First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union names new chief experience officer, head of corporate social responsibility
ALLENTOWN, PA (February 26, 2021) —
First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, the #1 ranked credit union in PA by Forbes and leader in inclusive banking in the Lehigh Valley announced the appointment of a new Chief Experience Officer, James Gagliano. This key role supports strategic organic growth, retail expansion, community impact and the not-for-profit organization’s award-winning corporate social responsibility initiatives.
As a member of the executive leadership team, Jim leads First Commonwealth’s Member Experience organization, Investment Services CUSO, Corporate Social Responsibility and its WE Thrive Foundation. In his role, Jim provides strategic direction and leadership for its 11 financial centers, contact center, investment services, corporate social responsibility and employer partner development, and serves as Executive Director of its foundation. The Chief Experience Officer position became available in early 2020 as a result of the promotion of its former Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, Tricia Szurgot, to Chief Operating Officer. “Selecting Jim as our new Chief Experience Officer is the culmination of a year-long executive search to find exactly the right person for this key role. He brings the perfect mix of experience, leadership style, a passion for people and community and alignment with our mission, vision and core values,” said Donna LoStocco, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Commonwealth.
Jim Gagliano started his career as a financial advisor and transitioned to the banking industry in 1999. Jim brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in retail banking, lending & business banking services and key skills in financial sales management, marketing, operations, and product development. Jim served as CRA Officer for many years at his former bank and currently serves as the Finance Chair for the West Chester Salvation Army.
LoStocco added, “Since joining First Commonwealth almost five years ago, I’m thrilled to now have our executive leadership ‘dream team.’ We have the right people, with the right experience and mindset, in the right roles to accelerate our strategic growth, transformation and positive community impact. We are positioning First Commonwealth for the future, accelerated growth and to do more good for more people throughout the Lehigh Valley communities. Our executive ‘dream team’ includes: Tricia Szurgot, Chief Operating Officer; John Melcher, Chief People Officer; Kim Murray, Chief Financial Officer; Kevin Brown, Chief Lending Officer; Jim Gagliano, Chief Experience Officer; Karla Trumbauer, Chief Information & Technology Officer; Steve Mertz, Senior Vice President Business & Retail Lending. Together, we’re working tirelessly to strengthen our communities by empowering positive change, making quality, affordable financial services more accessible and serving the evolving financial needs of the diverse Lehigh Valley community.”
About First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union
First Commonwealth, headquartered in Allentown, PA, is one of the most accomplished and preeminent credit unions serving Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon Counties in PA, and Warren County, NJ. With 12 locations and a top-tier digital banking experience, it serves 81,000 members and 2,400 companies. Since 1959, First Commonwealth has prioritized growth, innovation, technology, and friendly service. First Commonwealth has 235+ employees and over $1.2 billion in assets, operating as a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative embodying purpose-driven values.
