CUES Taps Pembroke for Chief Executive Officer

MADISON, Wis. — The Credit Union Executives Society's board of directors on Monday named John Pembroke as the organization's new president and CEO, effective immediately.

Pembroke had been CUES' SVP/chief operating officer for the past two years. With the promotion he takes over for Dawn Poker, who had been interim CEO since the departure of Chuck Fagan in March. Poker's previous title was SVP/chief sales & member relations officer.

Pembroke's experience includes more than 20 years in marketing, branding and e-commerce, including serving as chief marketing officer at PSCU Financial Services and chief operating officer at CW Financial. He has held leadership roles at Cox Enterprises, Kellogg, Kraft Foods, and Procter & Gamble, and has worked on some of the world's most popular brands.

"Since joining CUES in March 2013, John has been a tremendous asset to CUES," said Caroline Willard, who chairs the CUES board, in a statement.

Willard, who also serves as executive vice president, markets & strategy, for CO-OP Financial Services in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., said Pembroke, "Has been instrumental in developing and launching a new direction in CUES' strategy, branding, and culture. He has also demonstrated a sense of strategic discipline, as well as a strong commitment to CUES members, and the CUES staff and culture."

"As a product of the credit union industry, it is an honor and privilege to lead such a prestigious and impactful organization," said Pembroke. "CUES is in a great position to meet the talent development needs of executives, board members and future leaders in our industry. We will continue to build on our momentum by understanding our members' needs and delivering offerings that will enable our members to reach their greatest potential."

CUES said Pembroke received his first exposure to business during a high school internship at the credit union at his church. The same credit union later helped finance his college education.

Pembroke holds a B.S. in Finance from the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA in Marketing and Policy Studies from the Booth School of Business of the University of Chicago.

CUES said it partnered with JMFA Recruitment Services to conduct a nationwide search of executives in the industry.