ANTIGO, Wis.—CoVantage Credit Union in Wisconsin has named a new president and CEO, while during the Wisconsin league meeting, Chris Felton of Corporate Central CU was presented with one of the industry’s highest honors.
The $4-billion CoVantage Credit Union has selected Matt Kaudy as its new president and CEO, succeeding Charlie Zanayed, who is retiring after 13 years of “distinguished service in support of CoVantage’s mission and its member-owners.”
Kaudy has more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in the credit union industry. For the past decade, he has served as EVP/chief growth officer at the $4.7-billion EECU Credit Union in Fort Worth, Texas, where he oversaw corporate strategy and key growth and operational areas, including human resources, payments, digital, contact center, financial centers, marketing, and community engagement.
Prior to joining EECU in 2015, Kaudy held senior leadership roles at NASA Federal Credit Union and Fairfax County Federal Credit Union, now part of Apple Federal Credit Union.
“Following a planned succession and comprehensive nationwide search, the Board is confident that Matt is the right leader for CoVantage’s next chapter,” Chairman Mike Windberg said in a statement. “Matt is a highly effective, people-centered leader who is humble, a strong listener, and committed to carrying forward the servant leadership culture CoVantage is known for. He brings an analytical mindset, strong financial expertise, and a proven ability to drive sustainable growth and member value.”
‘Honored to Join’
“I am honored to join CoVantage and grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board,” Kaudy said in a statement. “CoVantage’s commitment to its mission, its member-owners, and the communities it serves strongly resonates with me. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside the CoVantage team as we continue to strengthen our impact and serve our members.”
CoVantage CU said service and community engagement have been central to Kaudy’s career. He has served on the board of Cornerstone Resources, Junior Achievement, and the EECU Community Foundation, among other organizations.
Former CEO Praised
Windberg also praised the retiring Charlie Zanayed.
“We are deeply grateful for Charlie’s leadership and the lasting impact he has made on CoVantage, its member-owners, and its employees,” Windberg added in a statement.
The credit union noted that during Zanayed’s tenure, the credit union grew from approximately $1 billion in assets, 80,000 members, and 280 employees to more than $4 billion in assets, over 183,000 members, and more than 500 employees.
Felton Named to Hall of Leaders
In Milwaukee, Chris Felton, president and CEO of Corporate Central Credit Union, has been named a 2026 Credit Union House Hall of Leaders honoree, “one of the highest distinctions within the credit union industry.”
The national recognition honors individuals whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the credit union movement at the local, state, and national levels, noted Corporate Central.
Felton was formally recognized by The Wisconsin Credit Union League during The Cooperative Spirit Awards and Recognition session held as part of The League’s Annual Convention and Exposition.
“The Credit Union House Hall of Leaders recognizes distinguished individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to advancing the credit union industry through leadership, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy,” the organization said. “Felton was selected for his visionary leadership, commitment to people centered culture, and continued efforts to strengthen and evolve the credit union movement.
“As president/CEO of Corporate Central, Felton is known for a leadership style that is future-focused and grounded in the cooperative values that define the credit union industry,” the organization continued. “Under his leadership, Corporate Central has strengthened its role as a strategic partner to credit unions through innovation, collaboration, education, and forward-looking solutions.”
‘Leads With Authenticity’
“Those who work alongside Chris know that his leadership extends far beyond strategy and results,” Heather Ristow, SVP/chief experience officer, said in a statement. “He leads with authenticity, appreciation, and a genuine commitment to people. This recognition reflects the profound impact he has made not only within Corporate Central, but across the entire credit union movement.”
Added Sarah Wainscott, president/CEO of the Wisconsin league, in a statement, “Chris has made a remarkable impact at Corporate Central, across Wisconsin, and throughout the credit union movement. He builds community within his organization, champions meaningful collaboration, and represents the industry with credibility and heart. This honor is a fitting recognition of his leadership and advocacy.”
Located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Credit Union House serves as a national symbol of advocacy, cooperation, and unity within the credit union system. Induction into the Hall of Leaders celebrates individuals whose careers have helped shape the future of the industry and strengthen its mission of people helping people, the organization noted.
