Natasha Chilingerian

Los Angeles, Portland

Executive Editor at Credit Union Times

Writer & editor working remotely. Splitting time between Oregon and Southern California.

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Articles

PSECU’s Chief Information Officer to Retire and Pass the Torch

1 week ago | cutimes.com | Natasha Chilingerian

Credit/AdobeStock WESTMatthew Wech The $2.3 billion, Bremerton, Wash.-based Kitsap Credit Union hired Matthew Wech as vice president of sales. In his new role, Wech will be responsible for designing and driving the credit union’s sales strategy, focusing on growth, effectiveness and fostering a high-performance culture. He will also play a key role in developing and implementing sales strategies that align with the credit union’s growth objectives.
CU Talent VP Takes ‘Grounded and Adaptable’ Approach to Leadership

1 week ago | cutimes.com | Natasha Chilingerian

Title: Vice President, Talent Development & Training Number of years at current credit union: Almost one (joined in June 2024) Educational background: BA, French & History from Indiana University, Bloomington CU Times: What are your key responsibilities in your current role? Laura BirkenbeulBirkenbeul: I’m responsible for building our organizational capabilities to ensure our credit union is positioned for the future.
7 17 CU’s Baseball Partnership Includes New Giveback Card Program

1 week ago | cutimes.com | Natasha Chilingerian

The Ohio CU will donate 7.17 cents to Mahoning Valley Scrappers special programming with every swipe of its new credit card. 7 17 CU President/CEO John Demmler speaks at a press conference for the credit union’s new partnership with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers at Eastwood Field in Niles, Ohio on May 6.
6 CU Professionals, Including 3 Branch Managers, Start New Roles

1 week ago | cutimes.com | Natasha Chilingerian

Credit/AdobeStock WESTCreedence Shaw The $1.7 billion, Capitola, Calif.-based Bay Federal Credit Union promoted Creedence Shaw to SVP, chief business services officer. In his new role, Shaw will guide the strategic vision and operational leadership of the credit union’s business services department, further advancing Bay Federal’s mission to empower local businesses throughout California’s Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties.
Meet the Three Kevins of the Addition Financial C-Suite

1 week ago | cutimes.com | Natasha Chilingerian

The CEO, COO and CIO, all of whom coincidentally share a first name, take us behind the scenes of their Florida credit union’s merger and expansion plans. If you’re a regular listener of Shared Accounts With CU Times, you’ve already heard from Addition Financial Credit Union’s President/CEO, Kevin Miller, and Chief Information Officer, Kevin Wright, who joined the podcast in April 2024 and November 2024, respectively.
Salal CU’s Russell Rosendal to Retire After 13 Years as CEO

2 weeks ago | cutimes.com | Natasha Chilingerian

A new leader for the Seattle credit union is expected to be named by this fall. Russell Rosendal Russell Rosendal, president/CEO for the $1.1 billion Salal Credit Union, will retire at the end of 2025 following 17 years with the credit union, including the last 13 years as CEO, the Seattle-based credit union announced Thursday.
12 CU Professionals Celebrate Big Moments in Their Careers

2 weeks ago | cutimes.com | Natasha Chilingerian

Credit/AdobeStock WESTEric Crabtree The $2.3 billion, Bremerton, Wash.-based Kitsap Credit Union announced one promotion and two new hires. Eric Crabtree was promoted to SVP/chief digital experience officer. In his new role, Crabtree will lead the credit union’s digital strategy across all member touch points, overseeing both the vice president of operations and the vice president of digital innovation. Most recently, he served as chief digital strategist for Kitsap.
8 of the Year’s Biggest Credit Union Charitable Donations

2 weeks ago | cutimes.com | Natasha Chilingerian

What causes are credit unions contributing the most money to so far in 2025? Find out here. Credit/Shutterstock The credit union industry’s philanthropic organizations are always eager to open their wallets for the sake of improving the lives of those in need in their communities, and this year has been no different. Here’s a peek at the eight biggest donations by dollar amount that have been shared with CU Times so far in 2025. 1.
11 Hires, Promotions & Honors Include a New CLO at Verity Credit Union

2 weeks ago | cutimes.com | Natasha Chilingerian

Credit/AdobeStock WESTPaul Barenfus The $776 million, Seattle-based Verity Credit Union hired Paul Barenfus as chief lending officer. Barenfus brings over 20 years of financial experience, having previously served in roles spanning from teller to executive leadership roles. In his new role, he will lead the transformation of Verity’s lending division, implementing forward-thinking strategies and programs while ensuring sustainable growth.
$4.5 Million Curql Investment Creates New Estate Planning CUSO

3 weeks ago | cutimes.com | Natasha Chilingerian

Digital estate planning company Trust & Will partners with Curql to create a CUSO and becomes a NACUSO Platinum Partner. Credit/Shutterstock Curql, a collective of over 130 credit unions jointly investing in fintech, has invested $4.5 million in Trust & Will, creating a new CUSO that will give credit unions the opportunity to invest in and offer specialized estate planning services to their members, the two organizations announced Tuesday.