American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU) reinforced their strategic vision for advancing in the marketplace and delivering value to their members by announcing the promotion of ten team members across several business units to Assistant Vice President (AVP).
“These well-deserved AVP appointments not only further strengthen various member-focused areas within American Eagle, they represent our commitment to continued growth—both organizationally for the Credit Union and professionally for individual personnel,” said Howard Brady, President & CEO of American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “On behalf of the entire American Eagle team, I congratulate this talented group on their new roles and responsibilities.”
- Louise S. Aliano has been appointed AVP, Marketing. Aliano has worked at American Eagle for the last 15 of her 26-year career in financial services, both in marketing and retail management, having previously served as the Credit Union’s Brand Creative Director. She is working towards earning her B.S. in Marketing from Albertus Magnus College. A resident of Wethersfield, CT, she is a founding member of Colin’s Crew—a non-profit that fundraises for families affected by childhood cancer—and actively volunteers for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the United Way of Connecticut and Girl Scouts of Connecticut.
- Mary Brennan has been appointed AVP, Project Management Office. Brennan has worked at American Eagle for the last 22 of her 38-year career in financial services. She earned her B.S., as well as her MBA with a concentration in Project Management, from the University of Phoenix. She is also a certified Project Management Professional with the Project Management Institute. A resident of Southington, CT, Brennan is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Southern New England Chapter.
- Teresa Fotta, CIA, CAFP, NCCO, CUERME has been appointed AVP, Enterprise Risk Management. Fotta joined American Eagle’s Risk Management team in 2014, following an extensive career in internal auditing and accounting. She earned her MBA from the University of Connecticut and her M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management from Boston University. She also has various professional certifications in internal auditing, compliance and fraud. A resident of Manchester, CT, Fotta has served on the Board of Governors for the Southern New England Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors for the past 17 years and just recently moved into an Advisory Council role after serving as the organization’s President. Fotta also serves on CUNA’s (Credit Union National Association) Risk and Compliance Council Member Resources Committee.
- Scott Halstead has been appointed AVP, Talent and Organizational Development. Halstead has worked for American Eagle for the last 15 of his 19-year career in human resources, learning and development. He earned his B.S. in Psychology from DePauw University and his M.S. in College Student Personnel Services from Miami University. He also has professional certifications in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) and Organizational Development, and is a Six Sigma Green Belt. Halstead is an elected member of the Farmington (CT) Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Nancy Lockrhyn has been appointed AVP, Finance. Lockrhyn has worked at American Eagle for the last 14 of her 34-year career in financial services, which include roles in retail, lending, operations and finance. She earned her B.S. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Worcester State University, and her MBA in Finance from Liberty University. She is also certified in Six Sigma. A resident of Coventry, CT, Lockrhyn serves on American Eagle’s Underserved Team and Pricing Committee, and regularly volunteers outside of work for a community board and local food and clothing drives.
- Lisa Matheny has been appointed AVP, Member Sales and Service Center. Matheny joined American Eagle in 2022 following a 30-year career leading teams in financial services, annuities, claims, customer experience and operations. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Saint Joseph and holds a Connecticut Real Estate License. A resident of West Hartford, CT, Matheny serves on American Eagle’s Wellness Committee and is a member of the National Association of Realtors.
- Bruce McCauley has been appointed AVP, Loan Administration. McCauley has worked at American Eagle for the last 13 of his 26-year career in financial services, over which time he has gained extensive experience in quality assurance, loan servicing, product management, data analytics, forecasting and budgeting—among other financial proficiencies. He earned his A.S. in Business Administration, as well as an Advanced Leadership Certification, from Babson College. A resident of Danielson, CT, McCauley serves on American Eagle’s Pricing Committee.
- Lisa M. Rood has been appointed AVP, Branch Administration. Rood has worked for American Eagle for the last two of her 20-year career in financial services, having previously served as Regional Manager for the Credit Union. She earned her B.S. in Business from Bay Path University and is a resident of Easthampton, MA.
- Cheri Smeriglio has been appointed AVP, Information Security. Smeriglio has worked at American Eagle for the last nine of her 20-plus-year career in financial information security. She earned her A.S. in Data Processing Math/Science from Greater New Haven State Technical College, and she is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Smeriglio serves as Chair of American Eagle’s Security Program Committee, is a contributing member of the Credit Union Board’s Cyber Security Committee and is a member of the Hartford (CT) Chapter of CISO Executive Network.
- Joanne Valentine-Cannata has been appointed AVP, Deposit and Card Services. Valentine-Cannata has worked for American Eagle for 14 years, having previously served as Director, Card Services for the Credit Union. She is a graduate of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Management School.