstanding job over the years serving its members’ needs and making a difference in the community. I look forward to leading an organization with an exceptionally talented team that is focused on making a positive impact on people’s lives and the communities the credit union serves.”
Nowland earned a B.A. in Communications and Public Relations from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas, and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. He is also a Certified Strategic Executive (CSE), Certified Credit Union Enterprise Risk Management Expert (CUERME) and Certified Residential Underwriter (CRU). While attending college in Texas, Nowland served in the U.S. Army Reserves with the 7/6 Cavalry Attack Helicopter Unit.
The credit union has more than 36,500 members.
Fairmont CU Makes It Official
Separately, in Fairmont, W.V., Fairmont FCU has officially named a new president and CEO. Cindy Dickey has now succeeded CEO Butch Osborne, who has retired. Dickey was named CEO on Jan. 1 while Osborne remained to assist with the transition through March 1. The $345-million Fairmont Federal Credit Union has more than 37,000 members.
“I’m honored to be selected as Fairmont Federal Credit Union’s next Chief Executive Officer,” Dickey said in a statement. “Fairmont FCU has a proud history and is deeply committed to serving its members. I look forward to leading an organization that is committed to our members, employees and the communities we serve.”
Dickey has been with the credit union for 25 years and has served in several areas in the organization, most recently as the senior vice president of quality assurance and risk management.
According to the credit union, Dickey has re-aligned the executive management team and has added other management positions as well. Joining Dickey on the executive leadership team will be: Nancy Lopez, executive vice president and CFO; Stacia Martin, executive vice president, administration; and Beth Bilotta, executive vice president, operations.
Other Promotions
Additional promotions include: Cindy Bajus, vice president, lending; Stacey Harvey, vice president, market development; Julie Swyck, vice president, information technology; Sherri Moore, assistant vice president, risk management.
Completing the management team are: Michele Taylor, vice president, loss mitigation/card services; Michelle Reeves, assistant vice president, loan processing; and James Coulter, assistant vice president, member businesses, the credit union said.