Lacey, WA – O Bee Credit Union has selected Sharon Ortiz to serve as its new Vice President of People and Culture. She was placed by DDJ Myers, the well-known executive search and leadership development firm.
A results-driven professional with over 10 years of industry experience, Ortiz served in various roles of progressive responsibility for NE PA Credit Union, which recently merged with UECU, for a decade. In her role as Senior Vice President, she oversaw NE PA’s Lending, Member Services, Teller, and HR departments.
“We’re thrilled that Sharon will bring her industry experience and deep appreciation of the philosophy of the credit union movement to O Bee. Sharon will help amplify our culture of joy and performance, enabling our team to introduce O Bee’s ‘unapologetically unique’ style of banking to more of our Washington neighbors,” says Andrew Downin, President & CEO of O Bee Credit Union.
Prior to joining O Bee, Ortiz also served as AVP – Credit Union Engagement and Outreach for GoWest Credit Union Association, where she connected and supported credit union leaders from across a six-state region including Washington. During her time at GoWest, she was part of Downin’s welcoming team.
“I’m so excited to join the team at O Bee and help drive such an ‘unapologetically unique’ culture. I’m honored to champion, encourage, and develop O Bee’s most valuable assets; its people, as they fulfill our mission and serve our members with excellence. I can’t wait to see and share in all their accomplishments. It’s a truly exciting time to join the O Bee credit union team, and I’m ready to get to work,” says Ortiz.
Ortiz earned her Master of Science in Management & Leadership in Organizational Behavior from East Stroudsburg University and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saint Vincent College.
“Working with Lauren Sankwich, Candis Martinez and the rest of the team at DDJ Myers was an incredible experience. I appreciated their thoroughness, which ensured it was a great mutual fit for all parties. I’m so thankful to Lauren and Candis for providing the kind of support and guidance needed to make the process rewarding and enjoyable. They were communicative, organized, supportive, understanding, and true, compassionate allies,” Ortiz remarks.
When she’s not working, Ortiz enjoys spending lots of time outside with her daughter, hiking, swimming, and walking. She also enjoys singing, cooking, baking, and hosting friends.
About O Bee Credit Union
Founded in 1955 to serve Olympia Brewery employees, O Bee Credit Union has grown to serve members across Washington while staying true to its cooperative roots. O Bee continues to support local events, small businesses, and financial education initiatives. Learn more at www.obee.com.
About DDJ Myers, an ALM First Company
DDJ Myers specializes in leadership success through executive recruitment, strategic organization, and board development for financial institutions. In addition, they offer a broad range of online assessments to help companies optimize their greatest assets – their people. DDJ Myers joined forces with ALM First, a strategic partner for depositories, offering an array of financial advisory services, in 2022 to provide expanded educational opportunities and solutions to help clients optimize both people and financial performance. Learn more at www.ddjmyers.com or visit our parent company www.almfirst.com.
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Posted
July 21, 2025
Institution
O Bee Credit Union
