Nothing like launching the new year with a promotion. Just ask the four key management team members at United Federal Credit Union who are sporting shiny new badges and crisp new business cards thanks to their elevation in the ranks. The St. Joseph-based Credit Union has kicked all four up the ladder to strategic leadership positions, and they are all recognizable faces in the local networking community.
Stacy Fillmore, Emily Szymkiewicz, James Knight and Brittany Grasley all have earned new roles in the organization with an emphasis on member services and operations.
Stacy Fillmore has been appointed to the position of Chief Lending Officer. In her new role, Fillmore will have responsibility for all lending functions, national sales and service, and operations. She will lead the team responsible for ensuring every interaction with members exceeds expectations.
Fillmore was previously Senior VP of Lending & Operations with the credit union…where she provided leadership and vision through market vice presidents and other business line leaders in the delivery of products, services and distribution channels that focused on meeting strategic financial targets. Her prior experience with UFCU spans six years and includes service as VP of National Sales & Service, VP of Special Projects, and VP of Member Relations.
United Federal President & CEO Terry O'Rourke says, "Stacy has a long and outstanding track record of leadership within the credit union, motivating her team to focus on positive member experiences. We are excited to appoint Stacy as Chief Lending Officer where she will continue to make sure our members receive the best service every day, and that our branch employees are inspired and ready to serve."
James Knight has been appointed to the position of Senior VP of Sales & Service. In his new role, Knight will provide member-centric leadership and vision to branches, business development, the member service center, and investment planning through market vice presidents and other business leaders in the delivery or products, services and distribution channels that are market focused and meet strategic targets.
Knight was previously Market VP of UFCU's Midwest region, where he provided leadership to the credit union's Michigan, Indiana and Ohio branches by developing and executing integrated marketplace business and marketing plans to drive sales, service, business development, and market growth aligned with strategic business objectives. His prior experience with UFCU includes seven years of management as Market VP and Branch Manager.
Brittany Grasley has been appointed to the position of VP of Operations. In her new role, Grasley will provide corporate leadership, defining strategic intent to support of the Chief Lending Officer. She will be responsible for the vision, direction and execution of operations in support of retail, mortgage and business by aligning tactical performance with strategic intent.
Grasley was previously UFCU's VP of Member Sales & Service Center, where she developed business plans to deliver the highest level of member service and achieve growth goals through the credit union call centers — both inbound and outbound calls. She engaged employees, improved technology and drove operational excellence to deliver exceptional service to the membership. Her prior experience with UFCU includes seven years of member-focused service in roles as Market VP, remote member experience, Branch Manager, Assistant Branch Manager, and Member Service Advisor.
Emily Szymkiewicz has been appointed to the position of Market VP of UFCU's Midwest region. In her new role, Szymkiewicz will oversee the credit union's Michigan, Indiana and Ohio branches by developing and executing integrated marketplace business and marketing plans to drive sales, service, business development, and market growth aligned with strategic business objectives.
Szymkiewicz was previously Branch Manager at the credit union's flagship St. Joseph location, where she was responsible for supervising commercial and consumer lending, membership growth, and positive community relations. Her prior experience with UFCU includes seven years as Assistant and Branch Manager in Niles, Stevensville and St. Joseph.
O'Rourke says, "We are proud to recognize and invest in the current leaders at United Federal Credit Union. James, Brittany, and Emily encompass the excellence and dedication to our membership shown by all of our employees. Their service to the credit union has helped shape UFCU into the organization we are today, and their knowledge and expertise will provide invaluable insight as we move into a bright future."
UFCU has more than 150,000 member/owners worldwide and manages assets in excess of $2-billion from corporate offices in St. Joseph with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio and elsewhere in Michigan.
