Cooperative Credit Union Association names interim CEO

The Cooperative Credit Union Association has appointed Bernie Winne as interim chief executive officer.

Winne succeeds former CEO Paul Gentile, who left the trade group earlier this year to take the helm at Merck Employees FCU. Sarah Vega, chief of staff to NCUA Chairman Mark McWatters, was subsequently named CEO, but Vega ultimately elected to remain at NCUA.

Picasa

Winne also serves as president and CEO of the $268 million-asset Boston Firefighters Credit Union of Dorchester, Mass., a position he will continue.

"Bernie's leadership ensures the smooth continuity of all the programs and services that the Association delivers to its members each and every day," CCUA board chair Ellen Ford said in a statement. "The board is grateful to Bernie for agreeing to devote his time and expertise to support the Association, its members and staff as interim CEO."

Winne stated that he is “grateful to the board of directors at BFCU and my management team for supporting me as I endeavor to give my best efforts to both organizations that I greatly value."

He added that the search for a new CEO at CCUA is moving “swiftly ahead.” That search is being led by Mark Sievewright, the CEO of Sievewright Associates, an executive search firm based in Medfield, Mass.

The Cooperative Credit Union Association serves CUs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Delaware.