Changing the Leadership Structure to support Members, teammembers and the service experience

SchoolsFirst FCU announced changes to the Credit Union’s executive leadership structure, promoting Jose Lara to president and adding new leadership positions to support its priority of delivering World-Class Personal Service to their Members. Bill Cheney will continue to serve as the Credit Union’s Chief Executive Officer.

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Jose Lara, president (Photo: SchoolsFirst FCU)

With 1.2 million Members and more than 2,600 teammembers, SchoolsFirst FCU made the decision to split the president/CEO position into two. This change to the leadership structure will help enhance the Member service experience and support financial well-being for both its Members and teammembers.

In addition to Lara’s appointment to president, SchoolsFirst FCU announced a few other executive leadership promotions. The Credit Union appointed Kevin Martin to executive vice president, strategic integration and Member experience; Carol Rose was appointed to executive vice president, Member service operations; Jim Phillips was appointed to executive vice president, chief information officer; and Jill Meznarich was appointed to chief audit officer.

“This new structure sets us up for continued success not only for today, but also for the future. We want to ensure we take action now, making sustainable changes so we can continue to offer our Members the trusted advice they expect and deserve,” said Greg Marchant, Chairman of the Board.

In addition to these new position appointments, SchoolsFirst FCU announced four new senior leadership positions dedicated to continual enhancement of the Member service experience. These senior vice president positions will oversee specific focus areas: diversity, equity and inclusion; branches; payments and fraud; and retirement and investments.

“It is an exciting time for our organization. We are growing and thriving thanks to our loyal Members. Adding new, focused senior leadership positions will help our Credit Union meet the evolving needs of our Members and teammembers, while also creating opportunities for our team’s future growth. I look forward to the talent we can draw upon both within and outside our organization to fill these positions to help our Members and team thrive,” said Bill Cheney, CEO.

For more information about SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org.

About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

SchoolsFirst FCU is the fifth largest credit union in the country. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to providing World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. Today they serve more than 1.2 million Members with a full range of financial products and services — from savings and loans to investment, retirement and insurance products. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives. In 2021, the Credit Union reported nearly $27 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in California. For more information about SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org.

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