Page 19 - Cuj Content News Today

USAlliance Federal Credit Union in Rye, New York, has agreed to merge with Marriott Employees' Federal Credit Union in Bethesda, Maryland, to create a nearly $3 billion-asset organization.

In its inaugural Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions listing, American Banker is proud to share the stories of 25 of the women leading the credit union industry through times of rapid and unprecedented change.

Winona Nava, who is retiring next year, took over Guadalupe Credit Union in 1991 when it had dwindled to just above $10 million of assets. Nava's immigrant-friendly policies led some staffers to resign in protest, but that didn't discourage her. "Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity," she said.

Renée Sattiewhite has played a key role in the African American Credit Union Coalition for more than 20 years. "For me, if credit unions do not embrace [diversity, equity and inclusion] they will die," she said.

Under Donna Bland's leadership, Golden 1 Credit Union has grown to more than 1 million members and is now the sixth-largest credit union in the U.S. by assets.

When credit union leaders are open to feedback from members and employees of many backgrounds, they can strengthen workplace morale and attract new customers, inclusion advocates say.

Wings Financial Credit Union in Apple Valley, Minnesota, has agreed to buy Settlers Bank in DeForest, Wisconsin. It's the third bank acquisition deal Wings has announced, one of which fell through.

Affinity Federal Credit Union in Basking Ridge said Kevin Brauer will succeed John Fenton as president and chief executive on Jan. 1.

Truliant Federal Credit Union plans to build three more locations in the northwest corner of South Carolina by the end of next year. The $4 billion-asset credit union also recently opened a regional office in Greenville, South Carolina.

Even the most passionate workers may need a more flexible schedule, a hybrid office or unique training. Credit unions that want to hire and retain those people need to not only meet those needs, but also know when to help them move on to a new employer, experts say.