Vantage West Credit Union Picks D. Hilton Associates for CEO Search

November 11, 2019 – These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has about 5,300 federally insured credit unions, with more than $1.5 trillion in assets and 118.3 million members, according to the National Credit Union Administration.

But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior managers over the next five years. This means that leadership development, succession planning and employee retention are more important than ever.

Recently, Fairfax, VA-based executive search firm D. Hilton Associates was selected to find the next president and chief executive officer for Vantage West Credit Union, $1.9 billion, state chartered organization based in Tucson, AZ.

“The board of directors at Vantage West Credit Union is excited to begin the process of identifying our next president and CEO,” said Oscar Lizardi, chairperson of the board of directors. “Vantage West has a demonstrated commitment to serving our members and communities, and finding a leader to help us continue that legacy is paramount.”

Strategically Minded

“We are looking for a strategically minded, innovative individual, with a proven track record of leadership and success,” said Mr. Lizardi. “An individual who will engage our associates in building long lasting relationships exceeding our members’ expectations.”

The CEO will be responsible for planning, directing and managing all credit union activities within the framework of Vantage West’s vision and mission statement, all in accordance with policies established by the board of directors, said D. Hilton Associates. The new leader will be expected to oversee organizational performance and ensure financial stability with the best interest of the members, associates and credit union in mind.

The individual should be strategic and innovative, with a proven track record of leadership and success, and must possess a solid understanding of credit union operations, policies and regulations.

The ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership and motivational skills, be a team builder, and lead organization change while building consensus, said D. Hilton Associates. A bachelor’s degree, preferably in business administration or related field is required; an MBA is preferred. A minimum of 10 years executive experience and five years within the credit union field or banking industry is required.

Trusted Recruiters

Vantage West Credit Union, established in 1955 in a one-room barrack at Davis-Monthan Airforce Base, to serve Tucson’s airmen and their families. Today, Vantage West offers a full range of consumer and business financial products and services to over 160,000 members. Vantage West is a member-owned credit union. Profits are invested in the membership and in the communities served by the credit union. Vantage West offers a complete line of financial services such as consumer and real estate loans, personal lines of credit, credit cards, checking and savings accounts, and a full suite of online and mobile banking services.

Founded in 1985, D. Hilton Associates specializes in the credit union industry. Over the past several months, the firm has recruited new CEOs for Greylock Federal Credit Union, First Financial Federal Credit Union of Maryland, Cascade Community Credit Union in Roseburg, OR and the ORNL Federal Credit Union in Oak Ridge, TN. The firm also recently filled marketing positions for Cascade Community Credit Union, Langley Federal Credit Union and Sharon Credit Union.

Evolving Industry

“As the credit union industry continues to evolve in complexity and sophistication, the need for strategically placed business partners who can provide counsel on compensation, board governance and talent acquisition has never been more important,” said Mike Juratovac, sector leader of credit union and community banking in Korn Ferry Futurestep’s North America financial services practice. The industry as a whole, he said, has become increasingly reliant on talent consulting services, including talent acquisition, workforce planning and employee development.

“We see enormous potential in this sector, as the popularity of credit unions is skyrocketing among consumers as they typically offer lower fees and better returns,” said Eric Goldstein, global market leader, Korn Ferry Futurestep financial services. “Additionally, following the 2008 financial crisis, many U.S. consumers moved their savings from large banks to credit unions and community banks.”

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media