Career moves

Joseph Lajoie has succeeded Pamela Mello, who stepped down last month after more than five years in charge.

The longtime leader joined State Employees' Credit Union, the second-largest CU in the nation, in 1975 and was named CEO in 2016.

The former comptroller of the currency, who founded the consulting firm known for its roster of ex-regulators, will hand over leadership of day-to-day activities to an operating committee as he pursues other projects.

Sundie Seefried, one of the credit union industry's foremost experts on cannabis banking, will transition to a new role this summer, leading a new venture serving the legal marijuana space.

Richard Daugherty stepped down after more than three decades at the Maryland-based institution, including overseeing four mergers and asset growth of nearly 500%.

Tom Rachael, who has led the Muncy, Pa.-based institution since 2003, will be succeeded by Scott Naughton, who is new to credit unions but has extensive experience in the financial services sector.

The Maryland-based credit union has promoted Chief Operating Officer Tonia Niedzialkowski to president of the organization with an eye toward eventually naming her CEO.

Randy Glassburn spent 33 years in the industry and recently led his credit union through a merger into Financial Center First Credit Union.

T.J. Tijerina, a 16-year employee at the Houston-based credit union, has taken over as president and CEO in advance of Ron Downing’s retirement later this year.

Catherine Galicia formerly led the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's legislative affairs division, and has extensive experience in banking and on Capitol Hill.

Cosby Davis joins the executive team at North Carolina's third-largest credit union after nearly a decade at nearby Allegacy Federal Credit Union.

Branch has been with WOCCU for 31 years, the last 10 of them spent as CEO.

The firm's two founders will now split duties between running the organization and focusing on future growth.

Australia Hoover, who started as a call center employee in 1996, succeeds Betsy Mercier, who is retiring after 22 years at the helm.

The Papillion, Neb.-based credit union has appointed Chief Operations Officer Robin Larsen to succeed Gail DeBoer.

Amy Nigrelli, who recently joined Nusenda Credit Union after nearly a decade at CUNA, offers insights on how the pandemic has changed marketing for the industry and what institutions can learn from the trade group.

Neil Gordon, a former executive at nearby Millbury Federal Credit Union, will take the helm next month.

Bank of America’s chairman of global corporate and investment banking, Anne Clarke Wolff, is leaving the firm.

In 25 years at the helm, Brian Hall helped the Southern California credit union grow from $48 million of assets to nearly $600 million.

Sarah Canepa Bang will serve as a senior advisor to the agency's vice chairman. Separately, a 27-year veteran of the regulator announced plans to retire.