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Allegacy Federal Credit Union announces changes to executive management team
WINSTON-SALEM, NC (May 6, 2014) — Allegacy Federal Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in North Carolina, recently named Steve Franke as program manager for Allegacy Investment Group, Annette Knight as chief human resources officer, Rick Leander as president/managing director of Allegacy Business Solutions, and Ashley Kohlrus as chief operations officer.
Franke is responsible for the management and strategic planning of the financial planning and investment programs for Allegacy members. He also coordinates compliance and regulatory procedures including advertising and licensing, planning and administering the annual budget, marketing and business plan for Allegacy Investment Group.
Previously, he was President of Franke Professional Services Incorporated and offered financial management oversight for financial planning programs at 12 credit unions and/or banks, including Allegacy Federal Credit Union. During that time he was awarded Program Manager of the Year 2008 by Bank Investment Consultant Magazine and in 2012 was awarded Honorable Mention for Program Manager of the Year by the same publication for his work with Allegacy.
Knight is responsible for the credit union’s human resources efforts and for developing a highly effective team of employees through coaching and leadership training. As a member of the executive management team she assists with planning, executing, and achieving strategic goals and initiatives.
Knight joined Allegacy in 2013 and has almost 30 years’ experience. She spent most of her human resources career serving in various capacities for North Carolina based financial organizations. She has experience in the entire human resource function including recruitment, benefits administration, payroll, training, employee relations, strategic and budget planning.
“Annette and Steve bring a wealth of experience to Allegacy and we are excited about their roles with us and the opportunities for our organization to grow with their leadership,” said Cathy Pace, Allegacy CEO. “Both are excellent additions to our executive team.Leander has been with Allegacy since January, 2011 and was previously the credit union’s chief strategy officer. In the role as president/managing director, he manages and oversees Allegacy subsidiaries including: Corporate Development and Consulting Solutions, Cooperative Payroll Solutions LLC, Allegacy Realty LLC, JBA Benefits LLC, Advanced Fraud Solutions LLC, and Allegacy Commercial Services and Development. Leander also serves on the board of directors for each of these organizations.
Kohlrus has been with the credit union since 2004 most recently as chief experience officer. As chief operations officer for the credit union she is responsible for the enhancement of member experience, Marketing and Communications, Member Development, Contact Center, Financial Center Operations and The Center for Smart Financial Choices.
Kohlrus is active in the Winston-Salem community where she volunteers with the Wake Forest University MA Mentor Program, serves on the W-S SHRM board, Women’s Council for Forsyth Medical Center Foundation, the NC Triad Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure board of directors and the Maya Angelou Center for Women’s Health Advisory board. She is also a 2010 recipient of the YWCA “Women of Vision” award and the 2012 Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Next Top Credit Union Executive.
“Rick and Ashley’s demonstrated leadership and expertise have been a tremendous asset in helping establish Allegacy as a preferred financial institution in our community,” said Pace. “Their dedication to strategic enhancements to Allegacy’s retail and commercial business will continue to maximize the member experience and help our members make smart financial choices.”
About Allegacy
Allegacy is one of the largest credit unions in North Carolina, with members throughout the world. Founded in 1967 in Winston-Salem, Allegacy has a broad membership base the currently serves the employees, retirees and families of over 600 companies throughout the country. Allegacy offers virtually all personal and business financial services. Allegacy Financial Centers are concentrated in the Triad area with 14 convenient locations and seven high school student-run credit unions in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system. For more information, visit AllegacyFCU.org.