MANCHESTER, N.H.–One credit union has announced a new president and CEO, while two other credit unions have announced CEO retirements.
In New Hampshire, the $244.7-million Members First Credit Union has selected Courtney Fifield to lead the organization. Fifield previously served as CEO of the $84-million Athol Credit Union in Worcester, Mass., and has more than 13 years of credit union management experience and more than two decades in banking and finance.
“Members First Credit Union has always had a strong commitment to its members and the communities it serves," said Fifield. "I'm excited to be joining a team that shares my passion for community service and for making a positive impact on people's lives. I look forward to working closely with the board of directors, the leadership team, and our members to build on the credit union's success and to create even greater value for our members and communities."
‘Creative Strategist’
Fifield holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree from Harvard University, where he concentrated in management with minors in finance and organizational behavior.
“He is recognized as a creative strategist in the financial industry, with a track record of driving innovation and growth,” Members First said.
Members First has approximately 7,000 members.
Retirement In Arizona
In Tucson, meanwhile, Hughes Federal Credit Union CEO Robert J. Swick will be retiring April 28, following a “distinguished” 37-year career that saw membership grow to 178,000 from 31,500 and assets to $1.9 billion from $239 million.
Swick joined Hughes in 1986 as a finance manager and was promoted over the years to vice president of finance and data processing and executive vice president. In 1999, Swick was named the credit union's president and general manager. He has also served as Hughes' board treasurer since 2000.
According to the credit union, Swick said that one of his proudest career accomplishments was obtaining a low-income, underserved community charter in 2001, allowing the credit union to make a positive difference in the financial lives of many more Tucsonans.
During his tenure, Hughes received numerous prestigious awards for product and service excellence from leading banking and business organizations, including Forbes' "Best-In-State Banks and Credit Unions" listings in 2018 and 2019. In 2021, Swick was recognized as an Arizona Business Leader of the Year by AZBusiness magazine. In addition, the credit union was consistently recognized for its community service and as a favorite local credit union in the Arizona Daily Star Reader's Choice awards.
‘An Honor to Serve’
"It has been an honor to serve as a Hughes leader for more than 37 years alongside many remarkable leaders, volunteers and employees," Swick said. "I'm proud of what we've achieved together by remaining committed to our members' financial wellness and community’s vitality through scholarship and financial literacy programs.
"I am excited for Hughes as it moves forward devoted to the principle of people helping people and supporting organizations and causes that make our community stronger,” continued Swick. “From its inception and into its future, I know Hughes will continue to enthusiastically serve its community and help member-owners — from teens to retirees — achieve their full financial potential.”
The board is in the process of selecting Swick's successor and expects to fill the position in late April.
Embark CU’s Evans to Retire
In addition, in Great Falls, Mont., Horizon Credit Union Market Area Leader and former Embark Credit Union President / CEO Deb Evans will retire April 28 after 46 years in the financial industry and a 24-year career in credit unions.
Evans began working in credit unions in 1999 and joined Great Falls Teachers FCU in 2001 as vice president of human resources, marketing and compliance. After a brief year-long departure from the organization, she returned in 2006 to become president / CEO. While leading the organization she helped oversee a rebranding of the credit union in 2013 to Embark Credit Union. Her title shifted to market area leader after Horizon Credit Union merged with Embark in 2022.
According to the credit union, Evans’ favorite part of working at credit unions is the people-first mentality. “I found credit unions to be a welcome relief from the corporate-forced sales and profit-driven mentality that permeated banking,” she said.
Career Accomplishments
During her career the credit union said Evans has put a strong emphasis on giving back to her community. She has served on multiple boards including the board of directors for United Way, the Great Falls Development Authority, the Great Falls Symphony, the University of Providence, the Great Falls International Airport and the Dean’s Advisory Committee at Great Falls College MSU. She has volunteered in multiple capacities including serving meals with Great Falls Rescue Mission, delivering food to seniors with Cascade Country Commodity Food Program, cleaning parks and yards for seniors and disabled residents with United Way and many other programs including animal clinics, various Rotary Club and Chamber events and participating in reading programs in schools and crisis centers for abused children.
In 2006 she received the Great Falls Chamber’s ATHENA award – an award honoring women who achieved high levels of professional accomplishment, excelled in their field and gave back to their community in meaningful ways. She was also recognized in 2017 as Montana’s Credit Union Professional of the Year.
Retirement Plans
In retirement, Evans is looking forward to learning new languages and musical instruments, while spending time traveling to Italy and other surrounding countries. She also plans to continue volunteering in her community both in familiar and new capacities.
“She has left a profound impact on her organization and her community and will be greatly missed. Everyone at Horizon Credit Union wishes her all the best in retirement,” the credit union said.
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