The $5.5 billion project, based in Richland, Wash., Gesa Credit Union promoted Blaine Wren to the Vice President of Finance and Accounting. In her new role, Wren will help drive Gesa’s financial strategy, oversee the finance and accounting teams, and support the organization toward its goal of reaching $10 billion in assets. He will also continue to build on this work by leveraging financial data to guide decision-making, support Gesa’s growth and further strengthen its financial foundation. Since joining Gesa in 2013, Wren has held a variety of roles including Financial Analyst and CFO/Team Leader.
The billion dollars Valley First Credit Union in Modesto, California, announced three new hires.
Peggy Pollard was hired as vice president of consumer lending and member solutions. Pollard brings more than 25 years of industry experience, including more than 16 years in the credit union space. Most recently, she worked at the $285 million Washington, D.C.-based Department of the Interior Federal Credit Union. In her new role, she will oversee Valley First’s consumer lending operations, including indirect, direct and real estate lending, as well as collections efforts within the Member Solutions department. Pollard completed soft lending and collections training through the Rex Johnson Lending University program.
Carlos Villapudua was hired as vice president of commercial banking. Villapudua brings over 18 years of banking industry experience, the majority of which has been in commercial banking. He spent the last two years at BAC Community Bank as vice president and senior relationship manager. Prior to that, he worked at Tri Counties Bank as Vice President of Business Relations II. He is also bilingual in Spanish and English. In his new role, Villapudua will support businesses with lending and deposit services throughout the Central Valley, with his primary focus being the greater Modesto area.
Chris Dalman was hired as chief technology officer. Dalman brings more than 15 years of experience in technology and information systems, including six years in the credit union field. Most recently, he served as vice president of IT operations for the $2.1 billion Lakewood, Washington-based Harborstone Credit Union. Prior to that, he was head of IT security and operations at Salal Credit Union, a $1.1 billion company based in Seattle. In his new role, Dalman will oversee Valley First’s technology support, programming, and cybersecurity operations and strategy. He holds an MBA in Information Technology Management from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
CUSOS
Notice of distinctiona CUSO providing advice and support through asset-liability management (ALM), investment advice, pricing and profitability of loans to credit unions nationwide, promoted JD Pisula to the president and CEO. He replaces Dave Fearing, who will serve as a consultant to Accolade’s credit union clients as he prepares to retire at the end of 2025. Pisula has served as Accolade’s vice chair of strategic consulting since 2019. Previous before joining Accolade, he was director of investments. to the Treasurer of the State of Ohio. Prior to that, Pisula served in the administration of former Ohio Governor John R. Kasich. He received his MBA from Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business and is a CFA charterholder. Founded in 2007, Accolade Advisory is a wholly owned CUSO of the $7.8 billion Columbus, Ohio-based Corporate One Federal Credit Union.
SELLERS
UC Strategic Planninga Tacoma, Wash.-based provider of CDFI certification, grant writing and compliance support for credit unions and a Callahan & Associates firm, board director and former owner announced Shirley Senn left the company to start his own company, Sennergy Solutions. Senn will remain an advisor to CU Strategic Planning, with the company directing credit unions whose charters are under threat. Sennergy Solutions will focus on preserving small credit union charters and establishing new charters that meet the distinct needs of the community. Senn spent 10 years at CU Strategic Planning.