Winston-Salem, NC – Allegacy Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors has selected Nathanael Tarwasokono as its next President/CEO after a comprehensive search process. He was placed by DDJ Myers, the well-known leadership development firm that offers a broad range of solutions to help clients optimize their greatest assets – their people.
Allegacy’s current President/CEO, Cathy Pace, will retire on January 1, 2025, after serving the cooperative for more than 45 years. Pace and Tarwasokono, who will officially join Allegacy on February 15, 2024, will be working together closely to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.
“We’re excited to welcome Nathanael to Allegacy,” says Lisa Marshall, Board Chair. “His proven experience as a credit union CEO and ability to focus on forward-looking strategies, along with his personal desire to be rooted in North Carolina, make him the best fit as we plan for our cooperative’s purpose-filled future.”
Tarwasokono is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of experience in financial services. Over the last eight years, he has served as President/CEO of the $1B+ Firstmark Credit Union in San Antonio, TX. Previously, he served for nearly eight years as President/CEO of Pima Federal Credit Union, the 3rd largest credit union in southern Arizona.
“I’m thrilled to be coming home to North Carolina, and I’m humbled to be joining such a wonderful, well-respected credit union,” says Tarwasokono. “Allegacy has a dedicated board and leadership team, a great culture, and strong financials. Succeeding a visionary CEO like Cathy Pace is truly an honor, and I’m excited to continue her legacy of ‘doing the right thing’ for our members and communities.”
Tarwasokono has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Management. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He has a long history of community and industry involvement, including serving on both local and national boards.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at DDJ Myers,” says Tarwasokono. “I appreciated Deedee’s honest communication and her commitment to learning about me and ensuring I was the best fit for Allegacy.”
Tarwasokono is married and has two boys. His wife grew up in North Carolina and is looking forward to returning home. In his spare time, he enjoys building Legos, a favorite childhood activity he rediscovered as an adult.
