VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. –Ventura Country Credit Union has named a new CEO to succeed the retiring Joe Schroeder.
The credit union has named Linda Rossi to lead the organization effective April 2. VCCU said Schroeder will remain in a consulting role through year-end.
Rossi is currently the credit union’s chief administrative officer.
Schroeder’s career in the credit union industry spans more than 30 years. He first earned the CEO title at age 35 when he took the helm at Point Loma FCU in San Diego. He has also served as CEO of Financial Partners Credit Union in Downey, Calif., and San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union in San Diego. Schroeder was named CEO of VCCU in 2009.
During his time at VCCU, Schroeder has been instrumental in expanding the credit union’s community involvement, pioneering a variety of charitable giving, employee volunteerism and underserved outreach initiatives. Under his leadership, the credit union’s assets grew from $486 million to $904 million, VCCU noted.
‘Truly Magnificent’
“Joe has done truly magnificent things as CEO — not only for VCCU and its members, but also for the entire Ventura County community,” said Board Chair Sue Tatangelo. “He has been an incredibly inspiring leader. On behalf of the entire board and staff, I’d like to thank Joe for the passion and dedication he brought to his role every single day. It’s been an honor working alongside him.”
As chief administrative officer, Rossi has experience leading many areas of VCCU operations, including marketing, human resources, community partnerships, facilities and electronic services. Prior to her arrival at VCCU, Rossi served more than 15 years at San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union, holding the role of senior vice president of operations and marketing in her final five years.
“Like Schroeder, Rossi is dedicated to helping the community. She was instrumental in the establishment of the credit union’s foundation, The Foundation of VCCU, and currently serves as an officer of its board of directors,” VCCU said.
Rossi serves on the board of directors for Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), and co-chairs the West County Advisory Board for Interface Children and Family Services (ICFS). Rossi is also on the strategic advisory board of Habitat for Humanity and a regular volunteer for Food Share.
‘Looking Forward’
“We are looking forward to all Linda will accomplish in her new role,” Tatangelo said. “Our board conducted an intensive interview process to select our new CEO, and after much due diligence, it was clear Linda was the perfect fit. She has the experience and expertise to support the credit union’s continued growth, and her values and personality align with our community-focused approach.”