Golden 1 Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Golden 1 Credit Union has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, financial oversight, service operations, and organizational leadership.

Committed to member-focused financial empowerment, Golden 1 Credit Union delivers comprehensive banking solutions while maintaining a robust, community-centered approach to regional economic growth and stability.

Leadership Roles at Golden 1 Credit Union

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Donna Bland
  • Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - Evin Ollinger
  • Chief Financial Officer - Arthur Goolkasian
  • President - Cheryl Gallo
  • Chief Technology Officer - Val Smith
  • 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 for the organization. Bland manages the alignment of member services with long-term financial health, ensuring the credit union maintains a competitive edge in the California market. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of operational excellence and fiscal responsibility. Donna Bland drives initiatives that expand access to checking, savings, and lending products for a diverse membership base. Through constant engagement with the Board, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the institution's mission of providing affordable financial solutions. This leadership role requires balancing regulatory compliance with innovative growth strategies. Ultimately, Bland ensures the credit union remains a pillar of financial stability, supporting the economic well-being of members across the entire region through prudent management and visionary planning.
    Donna Bland

    Evin Ollinger - Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

    Evin Ollinger, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Golden 1 Credit Union, architects the foundational growth strategies that define the organization's market presence. Ollinger focuses on scaling the credit union's digital infrastructure to meet modern consumer demands for seamless banking. By coordinating with internal stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder ensures that product development remains aligned with the core mission of member-centric financial services. Evin Ollinger drives the expansion of investment and credit card offerings, targeting broader market segments to increase institutional reach. This role involves navigating complex financial landscapes to maintain liquidity and operational efficiency. Through rigorous analysis of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder optimizes service delivery models. Ultimately, Ollinger secures the long-term viability of the credit union by fostering innovation and maintaining a steadfast commitment to the foundational principles established during the inception of the organization.

    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 institution. Goolkasian oversees the budgeting, financial reporting, and risk management frameworks that protect member assets. By analyzing economic indicators, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that lending and investment portfolios remain balanced and profitable. Arthur Goolkasian drives the development of financial models that support long-term sustainability and growth. This role involves frequent reporting to the Board regarding liquidity positions and regulatory capital requirements. Through precise oversight of the treasury functions, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial integrity of the credit union. Ultimately, Goolkasian secures the institution's ability to provide competitive interest rates and affordable loan products, ensuring that the credit union remains a strong, reliable financial partner for members across the entire operational footprint.

    Cheryl Gallo - President

    Cheryl Gallo, the President at Golden 1 Credit Union, leads the tactical implementation of organizational policies and member engagement strategies. Gallo oversees the alignment of departmental goals with the broader mission of providing accessible financial services. By managing internal communications and operational standards, the President ensures that the credit union maintains a consistent brand experience. Cheryl Gallo drives initiatives that focus on community outreach and member retention, strengthening the institution's position in the local market. This leadership role involves coordinating with various business units to ensure that checking, savings, and lending products meet the evolving needs of the membership. Through the application of strategic management principles, the President fosters a high-performance environment. Ultimately, Gallo secures the operational success of the credit union by ensuring that all internal functions remain focused on delivering exceptional value and service to every member.

    Val Smith - Chief Technology Officer

    Val Smith, the Chief Technology Officer at Golden 1 Credit Union, directs the digital transformation of all banking platforms. Smith oversees the implementation of secure, scalable cloud infrastructure to support checking, savings, and loan processing. By managing the IT department, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all member data remains protected against evolving cyber threats. Val Smith drives the integration of advanced financial technologies that streamline user experiences across mobile and online channels. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with other C-suite members to align technical capabilities with business growth objectives. Through the deployment of robust software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer enhances operational efficiency and reduces transaction friction. Ultimately, Smith maintains the technological backbone of the credit union, ensuring that all digital services remain reliable, accessible, and secure for the entire membership base throughout the California region.

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

    Tom Genessy, the Executive VP, Service Operations, Security & Technology at Golden 1 Credit Union, directs the daily execution of member-facing services and internal security protocols. Genessy oversees the operational workflows that facilitate loan processing and account management. By integrating security measures into service operations, the Executive VP, Service Operations, Security & Technology ensures that every member interaction remains safe and efficient. Tom Genessy drives the optimization of branch and digital service delivery to improve overall member satisfaction. This role requires managing cross-functional teams to maintain high standards of service quality across the entire organization. Through the implementation of streamlined operational processes, the Executive VP, Service Operations, Security & Technology reduces overhead and enhances productivity. Ultimately, Genessy supports the credit union's mission by ensuring that all service channels operate with maximum reliability and security for the diverse membership.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Banking

    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 Evin Ollinger (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder) and Arthur Goolkasian (Chief Financial Officer).
    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), Evin Ollinger (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder), Arthur Goolkasian (Chief Financial Officer) 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 Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Technology Officer.