MADISON, Wis.—World Council of Credit Unions’ President and CEO Elissa McCarter LaBorde has left the organization. Paul Treinen will serve as Interim CEO of both WOCCU and the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU), which McCarter LaBorde also oversaw in her role with the organization, WOCCU said.
Treinen retired from WOCCU in 2023, following a seven-year career as COO and executive vice president. “His deep understanding of the organization’s mission and operations positions him well to lead during this transitional period,” WOCCU said in a statement.
Named CEO in 2021
McCarter Laborde joined the World Council in 2021 as its first female CEO, succeeding Brian Branch, who retired. At that time, McCarter Laborde had had more than 20 years of experience leading organizations in delivering financial services to underserved communities across the globe, having served since 2009 as CEO of Vitas Group, a for-profit holding company she established under Global Communities, an international development and humanitarian aid organization that operates in 27 countries.
McCarter LaBorde had also served as Global Communities’ vice president of Development Finance.
“We thank Elissa for her years of service at an unprecedented time in WOCCU’s history and celebrate the organization’s success under her leadership,” said Michael Lawrence, WOCCU chair and president of Australia’s Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA), in a statement.
‘Strategic Crossroads’
The World Council said it now stands at a “strategic crossroads,” and that it is an “opportune time for the organization to refocus on its core trade association activities and advocacy mission.”
In February, the World Council said it was forced to let go more than half of its employees after the Trump administration put a freeze on USAID funding projects around the world. At the time McCarter Laborde said WOCCU had begun taking steps to minimize expenses and protect its cash reserves.
‘No Disruption’
“Under Paul’s leadership, the Board is confident there will be no disruption to the trade association’s services, ongoing projects, partnerships or contracts,” the World Council said. “The WOCCU and WFCU management teams remain focused on supporting our global membership’s needs and delivering against our project plans and donor commitments.”
World Council said it has launched a search for a permanent president and CEO.
America’s Credit Unions Issues Statement
In response to McCarter Laborde’s exit, America’s Credit Unions President and CEO Jim Nussle issued a statement saying, “Thank you to Elissa McCarter LaBorde for her contributions to WOCCU. We recognize and appreciate the dedication she brought to the credit union movement and wish her all the best in the next chapter. Having worked with Paul Treinen previously, we know he brings deep industry knowledge to WOCCU. World Council plays a vital role in strengthening financial inclusion and empowering communities worldwide. As a member of WOCCU, America’s Credit Unions continues to fully support their mission and impactful work.”
