UW Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

UW Credit Union has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, and human resources.

Dedicated to serving the University of Wisconsin communities, UW Credit Union maintains a robust financial mission focused on member-centric banking services and long-term economic stability across the region.

Leadership Roles at UW Credit Union

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Paul Kundert
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Joseph Liethen
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Maggie Hertz
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Rob Van Nevel
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Ralph Buelling
  • Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer - Pamela Peterson
  • Paul Kundert - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Paul Kundert, the President & Chief Executive Officer at UW Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision for this financial institution. By aligning institutional goals with the needs of University of Wisconsin communities, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent growth and member value. Paul Kundert manages high-level relationships with the Board of Directors to maintain regulatory compliance and fiscal health. This leadership role involves overseeing the expansion of financial services across the Midwest market. Through rigorous analysis of market trends, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes service delivery models to enhance member satisfaction. By fostering a culture of financial integrity, the executive maintains the institution's reputation as a trusted provider. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the organization through prudent risk management and innovative service development.
    Paul Kundert

    Joseph Liethen - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Joseph Liethen, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at UW Credit Union, manages the financial health and capital allocation strategies of the institution. Overseeing treasury functions and financial reporting, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures accurate accounting and regulatory compliance. Joseph Liethen directs investment strategies that support the credit union's long-term growth while mitigating financial risk. This role involves providing critical data to the Board of Directors to inform strategic decision-making regarding interest rates and loan portfolios. By optimizing the balance sheet, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer maintains the liquidity required to serve the university community effectively. The executive also monitors economic indicators to adjust financial planning in response to market volatility. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for the institution to continue providing comprehensive banking services.
    Joseph Liethen

    Maggie Hertz - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Maggie Hertz, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at UW Credit Union, manages internal business processes and service delivery efficiency. Focusing on retail banking operations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer streamlines member interactions to ensure seamless access to financial products. Maggie Hertz coordinates with department heads to implement operational improvements that reduce overhead and increase service speed. This role involves monitoring branch performance metrics to maintain high standards of member support across the Wisconsin footprint. By refining internal workflows, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence throughout the organization. The executive also oversees the integration of new service protocols to meet evolving member demands. Through consistent oversight of daily operations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of providing accessible, reliable financial solutions to the university community.

    Rob Van Nevel - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Rob Van Nevel, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at UW Credit Union, focuses on the strategic expansion of lending services and member acquisition channels. By overseeing the credit and loan processing divisions, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that financial products meet the specific needs of the university population. Rob Van Nevel directs the development of new lending programs that drive revenue growth and market penetration. This leadership role involves analyzing credit risk and optimizing loan approval processes to maintain a healthy portfolio. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with marketing and sales teams to increase the visibility of financial offerings. Through the management of regional lending initiatives, the executive ensures consistent service quality across all operational territories. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer strengthens the institution's market position by delivering tailored financial solutions to members.
    Rob Van Nevel

    Ralph Buelling - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Ralph Buelling, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at UW Credit Union, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks necessary for modern banking. Overseeing the technology department, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures the security of member data and the reliability of online financial platforms. Ralph Buelling directs the implementation of scalable software solutions that support the institution's diverse range of financial services. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite members to align technological investments with long-term business objectives. By modernizing core banking systems, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer enhances the digital experience for members across the region. The executive also manages complex IT projects to maintain competitive advantages in the financial sector. Through proactive threat assessment and system optimization, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer protects the integrity of the institution's digital assets.

    Pamela Peterson - Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer

    Pamela Peterson, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer at UW Credit Union, directs human capital strategies and organizational development. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee training, and performance management, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer fosters a workplace culture aligned with the institution's mission. Pamela Peterson implements programs that enhance employee engagement and retention across all departments. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to ensure that staffing levels support the credit union's operational goals. By developing comprehensive compensation and benefits structures, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer attracts top talent to the financial sector. The executive also manages internal communications to ensure alignment with corporate values and strategic initiatives. Through the cultivation of a skilled and motivated workforce, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer directly supports the delivery of high-quality financial services to the university community.

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

    Who leads UW Credit Union?
    UW Credit Union is led by Paul Kundert (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joseph Liethen (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and Maggie Hertz (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of UW Credit Union’s executive team?
    The executive team of UW Credit Union includes leaders such as Paul Kundert (President & Chief Executive Officer), Joseph Liethen (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), Maggie Hertz (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UW Credit Union have?
    UW Credit Union has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UW Credit Union’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UW Credit Union includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer.