Valley First Credit Union fills key position
MODESTO, CALIF. (March 25, 2024) — Valley First Credit Union filled a key position hiring a new Chief Lending Officer. Betina Marcelo (Tina) joined Valley First as Chief Lending Officer with nearly 13 years of Credit Union experience including Pacific Service Credit Union in Concord, Calif. Marcelo began her extensive lending career in 2002.
“As the Chief Lending Officer at Valley First Credit Union, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our mission of “Serving the community you call home.” My dedication to this role is fueled by the credit union’s values, which resonate deeply with my personal and professional ethos. I am eager to leverage my expertise in operational management and lending growth. I am excited to work alongside our esteemed President and CEO, Kathryn J. Davis, CCE, and the rest of the leadership team to deliver impactful results that align with our shared vision of community service and excellence.”
During her time at Pacific Service Credit Union, Marcelo led lending and operations, achieving notable success. Her key contribution was a strategic alliance for acquiring construction-to-permanent and renovation home equity loans, addressing a critical market gap amid rising mortgage rates and limited property inventory. Marcelo’s strategic foresight provided an alternative lending source during challenges faced by traditional first mortgage originations.
Recognizing the demand for these loans showcased Marcelo’s understanding of industry trends, adapting to evolving housing market dynamics. She also secured Freddie Mac approval, expanding the credit union’s lending capabilities and bolstering credibility. Marcelo’s leadership added consumer lending products, generating non-interest income. She maintained a low delinquency ratio, emphasizing responsible lending practices.
To enhance efficiency, Marcelo introduced innovative communication tools like Lending e-news and explainer videos, fostering a more informed and cohesive team. Her initiatives, including creative contests and campaigns, revitalized team spirit and cultivated a culture of collaboration and excellence.
Marcelo has a Master of Business Administration from the John Sperling School of Business at the University of Phoenix and a dual bachelor’s degree, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Business Management from De La Salle University.
“Tina is a collaborative and pro-active leader very focused on our overall mission and impact. We’ve had tremendous success in our lending growth and Betina will help us do more of it, in particular with our CDFI and LID designations. She has a strong operational background which will be key in building out new programs,” says President and CEO Kathryn J. Davis, CCE.
About Valley First Credit Union
Valley First Credit Union is a $1.02 billion, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative providing quality financial services to 80,000 members in the growing and diverse communities of Calaveras, Fresno, Kings, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sacramento, Tulare, and Tuolumne Counties. With eight branches throughout the central valley, the credit union is committed to banking with a purpose – to better the financial lives of the people and businesses in the communities we call home. For more information, please visit www.valleyfirstcu.org/.
