Glendale, AZ – Credit Union West has selected John Faries to serve as its new Vice President of Finance and Accounting Operations. He was placed by DDJ Myers, the well-known executive search and leadership development firm.
An executive with more than 20 years of industry service, Faries brings extensive asset liability management (ALM) expertise and balance sheet management experience to his new role. He previously served as CFO for Pivot Lending Group, and as the President & CEO of Columbine Federal Credit Union, a $64 million credit union located in Centennial, Colorado.
“We are thrilled to welcome John to our leadership team. His deep passion for the credit union mission and his track record of strategic financial leadership make him an outstanding fit for this role. I’m confident that John’s expertise and vision will help propel our organization forward and strengthen the financial well-being of the members we serve,” says Kelly Poldoski, Chief Financial Officer for Credit Union West.
Throughout his credit union career, Faries has also served in various senior-level positions including CFO/SVP of Finance for Aventa Credit Union and the Vice President of Finance & Business Development at Space Age Federal Credit Union.
“I’m excited and honored to join the Credit Union West team. Credit Union West embodies the philosophy of a not-for-profit financial cooperative and is truly focused on making a positive impact on the financial lives of their members and community. This is a fantastic opportunity for me to leverage my experience. I look forward to working with the talented team to further drive the Credit Union’s mission and strategic growth,” says Faries.
Faries earned his bachelor of arts degree and Master’s in Accountancy from the University of Missouri. He is a certified public accountant (CPA), a credit union development educator (CUDE), and holds his Series 65 (registered investment advisor) license.
“Working with Leah Gazaway and Candis Martinez of the DDJ Myers’ team has been an amazing experience. Leah provided strong guidance and communication through every step of the recruitment process. The team worked hard to ensure they found a great fit for both the credit union and the candidate,” Faries remarks.
When he’s not at the office, you’ll find Faries at the softball field watching his high school daughter in the pitcher’s circle.
About Credit Union West
The Credit Union West tradition had the honor of beginning in 1951 as Luke Federal Credit Union. Originally located on Luke Air Force Base, the organization’s mission was to enhance the lives of military members and their families through being a trusted provider of financial services. Today, Credit Union West embraces the same commitment to the military and now has expanded to include all who live, work or worship in Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai, Yuma, Mohave, Coconino, Cochise, Navajo, Apache, and Gila counties. Credit Union West serves over 90,000 members with more than $1.2 billion in assets. The credit union’s core principles have guided its decisions, which in turn has ensured integrity and trusted member service. Federally insured by the NCUA. Learn more at www.cuwest.org.
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.
