SULPHUR, La. — Michelle Jinks is the new president and CEO of $27 million Access of Louisiana Federal Credit Union, based here.
Jinks takes over for former CEO Kathy Bourgeios, who resigned after 17 years of "dedicated service" to Access of Louisiana, the credit union said.
Jinks has more than 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, the last seven serving as financial analyst for $288 million CSE Federal Credit Union in Lake Charles, La. She is a graduate of McNeese State University with bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree in business administration.
Brian Burton, chairman of the credit union's board, said, "This is a perfect time for Michelle Jinks to become Access of Louisiana's next president and chief executive officer."
"We have selected a very dynamic leader at a time when Access of Louisiana is in a very strong financial position," Burton said in a statement. "Southwest Louisiana is experiencing unprecedented growth and our next CEO needs to be able to both position our credit union to be a part of that growth while continuing to provide our members with low-cost, high-quality financial services in a friendly, personal environment."
According to Burton, "The board believes Michelle will meet both those challenges and build on our community brand and bring success to our credit union."
"I am honored and privileged to be asked to serve as Access of Louisiana's next CEO," Jinks said. "Access of Louisiana has long exemplified the credit union mission, operating as an association of people coming together for a common purpose — namely to improve the quality of our members' lives. I am so proud of the team we have in place. They have worked extremely hard to move our unique community brand forward in better serving members' needs."
Jinks serves on the Steering Committee of the LCUL's Young Professional Network and also is a member of the Chamber SWLA's Young Professional Organization, Fusion Five. Jinks has completed her first year at the Southeast CUNA Management School, with an expected graduation in 2017.
Access of Louisiana FCU serves more than 5,100 members through branches in Sulphur, Westlake, and Lake Charles, La. It was founded in 1955 by employees of the Olin Corporation as Olin Employees LC Federal Credit Union. Over the years it has expanded its field of membership to include many diverse groups.
