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Search for new CUNA CEO focus of committee

(April 4, 2014) — Overseeing the search for a new CEO of CUNA will be the task of a seven-member committee appointed by Board Chairman Dennis Pierce, the association said today.

Additionally, CUNA also said it has retained the executive search firm of Russell Reynolds Associates of Washington, D.C., to conduct the search.

CUNA is conducting a search to replace outgoing CEO Bill Cheney, who is returning to California to become president and CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in Santa Ana, Calif. SchoolsFirst FCU is the fifth largest credit union in the country, serving more than 600,000 members with $10 billion in assets. Cheney – who came to CUNA in 2010 after serving as a credit union and state association CEO in California – leaves the association in June.

“Bill Cheney is returning to California with both CUNA and credit unions in excellent condition,” said CUNA Chairman Pierce, who is also president and CEO of CommunityAmerica Credit Union of Lenexa, Kansas. “The search committee has a big job to do in finding Bill’s replacement. But I know that the committee members’ combined experience, dedication and deep understanding of the mission of credit unions and our trade association will serve the movement well in selecting a new leader.”

Serving on the committee are:

  • Susan Streifel (Chairman), CEO of Woodstone CU in Federal Way, Wash.;
  • Tony Budet, CEO of University FCU in Austin, Texas;
  • Pete Dzuris, CEO of Northland Area FCU in Oscoda, Mich.;
  • Brett Martinez, CEO of Redwood CU in Santa Rosa, Calif.;
  • Rod Staatz, CEO of SECU in Linthicum, Md.;
  • Wendell Lyons, CEO of the Kentucky Credit Union League in Louisville, Ky.;
  • Pat Wesenberg, CEO of Central City CU in Marshfield, Wis.;

Chairman Dennis Pierce will serve ex officio on the committee.

Committee members were chosen who represent a cross section of credit union size and geographic location, as well as the Leagues and CUNA’s subsidiary CUNA Strategic Services (CSS).

The firm selected to conduct the search, Russell Reynolds Associates, performed the same function prior to Cheney’s hiring as CEO in 2010. Russell Reynolds is a provider of senior-level executive search and assessment, with 42 offices across North and South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific, and providing services worldwide. The firm advises clients on recruiting, assessing and retaining leadership.

 

 

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