ROCKLEDGE, Fla.–Credit unions in Florida, California and Ohio have named new leadership.
In the Sunshine State, the $1.36-billion Community Credit Union of Florida has selected Dan Kelley to lead the organization, succeeding the retiring Laurie Cappelli. Kelley previously served as CFO.
“I’m honored to share that I’ve been selected to serve as president and CEO of Community Credit Union of Florida,” Kelley said in a statement. “It’s a privilege to lead an organization so deeply committed to empowering our members and strengthening the communities we serve. I’m grateful to our board of directors for their trust and support. I’m looking forward to continuing our mission to ‘always improve the financial well-being of our members and make a positive difference in the community.’ ”
Kelley joined the credit union in August 2018, as vice president of retail sales.
Prior CU Experience
Prior to joining CCU, Kelley had leadership positions at MidFlorida Credit Union, Martin Federal Credit Union, Seminole Schools Federal Credit Union and Fairwinds Credit Union, all in Florida.
Kelley received his bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix, and a master’s in business administration from Webster University.
CCU has approximately 55,000 members.
New CEO in California
In Santa Maria, Calif., the $1.77-billion CoastHills CU has selected James Ledford as its new president and CEO effective Aug. 1. Ledford had been serving as interim CEO since August 2024.
Prior to that, he most recently served as EVP chief experience officer, overseeing lending, collections and member experience. In August 2024,
According to CoastHills, while acting as interim CEO Ledford and the executive team developed and began implementing a three-year strategic plan focused on culture, finance, and service.
“From the moment I was given the opportunity to lead, I made it a priority to put culture at the heart of everything we do,” Ledford said in a statement. “What makes CoastHills truly special is our incredible team and our loyal members. I’m committed to strengthening our credit union from the inside out – ensuring everyone we serve feels valued and knows how much their membership means to us.”
U.S. Army Vet
Ledford, a U.S. Army veteran, earned an MBA in business administration from Western Governors University and has more than 25 years of leadership experience in financial services, including several senior management roles at JPMorgan Chase.
Transition in Ohio
In Dayton, Ohio, President and CEO Bill Burke of Day Air Credit Union is now just CEO, with the credit union naming John David Theobald as its new president as part of its succession plan.
After nearly three decades as president and chief executive, Bill Burke is now chief executive of Day Air Credit Union, handing the “president’s” title to John David Theobald, who will be Burke’s successor.
Theobald has more than two decades of leadership experience in the financial services industry, including the past three years as executive vice president and chief revenue officer at Day Air.
“I think Bill was setting the stage for this several years ago,” Theobald told the Dayton Daily News.
According to Day Air, there is no timeline for Burke to step back or retire, Theobald noted. Burke has held the role of president and CEO since 1998.
“We are taking our time, being very thoughtful and careful as we go through this, as he passes the baton,” Theobald told the publication.
“John has been instrumental in shaping Day Air’s strategic direction and financial performance,” Burke said in a statement. “His forward-thinking leadership and unwavering commitment to our mission have earned him the trust of our team, our members, and our board.”
‘Hyper-Local’
Theobald joined Day Air in 2007 to lead the mortgage division, a role he held for six years. The company said he helped establish partnerships with Freddie Mac and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, helping also to implement an in-house mortgage servicing platform.
Following a tenure as president of CU appraisal services, he returned in 2016 as vice president of lending and later advanced to executive vice president and chief revenue officer.
The $870-million Day Air CU has approximately 53,000 members.
