PRINCETON, N.J.– Princeton Federal Credit Union (PFCU) has named a new president and CEO.
The $170-million PFCU has selected Dana Caragine to lead the organization, succeeding Samuel J. Paulicelli, who is retiring following an accomplished 21-year tenure, the credit union said.
Caragine, who joined the credit union in April of 2024, most recently served as senior director of lending and marketing, reporting to Paulicelli and working with CFO Joe Vitti, according to Princeton Federal.
Caragine has more than two decades of experience in banking, wealth and asset management, investment advisory, and private lending, and has held senior positions at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Invesco, and privately held lending firms, where her work “centered on the intersection of technology, marketing, and client experience.”
A ’Thriving Home’
“Their decades of leadership commitment have built a thriving home for members and colleagues at PFCU,” Caragine said in a statement. “I am honored and humbled to lead us forward, as someone who fell in love with Princeton early in life and more recently discovered PFCU’s strong culture. I appreciate the vibrant, diverse, and intellectually rigorous mosaic of people who comprise this community – and I’m confident in our future, alongside this incredible group of colleagues.”
A Princeton University Class of 2002 graduate, Caragine earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Operations Research and Financial Engineering, and was a member of the Charter Club. Among the early beneficiaries of Princeton’s landmark 2001 financial aid enhancements, the credit union said she credits that experience with sparking her passion for financial opportunity and inclusion.
Princeton FCU has more than 8,500 members.
The search was completed in partnership with Humanidei.
Oregonians Credit Union Names New Leader
In Milwaukee, Ore., meanwhile, the $338.3-million Oregonians Credit Union has named Bryce Mortensen as its new president and CEO, succeeding Sam Launius, who is retiring after 32 years. Mortensen recently serving as executive vice president of operations at AERO Financial in Glendale, Ariz.
“With more than 25 years of experience in the credit union industry, Bryce Mortensen brings a proven record of innovation, strategic leadership, and technological advancement,” Oregonians CU said. “Under his leadership, AERO Financial underwent a comprehensive technology modernization, including a full core processing conversion, digital banking overhaul, and implementation of advanced marketing automation powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence. Bryce Mortensen also steered a complete rebrand that successfully integrated contemporary design with data-driven member engagement strategies, which recently won two 2025 MAC Awards, Gold for Rebranding and Silver for Website Transformation. His cybersecurity programs consistently earned top recognition for their strength and rigor, protecting members and enhancing institutional trust.”
“Bryce Mortensen has an exceptional combination of vision, technical expertise, and leadership experience that will drive Oregonians Credit Union into the future,” said Alicia Anderson, Chair of the Oregonians Credit Union Search Committee. “He understands both the evolving landscape of financial services and the cooperative principles that define our mission. We are confident that his guidance will strengthen our culture, empower our teams, and deepen our connection with members across Oregon.”
Industry Recognition
Oregonians CU said Mortensen has received industry recognition for his “forward-thinking approach, including awards for innovation in financial technology and operational excellence. At industry conferences, he has presented solutions and strategies that have been adopted by peer institutions nationwide.”
“I am honored to join Oregonians Credit Union and to collaborate with its talented team and dedicated Board of Directors,” said Mortensen in a statement. “Credit unions have always been about people helping people, and I’m excited to build on that foundation by enhancing member experiences, expanding access through technology, and writing the next great chapter in the credit union’s history.”
Bryce Mortensen holds an MBA from Louisiana Tech University, as well as degrees in Technical Management and Computer Information Systems. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and is bilingual in Spanish.
Gary Agnes Sets retirement Date
In Boulder, Colo., Gary Agnes, who has served as president and CEO of the $3.4-billion Elevations Credit Unionsince 2008, said he will retire effective Feb. 28, 2026.
The credit union said in a statement that it has initiated a comprehensive succession plan to ensure a smooth leadership transition and a continuation of excellent service for members.
“It has been the honor of my career to serve Elevations and our members,” Agnes said in a statement. “Together, we’ve built something truly special — a credit union rooted in community and committed to excellence. Thank you for trusting us with your financial goals and for being part of this incredible journey.”
Under Agnes’s leadership, Elevations said it has achieved significant growth, strengthened its commitment to members, and earned national recognition for performance excellence.
“Agnes guided Elevations through the 2008 financial crisis and spearheaded the pursuit of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award®, which the credit union received in 2014 and again in 2020,” Elevations CU said. “The credit union is the first two-time recipient of this award in Colorado history, joining an elite group of fewer than 15 organizations to have achieved this milestone nationally.”
Additional Accomplishments
In addition, Elevations CU noted it earned the following awards during Agnes’s leadership:
- No. 1 credit union mortgage lender in Colorado by purchase volume (2020-2025)
- Top Workplaces USA (2024, 2025)
- Top Workplaces Colorado (2023, 2024)
- Denver Business Journal’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award (2022, 2023)
Agnes was also honored during his career with:
- Baldridge Award for Leadership Excellence (2020)
- Mountain West Credit Union Association’s Credit Union Professional of the Year (2016)
- Boulder Chamber’s Businessperson of the Year (2016)
- Credit Union Executive Society’s Outstanding Chief Executive (2015)
Additionally, Agnes’s tenure saw the creation of the Local Change Foundation, which is supported in part by Elevations and has provided over $4 million in community resources since its 2010 founding, ECU added.
‘Transformed Our Organization’
“Gerry transformed our organization through his leadership and built a lasting legacy with his deep dedication to our members and the Colorado community. We thank him for his outstanding service and look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation he established,” Chairman Ray Martinez said in a statement.
