Cowen Partners Retained by Signal Financial Federal Credit Union to Lead CEO Search
February 7, 2025 – Credit unions face mounting challenges from stricter regulations, economic pressures, and industry shifts. Increased oversight from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and National Credit Union Administration on fees, lending, and cybersecurity is straining smaller institutions, while rising interest rates and inflation are impacting loan demand and deposits.
At the same time, competition from fintech and big banks is forcing credit unions to invest in digital solutions. Many are merging to stay viable, while younger members expect faster, tech-driven services. To survive, credit unions must balance compliance, financial stability, and innovation in an evolving market. Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has been selected by Signal Financial Federal Credit Union to lead the search for its next CEO. This follows the announcement of CEO Francois Verleysen’s retirement after a decade of transformative leadership at Signal Financial and a distinguished 42-year career in the financial services industry.
“Francois has been an exemplary leader and visionary, leaving behind a strong foundation for the next chapter of Signal Financial’s success,” said Andrew Mekelburg, chair of Signal Financial’s board of directors. “We are confident that Cowen Partners’ expertise in executive search will help us identify a dynamic leader who shares our vision for continued growth and exceptional service to our members.”
Founded in 1947, Signal Financial Federal Credit Union serves over 21,000 members across the Washington, D.C. metro area. Committed to providing innovative financial solutions, Signal Financial continues to support its members with a range of personalized services and resources.
Cowen Partners serves both small and large, publicly traded, pre-IPO, private, and non-profit organizations. Its clients are typically $50 million to multi-billion-dollar revenue Fortune 1000 companies or have assets between $500 million to $15 billion. Placements span the entire C-suite and include VP and director-level leadership roles. Cowen Partners has placed hundreds of candidates in industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, financial services, and private equity.
Shawn Cole is a co-founder of Cowen Partners. He is a serial entrepreneur and executive leader with over 15 years’ experience founding and running companies. His business career has been centered on value creation for both turnarounds and start-ups. Mr. Cole helps find executive talent, such as a CEO, CFO, COO, chief revenue officer, and chief marketing officer. Clients are both small and large, publicly traded, pre-IPO, private, and non-profit organizations, typically $50 million to multi-billion dollar revenue Fortune 1000 companies or have assets between $1 billion and $15 billion.
Related: Cowen Partners Appoints Director of Client Services
As a founding partner of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt has drawn on his career experience in sales and executive recruiting. As a founding partner and practice leader for Cowen Partners sales and marketing division, Mr. Wendt has placed high-quality executives in positions such as chief revenue officer, chief marketing officer, vice president of sales, and vice president of marking, among others.
Chief People Officer Search
Cowen Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Nichelle Dekeyzer as its first-ever chief people officer of Okland Construction in Salt Lake City, UT. “This hire represents a major step forward for Okland,” said Bill Okland, CEO. “Nichelle’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goal of becoming one of the most sought-after companies in the industry by 2030. Her leadership will ensure that our people and culture remain at the forefront of everything we do.”
Ms. Dekeyzer brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as chief people officer at CB Insights, where she led initiatives in organizational design, change management, compensation, and company culture. “With significant experience in data-driven results, recruiting, leadership development, and strategic planning, coupled with a doctor of education in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California, she is well-equipped to lead Okland’s people strategy into the future,” Okland Construction said.
As Okland pursues its ambitious goal of becoming one of the most sought-after companies in the industry by 2030, a key component will be fostering a strong, dynamic organizational culture. Ms. Dekeyzer will play a pivotal role in this journey, overseeing the company’s human resources strategy, talent management, employee engagement, and overall organizational culture.
Related: Cowen Partners Launches Operating Partners Cohort
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
