Bethpage Federal Credit Union names Dr. Michelle Nearon as Chair of the Board
Dr. Nearon, Bethpage’s first female Chair, is the associate Dean for graduate student development and diversity, Yale University
BETHPAGE, NY (May 9, 2017) — During Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s annual board meeting today, Dr. Michelle Nearon, the Associate Dean for Graduate Student Development and Diversity of Yale University, was named the new Chair of the Board, Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s first female chair. Dr. Nearon succeeds Don Balducci who served as Chair from 2014 – 2017.
A skilled leader, Dr. Nearon joined Yale University in July 2008 as Assistant Dean and Director of the Office for Diversity and Equal Opportunity in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. In June 2015 she was promoted to Associate Dean for Graduate Student Development and Diversity. She is a member of the Yale Board of University Health and serves as Chair for the Graduate School’s Climate and Inclusion Committee. She provides the strategic vision and leadership to build and maintain a supportive campus community where graduate students from diverse backgrounds and experiences are supported in their intellectual, social, and professional pursuits.
Dr. Nearon received her Ph.D. from Stony Brook University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2000. After graduating, she remained at Stony Brook University until June 2008 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering while also simultaneously serving as the Director of Recruitment and Diversification for the University’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
A resident of Shelton, Connecticut, Dr. Nearon has held a progression of positions on the Bethpage Board since 2006.
Dr. Nearon will work closely with the Bethpage Board of Directors, comprised of key industry leaders and business professionals, to ensure that Bethpage maintains its position as the premier community financial institution on Long Island, the largest credit union in the Northeast, the 16th largest in the nation. She will also continue to work with the board to oversee Bethpage’s future membership expansion efforts.
“I am extremely proud to take on the role as Chair of Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s impressive board. Throughout its 75 year history, Bethpage has always demonstrated an unwavering record of member and employee experience, as well as a strong commitment to the community,” said Dr. Nearon. “I very much look forward to continuing to work with Bethpage to uphold these essential standards.”
“Bethpage has an exceptional volunteer board of directors in place comprised of key industry leaders,” said Wayne N. Grossé, President and CEO, Bethpage. “Michelle is the first woman to hold the title of Chair but has been a long-standing and integral member of the Bethpage family for quite some time. Throughout the years she has continually provided sound and strategic leadership and we are fortunate to have her as our new Chair.”
Dr. Michelle Nearon received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in aerospace engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Brooklyn Polytechnic University, respectively.
Dr. Michelle Nearon
About Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a premier community financial institution committed to enriching the lives of its members, employees and the communities it serves for the past 80 years. Bethpage is the largest credit union in the Northeast Region, and the 14th largest in the nation.
As a not-for-profit credit union, Bethpage is committed to its members and the communities it serves. In addition to giving back to its members in the form of great rates and low fees, the Bethpage Cares program invests heavily in local, high-impact community programs that serve with an eye towards creating better communities through diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Named a Forbes “Best Place to Bank in New York,” the fifth “Best Company to Work for in New York State” by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management and a Glass Door Top Place to work for Small & Midsize companies in the US, Bethpage is a federally chartered credit union, available to people nationwide who open a $5 dollar membership account. Bethpage offers a robust digital platform that allows members to bank from anywhere. Bethpage is a part of the national CO-OP network that gives members access to their accounts at over 30,000 free ATMs and 5,000+ shared branches across the U.S. As a financial cooperative, Bethpage offers the best-in market rates, lowest fees and world-class service, plus a full menu of personal and commercial financial services. For more information on Bethpage’s robust portfolio of banking, borrowing, and investment services, visit www.lovebethpage.com or call 1-800- 628-7070.
