LEXINGTON, Ky.–University of Kentucky FCU has named Ryan Ross as its new president and CEO. Ross previously served as president and CEO of Soarion Credit Union, which has announced a successor.
Ross will take the reins at the $1.54-million UKFCU effective Oct. 14.
"During our extensive and thorough nationwide search, the board of directors understood what type of leader was needed to help deliver exceptional service to our members and growth opportunities for the organization and employees," Board Chair Tyler Gayheart said in a statement. "When speaking to Ryan, the board could very quickly recognize his deep history and understanding of credit unions and member-centric ideologies that maintain our unique position and appeal to Central Kentuckians. We were also impressed by his vision and commitment to innovation and providing value to our members. The board is excited to see Ryan lead UKFCU for many years to come."
Prior to joining Soarion Credit Union, Ross was EVP/CAO at Pen Air Federal Credit Union in Pensacola, Fla.
‘Eager to Engage’
"I'm honored to be named as president & CEO of an organization with such an impressive and long-standing reputation in the community," Ross said in a statement. "Community is an incredibly important concept within the Credit Union movement, and while my first official day is weeks away, I'm eager to engage and connect with Lexington and surrounding areas including: members, preferred partners, the University of Kentucky, and our local schools. I'm looking forward to identifying opportunities to collaborate and help bring growth to all corners of Central Kentucky."
Interim CEO Named at Soarion CU
Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Texas, the $645.4-million Soarion Credit Union, has announced Ric Ledezma will become the new president and CEO. Ledezma previously served as EVP/CFO.
he is stepping down from his current role to pursue an opportunity as President and CEO of University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union. His last day with the San Antonio-based credit union will be Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. Stepping into the role as Soarion’s new President and CEO will be current Executive Vice President and CFO, Ric Ledezma, effective Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.
Ledezma joined Soarion in 2022 and has since taken on the leadership and strategic direction of the credit solutions, risk management, and information technology functions of the credit union, in addition to serving as CFO, the credit union said.
Ledezma, a Laredo, Texas native, has nearly 25 years of financial industry experience, having served in all areas of bank operations.
‘Honored by Selection’
“I am honored to have been entrusted by our board of directors to take on this exciting new opportunity and continue our vision for Soarion Credit Union,” Ledezma said in a statement. “As a native of South Texas and an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of community and supporting the people you serve. I look forward to bringing that spirit to the work we do in finding the best possible solutions for our members to achieve their financial goals.”
Ledezma holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics from Texas A&M International University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Prior to joining Soarion Credit Union, he served at Credit Human Credit Union for 17 years.