State Employees' Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

Leigh Brady, the President and Chief Executive Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision for the financial cooperative. Brady manages the alignment of member services with long-term institutional goals, ensuring the credit union maintains its commitment to affordable financial solutions. By overseeing the integration of digital banking platforms and traditional branch services, the President and Chief Executive Officer optimizes the member experience across the entire North Carolina footprint. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine product offerings like deposit accounts and loan structures. Leigh Brady drives organizational growth by prioritizing fiscal responsibility and cooperative values. Through the implementation of efficient operational frameworks, the President and Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the institution, fostering sustainable development while expanding the reach of essential banking services to diverse member populations throughout the region.

Michael Lord, the President & Chief Executive Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, architects the high-level policy framework governing the cooperative's extensive financial service portfolio. Lord focuses on the expansion of investment and insurance products, ensuring these offerings meet the evolving needs of the membership base. By monitoring market trends and regulatory shifts, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive positioning of the credit union within the broader financial sector. This executive role requires balancing aggressive growth targets with the conservative risk management necessary for a member-owned entity. Michael Lord drives the development of robust ATM networks and online banking infrastructure to enhance accessibility. Through the coordination of cross-departmental initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the institutional foundation, ensuring that all credit and debit card services remain reliable, secure, and aligned with the core mission of providing affordable financial solutions to the public sector.

John Sykes, the Chief Financial Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, manages the fiscal integrity and capital allocation strategies of the financial cooperative. Sykes oversees the balance sheet, investment portfolios, and liquidity management to ensure the credit union remains well-capitalized. By directing financial reporting and budgeting processes, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data necessary for informed strategic decision-making at the executive level. This role involves monitoring interest rate risks and economic indicators to protect member assets. John Sykes drives the development of financial models that support the expansion of loan and deposit services. Through the rigorous oversight of internal controls and audit functions, the Chief Financial Officer maintains compliance with regulatory requirements. Sykes ensures that the financial operations remain transparent and sustainable, directly contributing to the long-term viability of the institution and the continued delivery of low-cost financial services to the membership.

Jennifer Hamrick, the Chief Operating Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, executes the daily operational workflows that sustain the cooperative's vast service network. Hamrick oversees the internal processes related to deposit accounts and loan processing, ensuring seamless delivery of financial products to members. By streamlining branch operations and digital service channels, the Chief Operating Officer maximizes efficiency and reduces overhead costs. This leadership position involves managing the logistical requirements of the credit union's extensive physical presence across North Carolina. Jennifer Hamrick drives the implementation of new technology to improve transaction speeds and service reliability. Through the continuous assessment of operational performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities for process improvement, ensuring that all member-facing activities adhere to the highest standards of quality and service excellence while supporting the overall financial stability of the organization.

Sara Trexler, the Chief Administrative Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, directs the internal infrastructure and human capital strategies that support the cooperative's workforce. Trexler oversees organizational development, talent acquisition, and internal communications to ensure alignment with the credit union's mission. By managing the administrative systems that facilitate daily business functions, the Chief Administrative Officer creates a productive environment for all employees. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite members to implement policies that enhance workplace culture and operational efficiency. Sara Trexler drives initiatives focused on professional growth and staff retention, which are critical for maintaining high-quality member service. Through the optimization of administrative workflows, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to internal needs. Trexler supports the broader strategic goals by fostering a cohesive, well-trained team capable of delivering consistent financial solutions across the entire North Carolina market.

Adam Olls, the Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Legal Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, supports the legal department in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the financial industry. Olls focuses on contract review, compliance monitoring, and the mitigation of legal risks associated with new financial products. By assisting the Chief Legal Officer, the Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Legal Officer ensures that all credit union activities adhere to state and federal banking laws. This role involves providing legal guidance on the development of loan agreements and deposit account terms. Adam Olls drives the resolution of legal challenges, protecting the interests of the cooperative and its members. Through the meticulous analysis of legislative changes, the Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Legal Officer helps the organization adapt its policies proactively. Olls maintains the legal framework necessary for the secure and lawful operation of all financial services provided by the institution.

Cathleen Plaut, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at State Employees' Credit Union, architects the legal strategy and governance framework for the entire financial cooperative. Plaut oversees all legal affairs, including regulatory compliance, litigation management, and corporate governance. By providing counsel to the Board and executive leadership, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel ensures that all strategic initiatives align with legal requirements and ethical standards. This role involves managing relationships with external regulatory bodies and overseeing the internal legal team. Cathleen Plaut drives the development of policies that safeguard the credit union against operational and reputational risks. Through the expert interpretation of banking regulations, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel enables the safe expansion of services like insurance and investment products. Plaut secures the legal foundation of the organization, ensuring that all business practices remain consistent with the cooperative's commitment to member protection and regulatory integrity.