Ascend Federal Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

Stuart Blatt, the Chief Executive Officer at Ascend Federal Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Blatt architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the credit union maintains a competitive edge in the financial services sector. By overseeing the alignment of member-focused banking products with institutional goals, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence across all branches. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine service delivery models and enhance member value. Stuart Blatt monitors market trends to ensure the institution remains a leader in providing accessible loans and savings solutions. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the credit union. Ultimately, Blatt fosters a culture of service that supports the diverse needs of the community while maintaining the not-for-profit mission of the institution.

Matt Jernigan, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Ascend Federal Credit Union, manages the daily execution of corporate objectives. Jernigan oversees the integration of digital banking tools with physical branch operations to ensure a seamless experience for members. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Jernigan coordinates with department heads to optimize loan processing and credit card services. This role requires balancing aggressive expansion goals with the conservative risk management necessary for a credit union. Matt Jernigan drives initiatives that improve member engagement through financial education programs and personalized service offerings. By analyzing operational data, the President & Chief Executive Officer identifies opportunities for efficiency gains across the regional network. Jernigan maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the credit union continues to provide high-value financial products to the community while upholding the core values of the organization.

David Feldhaus, the Chief Financial Officer at Ascend Federal Credit Union, directs the fiscal strategy and capital allocation for the entire organization. Feldhaus oversees the management of assets and liabilities to ensure the credit union maintains a robust balance sheet. As the Chief Financial Officer, Feldhaus monitors interest rate fluctuations and market conditions to optimize the pricing of savings accounts and loan products. This leadership role involves reporting financial performance to the board and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory accounting standards. David Feldhaus drives the development of financial models that support long-term stability and member benefits. By analyzing revenue streams and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer identifies areas for investment in technology and infrastructure. Feldhaus secures the financial integrity of the institution, providing the necessary resources to support the credit union's mission of delivering accessible and affordable banking services to the community.

Josh Sudbury, the Chief Legal Officer at Ascend Federal Credit Union, directs the legal strategy and risk mitigation framework for the organization. Sudbury oversees the drafting and negotiation of complex contracts related to vendor partnerships and financial service agreements. As the Chief Legal Officer, Sudbury ensures that all internal policies align with federal and state banking regulations. This leadership role involves advising the executive team on legal implications of new product launches and market expansions. Josh Sudbury drives the resolution of legal disputes and manages external counsel to protect the interests of the credit union. By implementing robust governance protocols, the Chief Legal Officer safeguards the institution against potential liabilities. Sudbury maintains a focus on ethical standards, ensuring that all operations remain transparent and compliant with industry requirements, thereby supporting the overall mission of providing secure and reliable financial services to the membership.

Jill Guidicy, the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at Ascend Federal Credit Union, directs the internal audit and regulatory compliance programs. Guidicy oversees the implementation of anti-money laundering protocols and consumer protection standards across all banking channels. As the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Guidicy coordinates with federal regulators to ensure the credit union meets all reporting obligations. This leadership role involves training staff on compliance best practices and monitoring internal processes for potential risks. Jill Guidicy drives the development of policies that protect member data and ensure the security of financial transactions. By conducting regular assessments of operational workflows, the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer identifies and remediates gaps in regulatory adherence. Guidicy supports the credit union's commitment to integrity, ensuring that every service provided to the community remains within the bounds of legal and ethical frameworks, ultimately fostering trust and long-term member loyalty.