NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) has announced the results of its 2026 board election, and also named its first-ever Young Professional Associate Director
“These leadership updates reflect ICUL’s ongoing commitment to strong governance, statewide representation, and the development of future leaders within the credit union movement,” the league said.
Elected to the ICUL Board were:
- Chris Harlan, University of Illinois Community Credit Union (District 1, Class C)
- Suzie Bell, Elite Community Credit Union (District 2, Class A)
- Deborah Fears, Chicago Post Office Employees Credit Union (District 2, Class D)
- Darlyne Keller, Rock Valley Credit Union (District 3, Class B)
- Michael Abraham, Great Lakes Credit Union (District 3, Class D)
Bell and Keller will continue their service as incumbent directors, the league said. Harlan and Fears were elected to fill vacancies created by retiring directors, while Abraham was elected to a one-year term.
The terms of Harlan, Bell, Fears, and Keller will run through the League’s 2029 Annual Meeting. Abraham’s term will run through the 2027 Annual Meeting, the league said.
2026 Board Officers
For the 2026 term, the ICUL Board will be led by Chair Michael Abraham, alongside Vice Chair Jose Garcia, Treasurer Pete Fauth, and Secretary Darlyne Keller.
‘Essential Leadership’
“Strong, engaged leadership is essential to advancing the mission of Illinois credit unions,” ICUL President and CEO Libby Calderone said in a statement. “This board represents a diverse mix of experience, perspectives, and passion for our movement. We are especially proud to welcome new directors and to introduce our first Young Professional Associate Director—an important step in strengthening the future of credit union leadership in Illinois.”
First-Ever Young Professional Associate Director
Jordan Harcharik, training & development manager at Streator Onized Credit Union, has been named ICUL’s first-ever Young Professional Associate Director, “an important milestone in the League’s commitment to developing future leaders,” the league said.
Chris Harlan, CEO of University of Illinois Community Credit Union, and Deborah Fears, President/CEO of Chicago Post Office Employees Credit Union, join the ICUL Board as newly elected directors, each bringing strong leadership experience and a deep commitment to the credit union movement.
Joe Webb, CEO of Cooperative Choice Network Credit Union, joins the Envisant Board as a newly appointed director, bringing valuable industry perspective and strengthening alignment between the League and its service corporation.
Appreciation for Outgoing Directors
ICUL extends sincere appreciation to outgoing directors Joseph Kregul of HealthCare Associates Credit Union and Alan Meyer of 1st MidAmerica Credit Union. Their leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the League and the broader credit union community across Illinois.
With fresh perspectives, continued leadership, and a shared commitment to collaboration, ICUL looks forward to another impactful year serving Illinois credit unions and their members.
