East Lansing, MI (September 3, 2024) |
Karen Villaflor has been announced as Vice President of Commercial and Residential Lending-Illinois, Meredith Kilbridge as the Lincoln and Halsted Branch Manager, and Corena Leutscher as the Clark Street Branch Manager, for MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) as it moves into the Chicagoland area.
Villaflor most recently served as President and COO of Algonquin State Bank, which was acquired by MSUFCU. Before that, she was Executive Vice President at ASB, Tax Director at MB Financial Bank, Tax Manager at Grant Thornton LLP, and Tax Manager at McGladrey.
“I discovered my passion for numbers at an early age,” Villaflor said. “This was enhanced by education and nurtured through my tenure at two of the most respected CPA firms in the world. After 16 years at ASB, I’m looking forward to the next chapter with MSUFCU.”
Villaflor received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degree from Loyola University Chicago and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School of Banking.
“We are excited that Karen is now part of MSUFCU’s Illinois team,” said Sara Dolan, Chief Financial Officer. “Her background and skills will be essential in leading the commercial and residential lending teams at the 10 new branches in the Chicagoland area.”
Kilbridge most recently served as Assistant Branch Manager for MSUFCU’s Marsh branch in Haslett, Michigan. Before that, she was in Management Development at MSUFCU, General Manager at Tiff’s Treats Cookie Delivery, and Regional and Wholesale Manager and General Manager for Erin McKenna’s Bakery, among other positions.
“My passion is empowering and developing my team to be their very best and seeing them succeed in their career journeys,” Kilbridge said. “It is important to me to foster a positive, trustworthy, and inclusive environment where my team feels empowered to collaborate and contribute their talents, thoughts, and ideas.”
Kilbridge received a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York at Fredonia.
Leutscher previously held positions as Escrow Agent for Premier Lakeshore Title, Branch Manager at Lake Michigan Credit Union, Branch Manager at Community Shores Bank, and Escrow Officer at Metropolitan Title Agency Inc.
“I am committed to supporting and developing my team by equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to reach their goals and provide outstanding member service,” Leutscher said. “My focus is on employee engagement, performance management, and fostering an environment of trust and inclusivity.”
Leutscher received a Bachelor of Arts from Grand Valley State University.
“Meredith and Corena will be leading their branches in achieving strategic organizational objectives to ensure a top-tier experience for both members and employees,” said Jean Theis, Vice President of Branches-Illinois. “They will be instrumental in setting the tone as we open the Chicago branches.”
In addition to serving the more than 2,500 existing MSUFCU members in the Chicago area with increased access to a wide range of financial services, the 10 new branches opening later this year will provide potential members with convenient and affordable banking options that promote financial inclusion and stability. These new leaders will help MSUFCU fulfill its mission of helping individuals achieve their financial goals and dreams.