1st Bergen Federal Credit Union names new CEO
HACKENSACK, NJ (August 17, 2015) — Leo O’Donnell of Hazlet, New Jersey has been named chief executive officer of 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union, an affiliate of Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc., Bergen County’s designated anti-poverty agency.
1st Bergen is a member-owned not-for-profit financial institution, chartered by the federal government, meeting the banking needs of consumers, especially those of modest means.
With more than 20 years’ experience in credit unions, O’Donnell will leverage his operational and industry expertise to provide new direction and leadership to the organization. Before coming to 1st Bergen, he served as vice president of lending at First Atlantic Federal Credit Union
The son of a banker, O’Donnell started his credit union career in 1995 supporting credit unions across the country as new business development officer and client credit union relations officer within the real estate credit union service industry. “Working with so many credit unions of varying size and membership bases has given me a unique perspective on how important credit unions are to their members,” he said.
“I developed a special affinity for smaller credit unions with members who were underserved. I was especially attracted to 1st Bergen because of the strong relationship the credit union has with its parent agency, Greater Bergen Community Action, and the exciting possibilities that association brings,” he added.
Dr. Allan DeGiulio, chairman of the board of 1st Bergen, said, “We are fortunate to have Leo join us as CEO. He is a pleasure to work with, and he shows a keen understanding of what our members need and how we can provide the financial resources that can help them take the next step in their lives.” He continued, “We believe he will bring real growth and stability to 1st Bergen and help us advance our overall mission–to reduce the impact of poverty.”
Leo is a graduate of Wagner College. He and his wife Susan married for 32 years, have one son, TJ.
About 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union
1st Bergen Federal Credit Union is a non-profit community-based financial institution, open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, volunteers or worships in Bergen County, Paterson or Jersey City, New Jersey. It offers a full array of banking services for consumers, including savings, checking, loans, mortgages and online banking. As an affiliate of Greater Bergen Community Action, 1st Bergen includes services geared to those with low income and/or poor credit.
