FORT WAYNE, IN (July 28, 2026) |
3Rivers Credit Union announced three senior leadership appointments designed to support the credit union’s growth, strengthen its internal leadership infrastructure, and deepen its lending support for local businesses: Allison Meyer as vice president of communications, Steve Bennett as vice president of talent, and Kristin Smith as assistant vice president of commercial lending.
As 3Rivers grows and continues serving more members, the roles reflect targeted investment in areas central to the credit union’s future: clear communication, strong team leadership, and relationship-based business lending.
"Growth only means something if it strengthens what we already do well," said 3Rivers CEO Don Cates. "Allison ensures our message stays clear and consistent during key moments for our team, members, and community. Steve makes sure we have the people and leaders in place to carry our culture forward. Kristin makes sure local businesses have the guidance and partnership they need to grow. Together, these leaders help 3Rivers move forward without losing sight of who we are."
Allison Meyer, vice president of communications
In this newly created role, Meyer helps guide 3Rivers’ broader communications strategy, including corporate messaging, brand reputation, community partnerships, and executive message advisory across the credit union. She advises executive leadership on messaging and stakeholder engagement, translating 3Rivers' mission and strategic priorities into clear, unified communications for members, employees, and the community.
The role was created to support 3Rivers’ continued growth and provide senior communications leadership focused on alignment, trust, and readiness as the credit union navigates change and opportunity.
Meyer joins 3Rivers after nearly eight years at Do it Best Group, where she led communications through the company's largest acquisition, adding $2.5B in revenue, and supported work that earned national recognition through Fox Business.
"This role is an opportunity to bring more structure and intention to how 3Rivers communicates as it continues to grow. And I'm excited about the opportunity to be doing it here," said Meyer.
Steve Bennett, vice president of talent
Bennett, who previously served as assistant vice president of talent experience, leads talent strategy across workforce planning, leadership development, succession planning, and organizational design. The role formalizes talent as a direct driver of business strategy and long-term organizational strength.
"Talent drives every strategic priority we have," Bennett said. "It comes down to having the right people in the right roles, giving them what they need to succeed, and building leaders who help others grow. When we get that right, members receive better service and better financial guidance."
As 3Rivers continues to grow—now with more than 500 team members across its Indiana and Ohio footprint—Bennett said carrying the credit union’s culture forward will require intention. “Growth creates opportunity, but it also creates responsibility,” Bennett said. “We have to be intentional about carrying our culture with us instead of assuming it'll happen naturally. That starts with hiring people who believe in our mission and giving them the support to succeed."
Kristin Smith, assistant vice president of commercial lending
Smith, who previously served as business service manager, has spent more than a decade at 3Rivers in commercial and SBA lending. As of Q1 2026, 3Rivers' commercial lending portfolio surpassed $330 million—growth Smith helped drive through more than a decade of work in commercial and SBA lending at the credit union. In her new role, she leads the team supporting local businesses through financing, growth planning, and long-term relationship management.
"As a member-owned cooperative, 3Rivers is rooted in our communities like the businesses we serve," Smith said. "Our role is to understand where each business is headed and provide them with guidance, financing, and a partnership to help get them there."
Smith said 3Rivers’ work with local businesses often extends across multiple stages of growth, from initial financing to expansion, succession planning, and long-term stability. She pointed to one local growing business 3Rivers supported through its initial building, an expansion, and most recently a new event center—growth that has allowed the business to expand its own support for local education and health and wellness nonprofits.
"We help businesses through hardship, through the ebbs and flows of seasonality, and through succession planning," Smith said. "That's how commercial lending ties back to our mission of financial wellness in our community."
