DENVER – Credit unions in Colorado and North Dakota have announced new leadership.
Westerra Credit Union has announced the selection of a new president and CEO. The $1.5-billion Westerra said Jay Champion will lead the organization effective Dec. 1, succeeding John McCloy who has announced his retirement.
Champion was previously with Boulder, Colo.-based Elevations Credit Union, where he most recently served as chief operating officer overseeing lending operations—including commercial, consumer and mortgage lending programs—and directing retail delivery channels, including all branches and the contact center. He was also responsible for governmental affairs and marketing, focusing on building relationships and brand awareness for the credit union with current and prospective members, Westerra said.
National Search
“After conducting an extensive national search and evaluating many excellent candidates, the board of directors is excited to have Jay Champion take the lead in carrying on Westerra’s rich tradition of serving members. We are thrilled to bring an individual of Jay’s caliber on board and look forward to a long and successful relationship with Jay as our leader,” said Andy Raicevich, board chairman. “Jay is a seasoned credit union executive who has operated in the Denver metro area for several years. He is an energetic and passionate leader, and Westerra is excited to have him in this leadership role.”
Champion has been in financial services and lending for more than 30 years.
“I would like to thank the Westerra Board of Directors for selecting me as the next President/CEO,” Champion said. “It is truly an honor and a privilege to work with the Westerra board and staff in serving our members. Westerra has deep roots in our community and a rich tradition of service in the Denver metro area. I look forward to building upon the success of those who came before me as we move forward working together on behalf of Westerra members, staff and our community.”
A Career Well Spent
The retiring McCloy has served the financial services industry in leadership roles for over 40 years. Fluent in Spanish, he has donated his time to serve in medical missions in South America as well as other humanitarian outreach, including volunteering with the World Council of Credit Unions.
“I’m honored to have had the opportunity to work with John McCloy over the years,” said Raicevich. “His contributions to Westerra and the industry are immense and pave the way for us to continue to build for the future. We are extremely grateful for his visionary leadership, and wish him well in his retirement, as we pass the baton to Jay.”
Westerra CU has approximately 124,000 members.
New CEO at Capital Credit Union
Meanwhile, in Bismarck, N.D., Capital Credit Union has named a new CEO. The $479-million Capital CU has selected Vance Reinbold, who had been serving as CFO, to lead the organization. Reinbold joined Capital Credit Union in 2006 and was promoted to CFO in 2009.
“Vance is a skilled executive and has played a key role in the credit union’s growth and success,” said Capital Credit Union Board Chair Faye Miller. “His leadership, financial expertise and industry knowledge will help ensure the credit union continues to meet our members’ needs well into the future.”
Reinbold succeeds CEO Debra Gallagher, who is retiring after a 44-year career with Capital Credit Union. Gallagher joined the credit union in 1974 and was named CEO in 1994.
“We are sincerely grateful for Deb’s leadership, dedication to members and commitment to the credit union’s long-term success,” Miller said.
The credit union has approximately 30,000 members.