TUSTIN, Calif.–SchoolsFirst FCU has announced new changes to its executive leadership, including naming Jose Lara as its new president. Bill Cheney will remain CEO.
Other changes include new leadership positions to support what the $27-billion credit union described as its “priority of delivering world-class personal service to its 1.2-million members.”
SchoolsFirst FCU said it split the president/CEO position into two to enhance its member service experience and to support financial well-being for both its members and 2,600 employees.
In other changes, Schools First said it has:
- Appointed Kevin Martin to executive vice president, strategic integration and member experience
- Named Carol Rose as executive vice president-member service operations
- Appointed Jim Phillips as executive vice president, chief information officer
- Named Jill Meznarich as chief audit officer
Taking Action Now
“This new structure sets us up for continued success not only for today, but also for the future,” said Board Chair Greg Marchant. “We want to ensure we take action now, making sustainable changes so we can continue to offer our Members the trusted advice they expect and deserve.”
In addition to the new position appointments, SchoolsFirst FCU also announced four new senior leadership positions dedicated to continual enhancement of the member service experience. These senior vice president positions will oversee specific focus areas: diversity, equity and inclusion; branches; payments and fraud; and retirement and investments, the credit union said.
“It is an exciting time for our organization,” said Cheney. “We are growing and thriving thanks to our loyal Members. Adding new, focused senior leadership positions will help our credit union meet the evolving needs of our members and team members, while also creating opportunities for our team’s future growth. I look forward to the talent we can draw upon both within and outside our organization to fill these positions to help our members and team thrive”