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Change in leadership planned for Nusenda
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There’s going to be a new leader at New Mexico’s largest credit union next year.
Nusenda Credit Union President and CEO Joe Christian announced this week that he will retire on Feb. 28 after 39 years with the company, which has nearly $5 billion in assets, 280,000 members and 30 branches.
Michelle Dearholt, Nusenda’s executive vice president of operation, will succeed Christian.
“I’ve witnessed the transformative power of a financial cooperative. Working alongside like-minded individuals, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones. Our true success lies in our unwavering commitment to our members and the communities we serve and the positive impact we’ve made together,” Christian said in a news release. “The future of Nusenda Credit Union is extremely bright.”
Under Christian’s direction, Nusenda acquired Western Heritage Bank to increase its presence in southern New Mexico and West Texas. He also grew community-focused programs through the Nusenda Foundation.
Nusenda Credit Union Board of Directors worked with the industry search firm DDJ Myers and unanimously selected Dearholt.
She has been with the company for more than 20 years.
“We are proud to promote from within, knowing that Michelle is deeply committed to positively impacting the lives of our members, employees, and the communities we serve, and continuing to advance Nusenda as a leading credit union in the country,” Ralph Wallace, Nusenda board chair, said in a statement.
