Westerra Credit Union Expands Its Executive Team With New COO and SVP of Strategy and Performance Excellence

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on February 10, 2025

Marking a milestone in its growth, Colo.-based Westerra Credit Union expanded its executive leadership team, welcoming Anneliese Elrod as Chief Operating Officer and Kirk Leverington as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Performance Excellence. Elrod will oversee the credit union’s day-to-day operations, ensuring they align with Westerra’s mission, strategic goals, and regulatory requirements. Working closely with Elrod, Steve Schmidle, Westerra’s President and CEO, and the entire executive team, Leverington will shape the long-term vision and direction of the credit union, ensuring the cohesive execution of strategic priorities.

Anneliese Elrod, Chief Operating Officer

Bringing more than 20 years of financial experience to her new role, Elrod will manage Westerra’s operational functions and budgets at its nine branches, collaborating with the organization’s executive team and board of directors to shape its future. Elrod holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas; additionally, she is a Certified Credit Union Executive and Credit Union Development Educator and is a graduate of the Credit Union National Association’s (CUNA) Management School. Elrod has demonstrated her dedication to the community through her past service as board president of the Arnia Foundation and as a member of Casa Esperanza’s board of directors.

Kirk Leverington, SVP of Strategy and Performance Excellence

A Certified Management Consultant with an MBA from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC, Leverington brings two decades of experience with the Canadian credit union system to his new role. Before joining Westerra, Leverington worked as Verizon Wireless’s senior manager of business strategy, honing his ability to spearhead operational and marketing tactics for sustained growth. As part of his new role, Leverington will use data analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of the credit union’s strategic initiatives, ensuring goals are met.

“Anneliese and Kirk’s leadership styles are rooted in trust, collaboration, and growth, making them both a perfect fit for Westerra’s executive team,” said Schmidle. “Anneliese has an exceptional track record in supporting processes in high-growth, member-focused organizations, and Kirk is committed to leveraging his diverse perspectives to drive innovative solutions. I look forward to seeing their impact on our team and members.”

Posted in Colorado, Leadership, Regional Member News.