Nusenda Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nusenda Credit Union has 8 executives leading key functions including strategic leadership, financial management, marketing, information technology, human resources, and administrative operations.

Committed to member-focused financial services, Nusenda Credit Union drives economic growth across New Mexico by providing accessible banking solutions and fostering community development through innovative credit union practices.

Leadership Roles at Nusenda Credit Union

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Michelle Dearholt
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Joe Christian
  • Chief Financial Officer - Adam Heying
  • Market President - Shawn Ollis
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Sarah Lopez
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Kevin Murphy
  • Chief People Officer - Shane Myers
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer - Michael Buehler
  • Michelle Dearholt - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Michelle Dearholt, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Nusenda Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Dearholt manages the alignment of member services with long-term institutional goals to ensure sustainable growth within the competitive financial landscape of New Mexico. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for operational excellence and fiscal responsibility. Michelle Dearholt actively engages with the Board to refine corporate policies that enhance member value and community impact. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while promoting the credit union mission. Through the implementation of member-centric initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the institution. Ultimately, Dearholt secures the future stability of the credit union by prioritizing member needs and fostering a culture of integrity and service across all regional operations.

    Joe Christian - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Joe Christian, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Nusenda Credit Union, focuses on the expansion of digital banking capabilities and technological integration. Christian drives the modernization of financial products to meet the evolving demands of a diverse member base. By coordinating with the technology and operations departments, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that service delivery remains efficient and secure. Joe Christian evaluates market trends to identify opportunities for growth and service diversification. This leadership role requires constant assessment of risk management protocols to protect member assets. Through the development of strategic partnerships, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the reach of the credit union across the state. Ultimately, Christian optimizes internal processes to support scalable growth, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in the financial services sector while maintaining a strong commitment to member satisfaction and community welfare.

    Adam Heying - Chief Financial Officer

    Adam Heying, the Chief Financial Officer at Nusenda Credit Union, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Heying directs the accounting, treasury, and financial planning departments to ensure long-term solvency and profitability. By overseeing the budgeting process, the Chief Financial Officer maintains strict adherence to regulatory requirements and internal financial controls. Adam Heying analyzes economic indicators to guide investment decisions and mitigate financial risks. This leadership role involves providing the Board with detailed reports on performance metrics and capital adequacy. Through the optimization of financial operations, the Chief Financial Officer supports the strategic objectives of the credit union. Ultimately, Heying ensures that the institution possesses the necessary resources to fund member loans and community initiatives, maintaining a robust balance sheet that reflects the commitment of the credit union to financial stability and member prosperity.

    Shawn Ollis - Market President

    Shawn Ollis, the Market President at Nusenda Credit Union, manages regional operations and community relations within specific geographic territories. Ollis directs local business development efforts to expand the member base and increase market share. By overseeing branch performance, the Market President ensures that service delivery meets the high standards of the organization. Shawn Ollis engages with local business leaders and community organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration and economic development. This leadership role involves translating corporate strategy into actionable local initiatives that drive growth. Through the management of regional teams, the Market President maintains operational consistency and service quality across all assigned locations. Ultimately, Ollis strengthens the presence of the credit union in the community, ensuring that members receive personalized financial support while the institution achieves its regional growth targets and maintains a strong reputation for local service excellence.

    Sarah Lopez - Chief Marketing Officer

    Sarah Lopez, the Chief Marketing Officer at Nusenda Credit Union, architects the brand strategy and member engagement initiatives. Lopez directs all advertising, public relations, and digital communication efforts to increase brand awareness throughout the region. By analyzing consumer behavior data, the Chief Marketing Officer identifies key opportunities for member acquisition and retention. Sarah Lopez collaborates with product development teams to ensure that marketing campaigns accurately reflect the value proposition of the credit union. This leadership role involves managing the public image of the organization while promoting financial literacy programs. Through the execution of targeted outreach strategies, the Chief Marketing Officer drives growth in core banking services. Ultimately, Lopez strengthens the connection between the institution and the community, ensuring that the brand remains synonymous with trust, accessibility, and superior financial support for all members across the diverse markets served.

    Kevin Murphy - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Kevin Murphy, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Nusenda Credit Union, oversees the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity framework. Murphy directs the implementation of advanced banking technologies to enhance the member experience and streamline internal workflows. By managing the IT department, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures the reliability and security of all digital platforms. Kevin Murphy evaluates emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the financial services industry. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to align technology investments with the broader business strategy. Through the development of robust data protection protocols, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer safeguards member information against evolving threats. Ultimately, Murphy drives the digital transformation of the credit union, ensuring that all systems support efficient, secure, and innovative banking services for members across the entire operational footprint.

    Shane Myers - Chief People Officer

    Shane Myers, the Chief People Officer at Nusenda Credit Union, leads the human resources strategy and organizational development initiatives. Myers directs talent acquisition, employee training, and performance management programs to foster a high-performing workforce. By cultivating a positive corporate culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that staff members remain aligned with the mission of the credit union. Shane Myers oversees compensation and benefits structures to attract and retain top talent in the financial sector. This leadership role involves implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives that reflect the values of the organization. Through the development of leadership pipelines, the Chief People Officer prepares the next generation of managers to support the growth of the institution. Ultimately, Myers enhances employee engagement and productivity, ensuring that the workforce remains dedicated to providing exceptional service to members and contributing to the overall success of the credit union.

    Michael Buehler - Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

    Michael Buehler, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Nusenda Credit Union, directs the internal operations and administrative functions that support the daily activities of the organization. Buehler oversees facilities management, legal compliance, and corporate governance to ensure that all departments operate within established policies. By coordinating cross-functional projects, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer improves organizational efficiency and process standardization. Michael Buehler manages the administrative infrastructure to support the strategic goals of the credit union. This leadership role involves working closely with the Board and other executives to ensure that corporate operations remain transparent and effective. Through the optimization of internal workflows, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer reduces operational friction and enhances productivity. Ultimately, Buehler provides the foundational support necessary for the credit union to deliver consistent, high-quality financial services to members while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory and operational standards.
    Michael Buehler

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nusenda Credit Union Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nusenda Credit Union?
    Nusenda Credit Union is led by Michelle Dearholt (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joe Christian (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Adam Heying (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Nusenda Credit Union’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nusenda Credit Union includes leaders such as Michelle Dearholt (President & Chief Executive Officer), Joe Christian (President & Chief Executive Officer), Adam Heying (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nusenda Credit Union have?
    Nusenda Credit Union has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nusenda Credit Union’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nusenda Credit Union includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Market President, Chief Marketing Officer.