HARTFORD, Conn.-— Police Credit Union of Connecticut (PCUCT) has named a new president and CEO to succeed the retiring Wendy Tariff, who will retire on May 15.
The credit union has selected announced that Melanie Strileckis to lead the organization.
Strileckis currently serves as manager of the Waterbury branch and has been with the credit union since 2005. Like Tariff, she began her career as a teller and advanced through the organization through a strong commitment to member service and operational leadership, the credit union said. Strileckis is a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) and also a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE).
‘Deeply Honored’
“I am deeply honored by the confidence the board has placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next president and CEO of Police Credit Union of Connecticut,” Strileckis said in a statement. “Following in Wendy’s footsteps is both humbling and inspiring. I care deeply about our members, our team, and the communities we serve, and I look forward to building on our strong foundation while continuing to grow our impact and leadership across Connecticut.”
Near 10-Year Tenure
Tariff has served as President and CEO of PCUCT since July 2018, leading a period of “significant growth and transformation for the credit union.” During her tenure, the organization grew from $23 million to $45 million in assets, welcomed Waterbury Police Federal Credit Union via a merger, and completed a strategic rebrand from Greater Hartford Police Federal Credit Union to Police Credit Union of Connecticut, reflecting its expanded FOM.
In 2022, Tariff was recognized as a Credit Union Rockstar by America’s Credit Unions and received the Distinguished Service Award from Connecticut’s Credit Unions in 2025, honoring her leadership and impact in the credit union movement.
‘Lasting Mark’
“Wendy’s leadership has helped shape Police Credit Union of Connecticut into the strong, growing institution it is today,” said Chair Claudette Kosinski said in a statement. “Her vision, dedication, and deep commitment to our members have left a lasting mark on this organization. On behalf of the board, we thank Wendy for her many contributions and wish her all the best in retirement. At the same time, we are excited to welcome Melanie into this role. Her experience, dedication to our mission, and commitment to serving our members make her the right leader for this next chapter, and we know our credit union is in very good hands.”
‘Something Special’
Added Tariff, “When I joined the credit union movement, I quickly realized I had found something special: a people-first, mission-driven model centered on helping others,” said Tariff. “I believe in the power of small credit unions to accomplish big things, and it has been an honor to help our law enforcement members improve their financial lives. I am incredibly proud of all we have achieved together, and I look forward to seeing Police Credit Union of Connecticut continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
