GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–Two credit unions have announced new leadership.
In Michigan, after serving as interim CEO, the $437.1-million Adventure CU has named Amanda Garabedian to lead the organization. Garabedian has served as the credit union’s interim CEO since September 2022.
ACU said that over the past several months it has been using an executive search firm to complete the recruitment process before deciding Garabedian was the best person to fill the role.
Garabedian has more than 15 years of experience in credit union leadership and financial technologies, and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Western Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.
‘Instrumental Role’
Garabedian joined Adventure in 2019 as the credit union’s COO, and has “played an instrumental role in redefining the company’s culture and developing their strategic business goals and plan,” the credit union said. “Over the past three years, she has gained extensive knowledge of the organization by working directly with their IT, branch services, marketing, project management, remote banking center and executive management team.
‘Amazing Team’
“We have an amazing team at Adventure. It’s truly an honor to have this opportunity to lead the organization,” said Garabedian in a statement.
New CEO in Wisconsin
Separately, in Green Bay, Wis., the $400-million PCM Credit Union has named Shelly Mellenberger as its new president/CEO to succeed the retiring Dan Wollin, who is stepping down after 35 years. Mellenberger previously served as senior vice president at PCM.
In a video announcing the transition on the PCM CU website, Wollin stressed the importance of succession planning: “The best way to retain our great culture is to promote from within and succession planning.”
In the same video clip Mellenberger said, “Personally, I’m thankful for the last eight years that I’ve had the opportunity to be mentored and learn from him (Wollin).”
According to Cornerstone Resources’ executive search and professional recruiting division, which handled the search, Mellenberger has 25 years of management experience, including eight years of credit union industry experience.
“As a senior vice president at PCM, she developed and implemented new strategies and policies in collaboration with executive partners to establish and achieve long-term business objectives, providing the credit union with strong and sustainable organizational leadership,” the organization said.
‘Looking Forward’
“I’m looking forward to leading this special credit union and continuing to live the credit union mission every day of people helping people,” said Mellenberger. “Together we will continue on the theme of ‘building on best’ for our members, employees, and the communities we serve. Dan has been a great leader for this credit union and will be missed, but we are excited for him to enjoy his retirement, and to make him proud of what we continue to build on.”
Mellenberger is a Certified Credit Union Executive from CUNA Management School at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
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