BALTIMORE–Securityplus FCU said longtime Securityplus leader Charissa Martin has been appointed chief risk officer; Peter Minford has been named CFO, and Michael Gago has joined the organization as chief lending officer.
These appointments reflect the credit union’s commitment to delivering forward-thinking solutions, personalized service, and strategic growth that benefits members across the Baltimore metropolitan area, federal agencies, and select employee groups, the credit union said.
Together, these leaders bring a powerful combination of industry expertise, visionary leadership, and dedication to the Securityplus mission.
“Charissa, Peter, and Michael each bring exceptional expertise and a deep commitment to our members,” CEO Mike Barr, CEO of Securityplus Federal Credit Union. “Their leadership will strengthen our foundation, drive innovation, and ensure we continue delivering lasting value to the communities we serve.”
Charissa Martin has served Securityplus for 24 years, bringing deep institutional knowledge and more than a decade of progressive experience in enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, BSA/AML, vendor risk oversight, and operational excellence.
Over her tenure, she advanced through several leadership roles, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Compliance & Risk. In that position, she developed and implemented integrated risk management strategies, strengthened regulatory adherence, and led cross-functional initiatives to safeguard the credit union while enabling strategic growth.
Her leadership has consistently translated into stronger institutional resilience and measurable improvements in risk mitigation. She spearheaded initiatives that reduced operational vulnerabilities, enhanced fraud prevention protocols, and streamlined compliance processes — ensuring Securityplus remains well-positioned to serve members with both security and agility.
Martin holds an MBA and a BS in Business Management from the University of Maryland University College, along with multiple industry certifications, including NAFCU Certified Risk Manager (NCRM), NAFCU Certified Compliance Officer (NCCO), and CUNA Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist (BSACS). In her new role, she will lead the continued development of a proactive risk management culture that protects the institution while empowering strategic growth and innovation for the benefit of its members.
“As I step into the new role of Chief Risk Officer, I’m committed to fostering a culture of proactive risk management that not only protects our institution but also empowers us to pursue strategic growth with confidence,” said Martin. “Together, we’ll build a stronger, more resilient future for our members and the organization. I look forward to continuing to work with the Executive Leadership Team in reaching new heights at Securityplus FCU.”
Following Martin’s appointment, Peter Minford has been named Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than four decades of leadership in financial services, including over 20 years as a CFO. Widely recognized for his ability to strengthen fiscal oversight and implement forward-looking financial strategies, Minford has held senior leadership roles at both credit unions and banks, where he oversaw core operational functions and guided organizations through periods of transformation and growth.
During his tenure as CFO in previous organizations, Minford led financial transformations that improved operational efficiency, strengthened capital positions, and supported sustainable growth. His leadership was pivotal in optimizing balance sheet strategies, modernizing core financial systems, and aligning fiscal planning with long-term organizational goals.
In addition to his executive roles, Minford founded a successful financial software development firm, creating accounting solutions tailored to the needs of credit unions and banks. This blend of financial acumen and entrepreneurial innovation positions him to guide Securityplus’s financial strategy with precision and forward-thinking insight.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Florida State University, an MBA from the University of South Florida, and a diploma from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking. In his new role, Minford will lead the credit union’s financial strategy, ensuring sound fiscal management while supporting innovation, growth, and long-term member value.
“I am honored to join Securityplus Federal Credit Union as Chief Financial Officer,” Minford said. “It is truly refreshing to be part of an organization that values both its members and employees, cultivating a culture of integrity and collaboration. I look forward to working closely with the executive team to enhance our financial stewardship and support the financial well-being of our members. Together, we will continue to drive the Credit Union’s success for the benefit of our members and our dedicated staff.”
Rounding out the new appointments, Michael Gago has been named Chief Lending Officer, bringing more than 20 years of executive leadership in lending and operations. Known for his ability to grow portfolios, streamline processes, and deliver innovative credit solutions, Gago has consistently advanced lending strategies that expand access to credit and strengthen member relationships.
Most recently, he served as Chief Lending and Operations Officer at Alltrust Credit Union, where he oversaw all lending channels, retail banking, deposit operations, loan servicing, and collections. Under his leadership, the credit union expanded its market presence, introduced competitive secondary market programs, and implemented advanced lending technologies that improved efficiency and the member experience.
A graduate of Bentley University with an MBA/MS in Accounting and of Bryant University with a BS in Finance, Gago pairs strong financial acumen with a strategic leadership style that drives sustainable results. At Securityplus, he will lead the lending strategy to expand access to credit, develop products that meet members’ evolving needs, and advance the credit union’s long-term growth and ability to positively impact members’ financial well-being.
“It is a privilege to join Securityplus Federal Credit Union as its new Chief Lending Officer,” Gago said. “This institution has a distinguished history of serving its members with integrity, commitment, and care. Under the leadership of our CEO, Mike Barr, I am eager to collaborate with the entire team to further strengthen our strategic direction, enhance member value, and ensure the continued financial prosperity of our credit union and the communities we serve.”
The search that led to Gago’s appointment as Chief Lending Officer was completed in partnership with Humanidei. With decades of credit union system experience, Humanidei supports organizations in finding leaders who will carry their missions forward and make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.
