ANTIGO, WI (May 18, 2026) |
CoVantage Credit Union today announced that, following a nationwide search, Matt Kaudy has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026. Kaudy will succeed Charlie Zanayed, who is retiring after 13 years of distinguished service in support of CoVantage’s mission and its member-owners.
“We are deeply grateful for Charlie’s leadership and the lasting impact he has made on CoVantage, its member-owners, and its employees,” said CoVantage Credit Union Board Chair Mike Windberg. During Zanayed’s tenure, the credit union grew from approximately $1 billion in assets, 80,000 members, and 280 employees to more than $4 billion in assets, over 183,000 members, and more than 500 dedicated employees.
“Following a planned succession and comprehensive nationwide search, the Board is confident that Matt is the right leader for CoVantage’s next chapter,” said Windberg. “Matt is a highly effective, people-centered leader who is humble, a strong listener, and committed to carrying forward the servant leadership culture CoVantage is known for. He brings an analytical mindset, strong financial expertise, and a proven ability to drive sustainable growth and member value.”
Kaudy has more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in the credit union industry. For the past decade, he has served at EECU Credit Union, a $4.7 billion organization, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, serving more than 300,000 members with approximately 420 employees and 22 financial centers.
Most recently, Kaudy served as Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, leading corporate strategy and key growth and operational areas, including human resources, payments, digital, contact center, financial centers, marketing, and community engagement.
Prior to joining EECU in 2015, Kaudy held senior leadership roles at NASA Federal Credit Union and Fairfax County Federal Credit Union, now part of Apple Federal Credit Union.
“I am honored to join CoVantage and grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board,” said Kaudy. “CoVantage’s commitment to its mission, its member-owners, and the communities it serves strongly resonates with me. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside the CoVantage team as we continue to strengthen our impact and serve our members.”
Service and community engagement have been central to Kaudy’s career. He has served on the board of Cornerstone Resources, Junior Achievement, and the EECU Community Foundation, among other organizations.
Under Kaudy’s leadership, CoVantage Credit Union will continue to build on its strong foundation, with a focus on serving members, supporting communities, and pursuing opportunities to evolve and grow for the future.
