Succession planning

Craig Howie, who joined the bank after a merger, will succeed the retiring Jon Evans on Jan. 1.

Rodney Hood, chairman of the National Credit Union Administration board, visited a Connecticut institution while others announced personnel changes.

Paul Simons has worked in the industry for 48 years, including more than three decades at the helm of the Illinois-based institution.

Several credit union leaders were recognized for their contributions while other personnel changes were announced.

John Rhea has served as president and CEO of the Georgia-based institution for 11 years.

The veteran banker succeeded Randy Sims, who recently retired. Sims had been the Arkansas company's CEO since replacing Allison in 2009.

Margaret Hunnicutt, the institution's current former CFO and currenet CEO, will retire in January and be succeeded by the credit union's current chief financial officer.

Credit unions recently made new hires and promoted employees in areas such as human resources, finance and membership development.

Trade groups from several different states honored industry leaders while many individual institutions have announced recent personnel moves.

The Phoenix company did not say why James Haught, who was also chief operating officer, left.