TOTOWA, N.J.–The long-time leader of North Jersey FCU who has been called a “trailblazer on inclusivity” has announced plans to retire. The credit union said a search for a replacement is now underway. Separately, Texas Trust CU has announced a new president.
In New Jersey, Lourdes Cortez plans to step down as CEO of the $240-million North Jersey FCU on Dec. 31, 2020. Cortez joined the credit union in 1984 as a teller, and during her career was promoted through a number of positions in different departments, including collections, lending and electronic services. In 2005, after serving as VP of operations and lending, she was named CEO.
During her career Cortez has been recognized with a number of industry honors, including the Dora Maxwell Award for Community Involvement, recognition from the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, the 2015 “Hope Saves the Day Award” for her efforts in the autistic community, to the 2019 Jefferson Award from the Governor of New Jersey for her public service, and as NAFCU’s 2020 “CEO of the Year” in the CU’s asset size.
“If you surround yourself with the best, it makes everything easier,” Cortez said.
While CEO Cortez oversaw asset growth from $161 million to $240-million, and also achieved a number of other firsts in its markets, including developing a bilingual website (English and Spanish versions), creating a branch on wheels (called the “Green Machine”), hosting first-time home-buyers seminars, and opening a student-run branch at a local high school.
The credit union said several candidates have been identified and are in the interview process.
CUToday.info will have a longer interview with Cortez in The Corner.
New President at Texas Trust
Meanwhile, in Arlington, Texas, Jim Minge, CEO of Texas Trust Credit Union, has named Willy Kelsey president of the $1.3-billion credit union. The role was previously held by Minge, who will continue serving as CEO. Kelsey has been with Texas Trust since 2005, most recently serving as EVP/chief retail officer.
“Kelsey has been instrumental in helping build Texas Trust into a strong, financially stable credit union that members can trust,” the credit union said. “Under his leadership, Texas Trust achieved outstanding growth in lending while reducing loan delinquency and cultivating a member-friendly lending environment.”
Texas Trust added Kelsey’s forte in process improvement has been fundamental to the credit union’s retail strategy, including more than doubling TTCU’s branch footprint within the last decade. Texas Trust said Kelsey also transformed branch operations to better align with the credit union’s strategy and redesigned retail processes and programs to expanded service offerings and increased member usage. In addition, he oversaw efficiency improvements that ensure a consistent member experience across the credit union.
‘Integral Part of Success’
“Willy has been an integral part of our success, helping identify and implement strategies that allowed us to surpass $1 billion in assets,” said Minge. “His keen business sense, passion for our employees’ and members’ well-being, and leadership have helped drive the many achievements and strong growth that we have experienced over the last 15 years.”
Minge added now that the roles of CEO and president have been divided—he and Kelsey “will be able to better focus the organization and improve our operations so that we continue meeting the needs of members as we help them build brighter financial futures.”