PORTLAND, Maine—Two credit unions have announced a change in leadership.

In Maine, after more than two decades as CEO, Gene Ardito has announced plans to retire June 1 from cPort Credit Union. Named as Ardito’s successor is Kelsey Marquis, who currently serves as COO/CFO.

The $415.8-million cPort CU said Marquis will become president on March 1 and then add the CEO title on  Ardito’s retirement date.

Ardito was named president and CEO of cPort in 2004, with the credit union saying that during his tenure it expanded to five branches from two (a sixth is being built); membership more than doubled to 35,000; assets grew to more than $415 million from $88 million, and employment grew to 116 from 36.

‘Vision and Commitment’

“His vision and commitment have driven remarkable growth, modernization, and a culture of excellence that will continue to shape our future,” Chairman Scott Paquet said in a statement. “We are incredibly thankful for his contributions and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

In a statement of his own, Ardito said of Marquis, “As president and CEO, she will be responsible for executing cPort’s strategic vision, ensuring operational excellence, and continuing to strengthen our position as a leader in Maine’s credit union community.”

Educational Background

The credit union said Marquis started at cPort as a teller in 2010 after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. She went on to earn her MBA in Leadership from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish.

New President at Pelican State CU

Separately, in Baton Rouge, La., Pelican State Credit Union has named a new president.

The $725-million Pelican State said it has selected Melissa Ott to the position as long-time president and CEO Jeffery K. Conrad moves solely to the CEO role as part of the CU’s succession plan. 

Ott has been with Pelican State since 2000, joining the credit union while studying Accounting at Louisiana State University. After graduation, she moved up through a variety of roles, including in marketing financial outreach and electronic services, the CU said.

In 2016 Ott was named CFO, where she spearheaded numerous initiatives that “improved the credit union’s operations and enhanced member experience. She was also instrumental in completing the $12 million build of Pelican’s corporate headquarters and defining its core values,” Pelican State said.
In 2022, Ott was named EVP, overseeing all departments, “refining her lending and collections experience while reducing silos and poor performance. Her promotion to President is the culmination of years of exemplary leadership across all business functions,” PSCU added.

List of Accomplishments

According to Pelican State, Ott has also:

• Been recognized by America’s Credit Unions as a Credit Union Rock Star and the Livingston Parish Chamber for Women in Executive Leadership. 
• Created innovative employee engagement strategies that secured Pelican’s place on the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Best Places to Work seven years in a row.
• Has been recruited to appear on executive panels by Kasasa and ALM First, and leaders across multiple industries routinely ask Ott to advise and mentor both individuals and companies.

‘The Exception’
“Her career path is the exception rather than the norm. She demonstrates a high energy level with strong organizational skills. She is at the maximum Hogan adjustability score, which means she can adapt faster than 99% of the world,” Conrad in a statement. “Melissa is an inspiration to everyone she comes in contact with. She has become a leader and coach who consistently displays compassion, humility, kindness, integrity, and innovation while procuring high performance and growth.” 
Long Tenure
Conrad has been with Pelican State for 38 years, including 29 as president & CEO.