State Employees' Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

State Employees' Credit Union has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial management, operations, administration, legal oversight, and regulatory compliance.

Committed to member-focused financial services, State Employees' Credit Union delivers accessible banking solutions while maintaining a cooperative mission that prioritizes long-term economic stability for North Carolina residents.

Leadership Roles at State Employees' Credit Union

  • President and Chief Executive Officer - Leigh Brady
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Sykes
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jonathan Whaley
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Sara Trexler
  • Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Legal Officer - Adam Olls
  • Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel - Cathleen Plaut
  • Leigh Brady - President and Chief Executive Officer

    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 the core mission of providing accessible deposit accounts, loans, and investment products. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the President and Chief Executive Officer ensures that all operational initiatives support the long-term financial health of the membership base. This role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine institutional goals and maintain the cooperative's market position within the competitive financial landscape. Leigh Brady drives the expansion of digital banking capabilities and physical branch accessibility across the region. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the President and Chief Executive Officer secures the credit union's reputation for reliability and member-centric service, ultimately fostering sustainable growth and community impact throughout the entire operational footprint.

    John Sykes - Chief Financial Officer

    John Sykes, the Chief Financial Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, manages the fiscal integrity and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Sykes oversees the financial reporting, budgeting, and investment portfolios that sustain the cooperative's diverse range of deposit and loan products. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the balance sheet to ensure liquidity and long-term solvency. This leadership role requires close collaboration with the executive team to align financial resources with the strategic objectives of the credit union. John Sykes monitors the performance of credit and debit card programs while assessing the financial impact of new service offerings. Through precise management of institutional assets, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability necessary to support member needs across the entire regional network, ensuring that every financial decision reinforces the cooperative's commitment to fiscal responsibility and member value.
    John Sykes

    Jonathan Whaley - Chief Operating Officer

    Jonathan Whaley, the Chief Operating Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, directs the daily execution of financial services and operational workflows. Whaley oversees the infrastructure supporting ATM networks, online banking platforms, and branch operations to ensure seamless member experiences. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer improves efficiency across all service delivery channels, from loan processing to insurance product distribution. This role involves coordinating with department heads to implement technology upgrades that enhance the accessibility of financial solutions. Jonathan Whaley monitors operational metrics to identify opportunities for service optimization and cost reduction. Through the management of large-scale operational projects, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards of service expected by the membership. By focusing on the integration of digital and physical banking systems, Whaley ensures that the credit union remains responsive to the evolving needs of the diverse member base.

    Sara Trexler - Chief Administrative Officer

    Sara Trexler, the Chief Administrative Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, manages the internal organizational functions that support the cooperative's workforce and administrative infrastructure. Trexler oversees human resources, internal communications, and corporate facilities to ensure a productive environment for all employees. By aligning administrative policies with the broader mission of the credit union, the Chief Administrative Officer fosters a culture of service excellence and operational efficiency. This role involves managing the systems that facilitate employee training and development, which directly impacts the quality of member interactions. Sara Trexler coordinates with other C-suite leaders to implement organizational changes that support the strategic growth of the institution. Through the oversight of administrative processes, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the credit union maintains the necessary resources to deliver consistent financial services across the entire regional footprint, ultimately strengthening the internal foundation that supports the cooperative's long-term success.
    Adam Olls, the Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Legal Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance frameworks governing the cooperative's financial activities. Olls manages the legal risks associated with loan products, investment services, and digital banking operations. By interpreting complex financial regulations, the Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Legal Officer ensures that all institutional practices adhere to state and federal requirements. This role involves providing counsel to the executive team on matters of corporate governance and risk mitigation. Adam Olls monitors the evolving regulatory landscape to protect the credit union from potential liabilities while supporting the development of new financial solutions. Through the oversight of legal documentation and compliance audits, the Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Legal Officer maintains the integrity of the cooperative's operations, ensuring that all services remain compliant and secure for the entire membership base.
    Cathleen Plaut, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at State Employees' Credit Union, manages the comprehensive legal affairs and corporate governance standards of the organization. Plaut oversees the legal department, providing guidance on all contractual, regulatory, and litigation matters that impact the credit union's financial services. By architecting the legal framework for new product launches and service expansions, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel ensures that the cooperative operates within the bounds of law while pursuing its strategic objectives. This role involves representing the institution in high-level legal discussions and managing relationships with external regulatory bodies. Cathleen Plaut monitors legislative changes that could affect the banking industry, advising the leadership team on necessary adjustments to operational policies. Through the management of legal risk, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel protects the interests of the cooperative and its members, ensuring that all business practices uphold the highest standards of legal compliance.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding State Employees' Credit Union Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads State Employees' Credit Union?
    State Employees' Credit Union is led by Leigh Brady (President and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Sykes (Chief Financial Officer) and Jonathan Whaley (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of State Employees' Credit Union’s executive team?
    The executive team of State Employees' Credit Union includes leaders such as Leigh Brady (President and Chief Executive Officer), John Sykes (Chief Financial Officer), Jonathan Whaley (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does State Employees' Credit Union have?
    State Employees' Credit Union has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in State Employees' Credit Union’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of State Employees' Credit Union includes roles such as President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Legal Officer.