Succession planning

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.

The Tucson, Ariz.-based institution's vice chairman, Frank Trembulak, has served as interim CEO after Robert Ramirez retired earlier this year.

Oregon State Credit Union and 717 Credit Union both recently hired HR executives while other institutions made their own personnel changes.

Michael DeShazo has been serving as interim leader of the San Diego-based institution since the previous CEO left in June.

Ideal Credit Union and BayPort Credit Union both bolstered their home lending teams while other industry groups announced promotions and new hires.

President Xi wants faster research on blockchain, the technology behind digital currencies; low rates bring best home loan quarter in 14 years.

Steven Retzloff, the company's president, will succeed George Martinez in January.

Big succession moves dominated the industry headlines in the past few weeks, as women claimed key chief leadership titles.

Martin Head had served as interim leader of the Montgomery, Ala.-based institution since earlier this year.

Julie Kreinbring has been the institution's interim leader since August and previously served as chief strategy officer.

Banks have been pressured to improve diversity in leadership; Visa reports higher volume while PayPal says Venmo now contributing.

Citigroup promoted Jane Fraser to president, its second-highest post, making her a likely candidate to succeed CEO Michael Corbat and someday become the first woman to run one of the largest U.S. banks.

Northeast Credit Union and Naveo Credit Union both named new branch managers while other institutions promoted employees and brought additional talent on board.

The Flint, Mich.-based institution has selected an executive with expertise in fraud prevention and law to take the helm following CEO Marilyn Reno's retirement.