GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.– Xtend has named Stuart Kuzik as its new CEO Kuzik. Kuzik, who also currently serves as CEO the CUSO CU*NorthWest in Spokane, Wash., will remain in that role, as well, while the Xtend board and the CU*NorthWest board consider a potential management contract arrangement as part of their ongoing collaboration, according to the organizations.
As member organizations of the cuasterisk.com network, both boards see this as a strategic opportunity to improve operational efficiencies, while continuing to preserve each organization’s unique culture, identity and strengths, the organizations added.
‘Long History of Serving’
“Xtend has a long history of serving the credit union community and I’m excited to work with the knowledgeable team, the CUSO’s partners, as well as its great ownership community,” said Kuzik. “Credit unions are vital to their communities, and shared service providers like Xtend play a key role in ensuring those credit unions can apply their resources towards what matters most: their members.”
“We are excited to welcome Stuart to Xtend,” Board Chair Chuck Papenfus, CEO of Inland Valley Credit Union in Fontana, Calif., said in a statement. “This is more than just a leadership transition, it’s a demonstration of how collaboration within the cuasterisk.com network creates tangible value for our credit union owners. Stuart’s experience and vision will be a tremendous addition to our mission of serving credit unions.”
Prior to joining CU*NorthWest, Kuzik served as Chief Credit Officer of Bluff View Bank, responsible for all lending activities of the Western Wisconsin community bank. He also serves as a Principal Consultant for New Path Ventures, LLC, an investment firm targeting businesses and commercial real estate development.
Additional Experience
In addition to his work in the financial industry, Kuzik served as director of
Business & Community Engagement for the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority, revamping the state agency’s $20 million loan guarantee program and related loan policies. Kuzik spent his 20+ year career building from a part-time teller, to commercial banker, to an executive. He has worked for two state cabinet secretaries focusing on economic development, and started several businesses, including his own private equity and business consulting firm.
