Golden 1 Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Golden 1 Credit Union has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, financial management, information systems, operations, and security.

Focused on enhancing financial wellness across California, Golden 1 Credit Union delivers comprehensive banking solutions while prioritizing community empowerment and member education through accessible financial resources.

Leadership Roles at Golden 1 Credit Union

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Donna Bland
  • Chief Financial Officer - Arthur Goolkasian
  • President - Cheryl Gallo
  • Chief Technology Officer - Val Smith
  • Chief Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Technology Officer - Mike Grommish
  • Executive VP, Service Operations, Security & Technology - Tom Genessy
  • Donna Bland - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Donna Bland, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Golden 1 Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational trajectory of the organization. Overseeing the delivery of personal and business banking services, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the mission of supporting financial wellness for all Californians. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine investment options and member perks. By championing community involvement, Donna Bland drives the credit union toward sustainable growth and long-term stability. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on expanding the reach of home loans and credit card offerings across the state. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the institution while fostering a culture of education and member empowerment.
    Donna Bland

    Arthur Goolkasian - Chief Financial Officer

    Arthur Goolkasian, the Chief Financial Officer at Golden 1 Credit Union, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Overseeing the balance sheet and investment portfolios, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the credit union maintains the liquidity required to offer competitive home loans and personal loans. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of market trends to guide the development of new financial products. By monitoring economic indicators across California, Arthur Goolkasian mitigates risk while maximizing returns for the membership base. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the executive team to align budgetary priorities with the mission of community education and financial wellness. Through precise financial reporting and strategic planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term viability of the institution. Goolkasian drives fiscal discipline to ensure that all banking services remain affordable and accessible to the diverse member population.

    Cheryl Gallo - President

    Cheryl Gallo, the President at Golden 1 Credit Union, leads the execution of member-facing initiatives and service delivery standards. Overseeing the branch network and customer service operations, the President ensures that every interaction reflects the commitment to financial wellness and community support. This leadership role involves refining the delivery of personal banking services to meet the evolving needs of the membership. By fostering a culture of service excellence, Cheryl Gallo drives member satisfaction and loyalty across the California region. The President coordinates with regional managers to ensure that educational resources and financial tools are readily available to all clients. Through the optimization of service workflows, the President enhances the efficiency of loan processing and account management. Gallo maintains a focus on expanding the impact of the credit union by ensuring that every member receives personalized attention and guidance in managing personal finances.

    Val Smith - Chief Technology Officer

    Val Smith, the Chief Technology Officer at Golden 1 Credit Union, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support modern banking services. Overseeing the integration of secure platforms for checking and savings accounts, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all digital touchpoints remain accessible and efficient for members. This role involves managing the technological roadmap to facilitate seamless personal and business banking transactions. By implementing advanced cybersecurity measures, Val Smith protects member data while enabling innovation in mobile and online banking. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to modernize internal systems, thereby increasing operational agility. Through the deployment of scalable software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer supports the broader goal of financial wellness. Smith maintains a focus on optimizing the digital experience to help members achieve financial goals with greater ease and reliability.

    Mike Grommish - Chief Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Technology Officer

    Mike Grommish, the Chief Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Technology Officer at Golden 1 Credit Union, directs the information architecture and data management frameworks. Overseeing the storage and processing of member financial records, the Chief Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Technology Officer ensures the integrity and availability of critical banking systems. This role involves managing the complex network of information technology that supports daily operations, from checking accounts to investment platforms. By leveraging data analytics, Mike Grommish provides insights that help the organization tailor services to member needs. The Chief Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Technology Officer collaborates with security teams to maintain robust defenses against emerging threats. Through the continuous improvement of information systems, the Chief Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Technology Officer enables the credit union to scale its services effectively across the California market.

    Tom Genessy - Executive VP, Service Operations, Security & Technology

    Tom Genessy, the Executive VP, Service Operations, Security & Technology at Golden 1 Credit Union, directs the operational security and technical support functions. Overseeing the physical and digital security protocols, the Executive VP, Service Operations, Security & Technology ensures that all banking transactions remain protected against fraud and unauthorized access. This role involves managing the operational logistics that support the delivery of credit cards and personal loans. By streamlining service operations, Tom Genessy improves the speed and reliability of member support. The Executive VP, Service Operations, Security & Technology collaborates with technology teams to integrate security features into new product offerings. Through the implementation of rigorous safety standards, the Executive VP, Service Operations, Security & Technology maintains the trust of the membership. Genessy drives operational efficiency to ensure that the credit union can provide consistent, high-quality service across all regional operations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Golden 1 Credit Union Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Golden 1 Credit Union?
    Golden 1 Credit Union is led by Donna Bland (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Arthur Goolkasian (Chief Financial Officer) and Cheryl Gallo (President).
    Who is part of Golden 1 Credit Union’s executive team?
    The executive team of Golden 1 Credit Union includes leaders such as Donna Bland (President & Chief Executive Officer), Arthur Goolkasian (Chief Financial Officer), Cheryl Gallo (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Golden 1 Credit Union have?
    Golden 1 Credit Union has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Golden 1 Credit Union’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Golden 1 Credit Union includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Technology Officer.