Contact: Sharon Simpson, (240) 620-4095, sgsimpsonconsulting@mac.com
Klamath Falls, OR — Sage Credit Union has selected Rich Christensen to serve as its Chief Operating Officer, a newly created position for the cooperative.
He was placed by DDJ Myers, the well-known executive search and leadership development firm.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Rich to the Sage team,” says Chad Olney, CEO of Sage Credit Union. “His role in advancing our mission of providing members and communities the opportunity to prosper will be critical. We’re confident that his expertise in translating strategy into operational execution will help Sage strengthen the member experience and prepare for an even brighter future.”
Christensen brings over 40 years of progressive leadership experience across community banks, regional banks and credit unions to his new position. Throughout his career, he has become known for strengthening “people-first” cultures, driving core deposit growth, modernizing operations and technology and partnering effectively with internal teams, members, communities and stakeholders alike.
“It’s an honor to join a deeply impactful community financial institution like Sage Credit Union,” says Christensen. “I look forward to using my unique combination of industry knowledge and experience, in partnership with the entire team, to prepare and help lead us to our next level of sustainable, long-term growth.”
Prior to joining Sage Credit Union as Chief Operating Officer, Christensen served as Executive Vice President/Chief Banking Officer for Mission Valley Bank. He’s also served in various executive leadership roles at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, San Diego National Bank, First Foundation Bank and CUNA Mutual Group.
As a passionate advocate of continual learning and development, Christensen has been a top-rated faculty member at The Pacific Coast Banking School for the past 23 years. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys spending as much time as possible in the great Oregon outdoors, attending live concerts and theatre and cheering on the San Diego Padres. He is also a proud Father and Grandfather to three adult children and two grandchildren.
About Sage Credit Union
Founded in 1936, Sage Credit Union has grown from a small mill-town financial cooperative that operated out of a shoebox with cash into a full-service financial institution serving more than twenty-five thousand members across Southern Oregon and Northern California. Guided by the credit union philosophy of people helping people, the credit union delivers financial services designed for rural communities. On January 1, 2026, Pacific Crest FCU officially became Sage Credit Union, continuing its legacy of service under a new name that reflects the strength, resilience, and wisdom of the sage land region. Learn more at sagecu.org.
About DDJ Myers, an ALM First Company
For more than 30 years, DDJ Myers has served as a trusted advisor to high-performing organizations, guiding them through complex challenges such as leadership alignment, cultural transformation, and governance excellence. Recognized as industry thought leaders in change management and leadership development, the team is committed to cultivating the next generation of visionary leaders.
DDJ Myers joined forces with ALM First, a strategic partner that offers depositories 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.
