C-suite

Howard Meller, most recently CEO at New York's GHS Federal Credit Union, previously worked at Bank of America and SunTrust Bank before moving to the credit union industry seven years ago.

CEO Keith Brenek plans to retire at the end of 2020, and the Texas-based institution found his successor in-house.

The Totowa, N.J.-based institution's board is working on finding a successor for Lourdes Cortez.

Barb Godin, the deputy chief risk officer and chief credit officer at the Birmingham, Ala., bank, is stepping down after a 45-year career in banking.

Willy Kelsey has worked at the Arlington, Texas-based credit union since 2005 and will oversee lending, retail operations and IT in his new role.

Shane Saunders will succeed Tracey Kerr, who has led the Modesto, Calif.-based institution since 1999.

Institutions large and small are either creating new positions or elevating existing diversity heads to C-suite roles. Will the moves help banks improve equality within their ranks and better serve their communities?

The credit union, formerly known as Kern Schools FCU, selected an internal candidate to take the helm once Stephen P. Renock, IV, retires in July.

Chief Financial Officer Matt Koch will take the helm later this year when longtime CEO Clark Yelverton retires.

Mark Turnham is set to retire from the Portland, Ore.-based credit union, having worked there since 1980.