ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Credit unions in two different states have named new CEOs.
Laurie Bake
In New York, The Summit Federal Credit Union has selected Laurie Baker to lead the organization. Baker is currently SVP and COO and will replace Mike Vadala, who is retiring after working at The Summit for more than 35 years, including 25 years as CEO.
In a statement, The Summit FCU said it selected Baker after a “nationwide search.” The statement further states Baker brings to the role a “wealth of experience” as a credit union senior executive, as an industry advisor and strategist, and as a community leader, the credit union said. She has worked at The Summit for more than 25 years, including as COO since 2001.
As COO, Baker oversees the credit union’s human resources, marketing, business relations, member service center, branch operations, and retirement and investment services units.
‘Very Qualified Candidate’
“Laurie rose to the top of a very qualified candidate pool and demonstrated a great vision for the future of our credit union,” Tom Quirk, chairman of the Summit’s board of directors, said in a statement. “Laurie is already known throughout the credit union industry as being a leader on credit union issues and will continue to be a positive influence in this next chapter of our growth.”
The $1-billion Summit FCU has more than 230 employees and more than 85,000 members, primarily in Central New York.
New CEO Moves to Forefront
Andy Kempf
Separately, in Traverse City, Mich., 4Front Credit Union has named a new CEO. The $554-million credit union has selected Andy Kempf to lead the organization after five years as its president. Kempf succeeds David Leusink, who has retired after more than 30 years in credit unions.
Kempf served previously as CEO of the former Members Credit Union after a career in traditional banking, beginning his career in commercial lending with a mid-regional bank. He also served as CEO of Grand Rapids-based Preferred Credit Union prior to leading Members CU.
According to the credit union, under Leusink’s and Kempf’s leadership, highlights of 4Front’s first five years include consistent managed success, with 35% asset growth and a membership of more than 83,000 members.