United Federal Credit Union welcomes four to new leadership roles
ST. JOSEPH, MI (May 24, 2021) — United Federal Credit Union (United) has announced the promotion of four employees to leadership roles following the recent acquisition of Michigan-based Edgewater Bank. All four are former Edgewater employees who will serve the credit union and its Members in positions ranging from Community President to Mortgage Manager in Southwest Michigan.
Rick Dyer joins United’s senior leadership team, serving as Community President. In his new role, Dyer—previously the President and CEO at Edgewater—will bring his more than 40 years of banking experience to United, leading the Commercial Lending team and continuing to actively be engaged within the community.
Under his leadership, Edgewater expanded its commercial lending presence in Michigan including most recently in 2018 and 2019 by adding a Loan Production Office in both Fremont and Greenville respectively, while also growing the commercial lending portfolio by over 30% and providing $43.7 million in payroll protection plan (PPP) loans to local businesses.
Dyer is from St. Joseph and has been honored as a Distinguished Alumni of St. Joseph Public Schools as well as a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame. He has a passion not only for keeping lending decisions local, but also for supporting non-profit organizations and programs throughout Southwest Michigan, especially those involving youth, education, and community development. He currently serves as a St. Joseph Public School Board Trustee, a board member of the St. Joseph Public School Foundation, board member and Treasurer of St. Joseph Today, board member and Vice Chairman of Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, board member and Treasurer of Kinexus Group.
Maria Kibler has been appointed to the position of Director of Business Development. In her new role, Kibler will be actively involved in public funds and non-profit organization accounts, treasury management as well as commercial lending and developing business in the Southwest Michigan market.
Her prior experience includes more than 30 years’ experience as a leader in the financial services industry. During her eight years at Edgewater, Kibler served as Senior Vice President and was instrumental in establishing the culture of growing positive, dependable relationships with the public, media, and customers. Her professional philosophy is rooted in delivering exceptional brand experiences based on quality products and services paired with honest, friendly interactions and conversations.
In the community, Kibler will support United’s efforts in sponsoring Southwest Michigan non-profit organizations such as the Curious Kids’ Museum, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan and the Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor.
Dawn Lara has been appointed to the position of Director of Field Operations. In her new role, Lara will oversee the implementation of policies, tools, and resources utilized in the branches with the aim of enhancing operational effectiveness. In addition, she will create a strategy for branch operations, using feedback from the branch network and sales teams, focusing on improving productivity and efficiencies that are likely to improve the overall Member experience.
Lara brings more than 30 years of banking experience to the role, having served in a variety of leadership positions during that time. At Edgewater, she most recently held the title of Chief Operating Officer / SVP of Operations and IT. Her expertise focused on highlighting operational enhancements within the bank to allow it to continue to excel at meeting customers’ needs.
In the community, Lara will support United’s efforts in sponsoring Southwest Michigan non-profit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor, the United Way of Southwest Michigan, the American Red Cross, and Girls on the Run. In previous roles, she has served on the Board for Family House, Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, and the American Heart Association of Northwest Indiana. Lara and her family also support non-profit efforts by St. Patrick’s Parish in Chesterton, Indiana as well as the Wounded Warrior Project.
Shannon Murphy has been appointed to the position of Mortgage Sales Manager. In her new role, Murphy will be responsible for the development of the growth strategy for mortgage lending within the Mortgage Call Center. She will support the maximization of quality mortgage originations within the Mortgage Call Center and in support of growth impacting all markets.
Murphy brings 25 years’ experience in mortgage lending to the position, and was most recently Vice President Mortgage Lending at Edgewater. Her passion for understanding a customer’s mortgage needs and offering personalized solutions for those individuals and families has proven to be Murphy’s measure of success in getting consistent, quality results from her mortgage teams.
In the community, Murphy will support United’s efforts in sponsoring Southwest Michigan non-profit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor, the United Way of Southwest Michigan, the American Red Cross, and Girls on the Run.
“When we first announced our intent to form one team with Edgewater, we always planned to keep the talented leaders who excel at making significant and lasting differences in the lives of customers, and the community,” said Terry O’Rourke, United’s President/CEO. “This team exemplifies what it means to put others first and to inspire that same selfless leadership in their staff. When we talk about being better together, Rick, Maria, Dawn, and Shannon personify that sentiment as we take the next step in doing even more for our membership and Michigan’s Great Southwest.”
Rick Dyer, Community President
Maria Kibler, Director of Business Development
Dawn Lara, Director of Field Operations
Shannon Murphy, Mortgage Sales Manager
About United Federal Credit Union
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. United consists of more than 194,000 Member/owners worldwide and manages assets in excess of $4 billion. Its corporate office and main branch are in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal opportunity lender. Equal housing lender. For more information visit UnitedFCU.com
