WATERFORD, Conn.--Charter Oak Federal Credit Union announced that its two Assistant Vice Presidents who oversee its branch network in eastern Connecticut have successfully completed the Credit Union League of Connecticut’s intensive management program for high-potential executives.
Michael Ballirano and Sonya Armstrong, Charter Oak’s Assistant Vice Presidents and Regional Retail Sales Managers, were among the small group of credit union executives selected annually for the competitive two-year program at the Meriden-based Credit Union League of Connecticut. The Executive Education Program is designed to broaden credit union professionals’ industry knowledge, as well as their leadership skills and career strengths.
Over the course of two years, the program’s participants complete numerous courses focusing on a broad range of subjects, from finance and economics to leadership and communication. In addition, they participate in numerous research projects and professional-development activities. The Executive Education Program runs on an academic-year basis starting in September and holds graduation ceremonies each May. Ballirano graduated from the program in May 2019, while Armstrong, who was Charter Oak’s first employee selected for the Executive Education Program, graduated in May 2018.
Ballirano joined Charter Oak in 2011 as a Member Service Representative and was promoted earlier this year to Assistant Vice President and Regional Retail Sales Manager. Prior to his most recent promotion, he had served as the Branch Officer at Charter Oak’s Mohegan Sun Branch. He is a graduate of Keene State College in New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science Degree. In addition, he is a graduate of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s Leadership Program, serves as the President of the Thames Valley BNI chapter, and is a member of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut’s Young Leaders United organization.
Armstrong has been with Charter Oak since 2005. Prior to her promotion to Assistant Vice President and Regional Retail Sales Manager, she had served as the Branch Officer of Charter Oak’s Dayville, Willimantic, and Killingly High School branches. Her professional affiliations include serving as the President of the Eastern Chapter of the Credit Union League of Connecticut and as the Coordinator of the Eastern Connecticut Financial Reality Fair.