Manchester, NH (April 16, 2025) |
Granite State Credit Union (GSCU) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Michele Plaza as the next President & CEO. Plaza will succeed long-time President & CEO Denise Barstow, who will be retiring after 42 years of dedicated service. Plaza will assume the leadership of the credit union on January 1, 2026.
Michele Plaza has worked for GSCU for nearly 40 years and has extensive knowledge of the financial services industry. Plaza has served as the Executive Vice President. Chief Lending Officer, and Chief Information Officer for 10 years. Throughout her tenure, Plaza gained experience in Branch Operations, Lending, Compliance, and Technology. She has been with GSCU as it grew from $36 million in assets to over $700 million, and from fewer than 20 employees to over 150. Her technical, operational, and leadership roles across the credit union have equipped her with the skills necessary to effectively lead the organization into the future. Plaza has been an avid proponent of technology throughout her career and has participated on the credit union’s online and mobile banking vendor’s Advisory Council, ensuring member feedback influences the ongoing development of those solutions. Additionally, she chairs an association of senior credit union officers that focuses on educational programs and fostering collaboration within the credit union industry.
Board Chair, Deborah Vandeberghe, shared, “Granite State Credit Union has a rich history in New Hampshire. As we celebrate 80 years of providing financial services to businesses and residents across the state, we are committed to continuing leadership that understands our mission and values. Michele Plaza will carry on the culture and values established by Denise Barstow as President & CEO and will enhance the credit union’s success going forward. Michele embraces innovative ideas, creates strategic solutions for the credit union and its members, and is passionate about the credit union philosophy of people helping people. The Board is confident that Michele will lead the credit union to future growth while preserving the high level of service that members and staff appreciate.”
Plaza expressed her excitement about assuming this role, stating “I have lived the GSCU values throughout my 39 years at GSCU. It is my focus, along with our entire management team, to ensure that our culture and values continue. My philosophy has always been to be the person that others want on their team, and I am excited to lead the Granite State Credit Union team forward as we continue into our 81st year.”
