Unitus Community Credit Union Announces Organizational Changes and Promotions

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on May 24, 2024

In April 2024, Unitus Community Credit Union promoted three leaders to vice president roles within the organization and elevated one to an assistant vice president position. These promotions are part of the credit union’s ongoing efforts to ensure its structure positions it for future growth and expansion.

Michael Hansen has been named VP of Member Services, with responsibilities overseeing branches, the call center, and the virtual branch. Hansen joined Unitus in 2008 as a Branch Manager and worked his way to the AVP, Regional Branch Manager role in 2013. In that role, he helped create and teach Unitus’ sales and service training while expanding the credit union’s branch footprint from eight to 12.

The new VP of Operations, Ken Riedel, is responsible for deposit operations, card services, the deposit task force, and improving operational practices across the credit union. Riedel joined Unitus in 2019 as AVP, Regional Branch Manager and helped lead the east region, which saw a 12% increase in Net Promoter Score (NPS) during his tenure. He also supported development of the credit union’s new branch designs.

Wayne Matsumura joined Unitus in 2007 and has been named VP of Business Lending. Matsumura’s responsibilities include business lending, expansion, and specialized services. During his time as AVP of Business Lending, he made the first business loan as a seed to a program which is a significant pillar of the credit union’s member service and delivery program, serving more than 5,400 business members with $242 million in active loans.

In a newly created role, Heather Bianchini will serve as AVP of Digital Banking Services, responsible for the digital banking platform experience and ancillary digital experiences that enhance the member experience. Bianchini will be an integral part of product and channel management initiatives at Unitus, working closely with others that own channels and product lines. Bianchini joined Unitus in 2019, serving as Digital Manager, overseeing the online/mobile banking platform with a 22% growth in member usage over the past five years.

“I am proud of Michael, Ken, Wayne, and Heather as they continue their impressive tenure at Unitus,” said David Fehrer, EVP and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Unitus. “Each of them has contributed so much to our credit union throughout their careers, and each has proven themself time and time again. I’m eager to see the new innovations they bring to these new roles and wish them the best as they take on these new responsibilities.”

Posted in Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Washington.