Press

Altana FCU board of directors appoints new President/CEO; Rhonda Diefenderfer retires after 20 years at the helm

BILLINGS, MT (April 19, 2021)

The Board of Directors of Altana Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Hagadone of Billings, Montana as the credit union’s new President and CEO, replacing Rhonda Diefenderfer who is retiring in May after 30 years with the organization, and 20 years as its President/CEO. The Board of Directors welcomes Hagadone with great enthusiasm and looks forward to his dynamic and engaging leadership which will guide Altana into the future.

Having spent his entire working career within the financial services industry, Hagadone’s experience ranges from retail banking at Wells Fargo to commercial lending for Stockman Bank.  In 2013, Diefenderfer hired Hagadone to serve as Altana’s Business Lending Manager, where he eventually advanced to VP of Business Lending and played a significant role on the senior leadership team alongside Diefenderfer.

Richard A Nauman, Sr, Board Chairman, noted that Hagadone’s active commitment to the counties and members Altana serves aligns well with the organization’s community driven values, something Diefenderfer has significantly invested in over the course of her tenure as President/CEO.  When Diefenderfer assumed the President/CEO role in 2001, growth and expansion was also at the forefront of her vision. Under her leadership, Altana grew from two branches with 56 million in assets to seven branches serving members in seven counties, totaling nearly 400 million in assets.

“It’s been an amazing twenty years and a true honor and privilege to have served as Altana’s President/CEO,” says Diefenderfer.  “I leave behind an incredible team that is ready and able to lead Altana into the next 20 years. I’m excited to watch it all happen from the sidelines.”

Hagadone and his wife, Ciara, have two sons, Graham, age 5, and Griffin, age 18 months.

Hagadone currently serves as Board President for Big Sky Senior Services and has been with that organization for six years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Rocky Mountain College.

“I’m excited to begin this new chapter in Altana’s long and storied history,” Hagadone notes. “We’ll continue to expand upon the foundation that Rhonda has built, and I look forward to contributing to our growth and success moving forward.”

Jason Hagadone

 

Rhonda Diefenderfer


About Altana Federal Credit Union

Altana Federal Credit Union was established in 1949 and has grown to serve over 20,000 members who live, work, or worship in one of seven counties across Montana. Over the past 70 years, the credit union has maintained its promise to simplify member’s lives, work in their best interest, and help its community members achieve a strong financial future. To learn more about Altana FCU, visit www.altanafcu.org.