Press

FAIRHAVEN, MA (September 11, 2014) — First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union announced today a series of appointments and promotions. The management changes reflect the continued success and ongoing growth of First Citizens’ and will materially add to its capacities in retail operations, marketing, loan growth and outsourced services.

George Custodio has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief of Finance and Lending Operations. In this new role, Mr. Custodio will now be responsible for coordinating our entire lending operation in addition to his current responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Custodio is well known in financial circles having held senior level positions at several competing institutions. He has broad experience in the area of Risk and Compliance, Security, Institutional Banking, Finance and Treasury operations. He has two children and currently resides in North Dartmouth, MA with his wife JoAnn. George enjoys spending time with his family, travel and outdoor activities especially golf.

Christopher Howard has been promoted to Senior Vice President, and Chief of Retail and Support Operations. In his new role, Mr. Howard is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction to the Retail, Technology, Operations and Loan Servicing areas as the company expands its services to other financial institutions. Prior to joining First Citizens’ he held management positions at Fannie Mae, Graystone Solutions, and Nation One Mortgage Company. He presently resides in Hanson with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family and is currently working on completing his MBA at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management.

Leslie Poulin has been promoted to Director of Marketing. In her new role, Ms. Poulin will oversee the marketing program, public and media relations in addition to assisting in product development for the purposes of building member growth. Prior to joining First Citizens’ she oversaw the marketing, public relations, sales promotion activities and new audience development at a local media company. She has two daughters and currently resides in Acushnet, MA with her husband.

Jennifer LaFrance has joined Fist Citizens’ as Vice President of Retail Operations. Ms. LaFrance is responsible for overseeing the retail network for the credit union, developing and implementing new programs and products to build our branch network and to improve the member experience. She brings over 24 years of banking experience and most recently served as Senior Vice President of Consumer Banking in charge of Retail, Marketing and Loan Origination at Centerville Bank. She currently resides in Little Compton, RI with her three children and enjoys spending time with family.

Christopher Guenette joins First Citizens’ as Retail Sales Manager. Mr. Guenette is responsible for retail sales coaching and staff development. He also oversees the Credit Union’s First at Work Program and monitors product design and effectiveness. Chris has over 10 years of banking experience and is a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He resides in Fairhaven, MA with his wife and two sons. He enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, football and golf.

About First Citizens’
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union is one of the premier financial institutions in southeastern Massachusetts. With corporate offices in Fairhaven, MA, First Citizens’ can trace its roots back to 1937 when it opened its doors as a credit union in Bristol County. Today, with over 82,000 members and assets over $600 million, First Citizens’ has full service offices in New Bedford, Raynham, Taunton, Mattapoisett, Wareham, Falmouth, Mashpee, Hyannis and Orleans. The credit union offers a complete package of personal and business financial services as well as online and mobile banking. For more information, visit www.firstcitizens.org.