ANTIOCH, Calif.—Three different credit unions have announced new presidents and CEOs.
In Antioch, Calif., the $47-6-milllion Dow Great Western Credit Union (DGWCU) has named Randy Dhindsa to lead the organization.
Dhindsa brings more than two decades of leadership experience in financial services, “where he has guided teams through transformation, growth, and innovation,” the credit union said.
According to Dhindsa’s LinkedIn page, he previously led his own consulting firm and prior to that was senior vice president of lending with AgWest Farm Credit. He was also SVP and market president with Bank of America.
Diverse Career
“Known for his strategic vision and people-first approach, he has led diverse banking operations spanning commercial, agricultural, and consumer sectors,” the credit unions aid. “Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for strengthening organizational culture, enhancing performance, and fostering collaboration across every level of an organization.”
Dhindsa is a Gallup Clifton Strengths Certified Coach and Fearless Leadership Trainer, and holds an MBA in Management Strategy and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University.
Leadership Philosophy
His leadership philosophy centers on community, inclusion, and advancing the cooperative values that define the credit union movement, the credit union said.
“It’s a privilege to lead an organization with such a strong legacy of community service and commitment to financial empowerment,” said Dhindsa. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team to enhance our members’ experiences and innovate our services to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”
The search was handled by Humanidei.
New CEO at Southland Credit Union
Meanwhile, in Los Alamitos, Calif., the $1.28-billion Southland Credit Union has named Deena Otto as its new president and CEO effective Dec. 8.
Otto succeeds Tom Lent, who will serve as CEO Emeritus until his official retirement on Jan. 2, 2026, the credit union said.
Otto previously served as senior vice president and chief operating officer at the $4.3-billion Stanford Federal Credit Union, in Palo Alto, Calif. In this role, she oversaw retail banking, contact center operations, marketing and business development, driving both member growth and operational transformation.
Prior Positions
Otto’s career spans more than two decades in brand development, marketing and financial services leadership.
“She began her career at Nike, where she developed a passion for brand storytelling and innovation before transitioning to credit unions,” SCU said. “At Credit Union of Southern California, she led SEG-based growth strategies and community outreach as assistant vice president of marketing and business development.”
Otto later joined Wescom Financial Credit Union, where she spent 15 years in senior leadership roles, including SVP-administration and SVP-payments and digital channels.
Since joining Stanford Federal Credit Union in 2021, Otto has led multiple strategic initiatives that have enhanced Member experience and operational performance, Southland CU stated.
“Her accomplishments include launching member-initiated services in digital banking, implementing AI-driven self-service platforms and redesigning community outreach programs and corporate partnerships,” the credit union said in a statement. “Her leadership has driven membership growth and strengthened the organization’s member experience initiatives.”
Honored to Join CU
“I am honored to join Southland Credit Union and build upon the remarkable legacy of Member service and community impact,” said Otto in a statement. “Southland’s dedication to its Members, associates and communities is truly inspiring. I am passionate about the credit union movement and its Member-first philosophy. I look forward to collaborating with the Board, leadership team and staff to shape a future that continues to put Members first while focusing on bringing greater value to Southland Members through innovation and Member experience.”
Educational Background
In addition to her strong professional skills and background, Otto holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Washington State University, Carson College of Business.
‘Privilege to Lead’
Added outgoing CEO Tom Lent, who has served Southland Credit Union for 18 years, “It has been a privilege to lead Southland through years of transformation and service expansion,” said Lent. “Deena’s leadership style, strategic insight and deep understanding of credit union values will serve our members exceptionally well. I’m confident she will continue to strengthen the organization’s position and impact for years to come.”
New CEO Named by Centra Credit Union
In Columbus, Ind., Centra Credit Union has named a new president and CEO to succeed the retiring Rick Silvers, who will be leaving in January 2026.
The $2.2-billion Centra has selected Brad Davis, the credit union’s chief growth officer, to lead the organization.
Silvers joined Centra on June 1, 2016, and has led the credit union through significant growth and expansion, CCU said.
“Under his leadership, Centra’s total assets have grown by just under $1 billion while the Credit Union’s loan balances have doubled and deposits have increased by more than 70%,” Centra said in a statement. “Since 2016, Centra has relocated five branches, constructed an expanded headquarters building and opened seven additional branches, including the Lebanon and Zionsville locations through Centra’s 2024 merger with the former NorthPark Community Credit Union.”
Expanded Community Involvement
In addition, the organization said that throughout Silvers’ tenure Centra also substantially expanded its community involvement and financial education programs. Centra Foundation efforts, including the United Way Workplace Campaign, Teaming Up with Teachers, Team Member nominated donations and the Holiday Giving Program, have contributed more than $1 million to the communities Centra serves in addition to thousands of volunteer hours served by Centra team members, it said.
“In addition to supporting local communities, Centra Credit Union also continues to give back to its members,” the 152,000-member CCU stated. “In 2021, Centra launched Member Loyalty Rewards, creating additional ways for Centra members to earn and save cash in a higher interest Member Loyalty Account. Through the program, Centra has also awarded $4.7 million to its members in the form of special dividends, referred to as Member Loyalty Bonuses.”
Accomplishments Recognized
Centra CU said Silvers’ accomplishments and contributions to the credit union movement were recently recognized by the Indiana Credit Union League. He received the prestigious Professional Achievement Award during the Gala & Awards Celebration on Oct. 3 during the league’s annual convention.
‘Great Honor’
“It has been a great honor to be the President and CEO of Centra Credit Union, and I am beyond grateful to have been part of Centra’s 85-year legacy,” Silvers said in a statement. “Brad’s broad experience and strong leadership qualifications will serve Centra and its stakeholders well. I will be excited to see how Brad and the Centra team continue to move Centra forward and the ways in which they create even more value for our members, team members and communities.”
More Than Three Decades Experience
Davis joined Centra in 2011 and has more than 33 years of experience in the banking industry within Indiana.
“As chief growth officer, Davis has passionately guided and overseen all of Centra’s member-facing lines of business while actively serving as a member of Centra’s executive management team, responsible for helping develop and execute the credit union’s strategic direction,” Centra CU said. “He is passionate about Centra’s vision of creating value for members, team members and the Communities it serves. Working with the dedicated Centra team to provide the financial products, services and education members need is a key point of focus. One of Davis’ primary goals is to help Centra Members financially succeed, resulting in healthier communities where they live and work.”
‘Robust Strategic Plans’
“Centra Credit Union has seen tremendous growth throughout the past decade under Rick’s leadership. The Credit Union is performing incredibly well, and our historical performance has enabled us to execute robust strategic plans and to formulate strategic initiatives that will guide the Credit Union for years to come,” Davis said in a statement. “We’re well-positioned for future growth, and I am humbled and excited to guide the credit union and lead our experienced and capable team for the benefit of our stakeholders.”
Educational Background
Davis is an Indiana native and graduate of Franklin College, where he double-majored in business-finance and economics. He also received a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the University of Indianapolis and a degree from the Graduate School of Banking (University of Wisconsin) in addition to completing the CUES CEO Institute and earning the Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation.
He’s a member of the Greater Columbus Economic Development Board, the Heritage Fund of Bartholomew County Board and the Columbus Municipal Airport Board of Aviation Commissioners, and he has been actively involved in several community organizations, including the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation Board, the United Way of Bartholomew County and the Columbus Area Visitors Center, among many others. Davis is also a graduate of Leadership Bartholomew County and has lived in Columbus, Indiana since 1995.
