GONZALES, La.–New CEOs have been named at three credit unions.
In Louisiana, Ronnie Stephens has announced plans to retire as CEO of Wymar FCU at the end of 2024. The $151.7-million Wymar Federal has selected Cami Wheeler, its current EVP, as Stephens successor.
Effective Sept. 1, Wheeler will serve as CEO, with Stephens remaining as president through retirement.
Stephens has been in financial services for 42 years.
“I believe Cami is the right person at the right time to lead Wymar into the future,” Stephens said in a statement. “She has the knowledge, experience and leadership skills to take Wymar to even greater heights. Wymar has been blessed to have achieved a number-one ranking in the nation for Benefits of Membership by (America’s Credit Unions) and been named the number-one Best Place to Work by the Baton Rouge Business Report. While we are proud of these accomplishments, I know Cami will not rest on these laurels and will lead us to achieve even more as we continue to serve our members.”
Wheeler has more than 30 years of experience in credit unions and has been with Wymar for four years as EVP.
America’s First CU Names CEO
Meanwhile, in Birmingham, Ala., the $2.5-billion America’s First Credit Union has named Kevin Morris to succeed Bill Connor as president and CEO of the credit union, effective March 1, 2025. Connor joined AmFirst, then Iron and Steel Credit Union, in 1980 as a staff auditor and has held numerous leadership roles throughout his career before being named president and CEO in March 2011.
“I have been incredibly blessed to serve this organization and to work alongside some immensely talented and dedicated individuals. It has been a tremendous honor to have been entrusted by our board of directors to lead AmFirst as its president and CEO,” Connor said in a statement. “I am proud of the culture we have collectively built, our work to serve our members, and our impact on our communities. AmFirst is a strong and vibrant organization and will continue to thrive under the leadership of Kevin Morris.”
‘Heartbeat of Identity’
Added Morris, who currently serves as SVP and chief retail officer, “Our culture is the heartbeat of our identity, reflecting our values, beliefs, and principles. I am humbled and grateful for the trust the board of directors placed in me to serve as that culture’s custodian. It has been a distinct honor to have served under Bill Connor’s leadership. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to build upon his legacy and the rich history of this organization. I am thankful to work alongside an amazing team to continue this tradition of servant leadership. Together, we will remain steadfast in investing in our people, serving our membership, and positively impacting our communities.”
AmFirst said the transition process began Aug. 1 when Morris assumed the title executive vice president and the role of second executive officer.
New CEO at WESTconsin CU
In Western, Wis., WESTconsin Credit Union has named Jim Wookey as its new CEO. Wookey has been with WESTconsin Credit Union since 1994, most recently serving as chief operations officer.
“Having been a part of WESTconsin for thirty years, I have witnessed the strength of our mission of empowering members and communities with the resources to achieve financial wellness, and I am honored to continue that as CEO,” said Wookey in a statement. “I am grateful to the board of directors and my fellow leadership team for the trust placed in me, and I look forward to leading our dedicated team of employees and continuing to support the 85-year legacy we’ve built for our members.”
Educational Background
Wookey has a degree from the University of Iowa with an emphasis in business administration and also holds a designation as a Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) in 2006. Wookey is involved with local organizations such as Menomonie Rotary Club, Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hudson Hot Air Affair Committee, Hudson Lions Club, and many other community efforts.