Sandia Area Federal Credit Union in Albuquerque has named Kevin Todd as its next CEO. He will replace Paula Peknik, who will retire after a 38-year career with the $1.1 billion-asset credit union.

The institution took the lead spot in American Banker's annual ranking of Best Credit Unions to Work For in part by giving employees freedom and flexibility in how they do their jobs.

Gulf Winds Credit Union in Pensacola has hired Daniel Souers as its next president and CEO, effective Oct. 1. He will succeed Chris Rutledge, who is retiring.

SRP Federal Credit Union in North Augusta named Eric Jenkins as the organization's next leader, effective Sept. 1. He will succeed current interim president Woody Shuler, who has led the $1.7 billion-asset credit union since November, 2020.

New policies, aided by partnerships with local organizations, are helping credit unions make significant progress on DEI.

At least two credit unions — Wright-Patt Credit Union in Ohio and Weokie Federal Credit Union in Oklahoma — have recently handed out bonuses to help employees meet rising expenses.

Credit unions in Georgia, Virginia and Mississippi plan to combine, creating an institution with $216 million of assets.

The 70 institutions on this year's list create a great work environment by offering robust benefits, recognizing a job well done and providing clear communication from the C-suite.

Barstow Community Credit Union, which is merging with the much larger Frontwave, has seen a string of losses in recent years.

The combination of Klamath Public Employees Federal Credit Union and Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union would create an organization with more than $335 million of assets and roughly 24,000 members.

Kathleen Orovitz will be the Rhode Island credit Union's next president and chief executive, succeeding Gary Furtado, who announced his retirement in June.

The state's lottery program has begun referring the 30,000 people a year who buy winning tickets to credit unions for financial advice.

Todd Cover, the longtime president and CEO of USSCO Federal Credit Union in Pennsylvania, has joined InFirst Bank as vice president of business development.

Staff feedback is crucial to tailoring benefits and designing new workspaces, experts say.

The deal has received regulatory approval but is awaiting a vote by East Allen members, the organizations said.

Brad Warner will retire as president and CEO of the Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, credit union in early 2023. Patriot has formed a committee and hired Modern Executive Solutions to conduct the search for Warner's successor.

Rising costs and other factors are leading more consumers to borrow money, pitting banks against credit unions and fintechs for this business.

The credit union's CEO said a state judge supported the regulatory opposition to its bid to acquire Premier Bank in Omaha, effectively killing the deal.

Younger and more diverse leaders may better represent the local community. But bringing new people into the board room requires persistent and targeted outreach.

Area Federal Credit Union in Aberdeen, South Dakota, has named Stephen Streirer as its new president and CEO. He replaces Robert Goscicki, who resigned last month.