SEATTLE– New CEOs have been named by two credit unions, both effective in the new year.
In Seattle, the $1.16-billion Salal Credit Union has selected Kevin Skinner as its next president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2026, succeeding Russ Rosendal, who will retire at year-end after serving nearly 17 years with the credit union.
Skinner joins Salal from Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU), where he served as vice president of retail lending, overseeing consumer and residential lending production, operations, credit risk, and product development.
“With more than 25 years of experience in financial services, including leadership roles at Umpqua Bank, HomeStreet Bank, USAA, and Washington Mutual, he brings deep expertise in lending, operations, and strategic growth,” the credit union said in a statement.
According to Salal CU, at Umpqua Bank, Skinner led the Home Lending Division, managing nearly 700 employees across a $7-billion annual origination business, a $5 billion portfolio of permanent and construction loans, and a $15 billion servicing operation.
‘Strong Advocacy’
“His career has also been marked by strong advocacy for affordable housing and member-focused innovation, including service on the Freddie Mac Regional Lender Advisory Board, the Mortgage Bankers Association Secondary and Capital Markets Committee, and the ABA Mortgage Markets and Lending Technology Committee,” the credit union said.
He currently serves as treasurer of the Board of Delegates for Homestead Community Land Trust, which creates permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income households in King and Pierce counties.
“Kevin brings extensive experience leading large, complex financial organizations while maintaining a strong commitment to the cooperative values that define our credit union,” SCU Chair Brian Luong said in a statement. “His ability to build high-performing teams, drive innovation, and lead with purpose gives us great confidence in his capacity to build on Russ’s legacy and guide Salal into its next era of growth and service.”
Honored to Join
“I’m honored to join Salal Credit Union and the exceptional team that has built such a strong foundation,” Skinner said in a statement. “Salal’s vision for sustainable growth, innovation, and expanding access to financial wellness aligns perfectly with my own values and experience. I look forward to building on that success and continuing to expand the ways we serve our members and communities.”
Skinner earned his MBA from Emory University and a BA in economics from the University of Virginia. He will join Salal on Dec. 1 to begin the leadership transition before officially assuming the CEO role on Jan. 1.
Lenco Credit Union Names New CEO
In Adrian, Mich., the $135.4-million Lenco Credit Union has selected Fran Brant as its next president and CEO, effective May 1, 2026.
Brant joined Lenco last year as vice president of consumer lending and has more than 30 years of experience in lending.
She will succeed longtime CEO Ben Neal, who is retiring after 41 years with the credit union. Neal will stay on as a consultant after he steps down, the credit union said
“It has been an honor to serve the members of Lenco Credit Union for the past four decades,” said Neal. “From my first day in 1985 to today, our mission has always been clear—serve our members and support Lenawee County. Fran is not only experienced, but she lives and breathes this community. I cannot imagine a better person to lead Lenco into the future.”
Added Brant in a statement, “I am humbled and honored to serve as Lenco’s next President and CEO. Lenco is more than a credit union—it’s a family of members, employees, and neighbors working together to build a stronger Lenawee County. My commitment is to honor our roots while ensuring that our members have access to the very best in community banking.”
