CCU Announces Five New Leadership Positions
Gurnee, IL, May 22, 2018: Consumers Credit Union (CCU; $1.25 Billion, Waukegan, IL) recently announced several new-hires and internal promotions for the Member-owned credit union's leadership team. The new employees include Laureen Mallon, Human Resources Director and Lauren Schultz, Executive Assistant to the CEO. The internal promotions include Jennifer Wenckowski, Director of Process Improvement and Merger Integration, Timothy Meiselwitz, Systems and Process Integration Manager and John Russo, who will now oversee all CCU locations as Director of Service Centers.
"It's very important for Consumers Credit Union's long-term success that our leadership team continues to grow at the same pace as the credit union," said Cheryl Kubas, Vice-President of Talent Management. "We are excited that our most recent leadership positions were filled by a blend of new employees and internal promotions. This approach provides a steady stream of new ideas from the outside, while continuing to offer current employees significant opportunities for advancement within the organization."
As the newest Member of CCU's Talent Management team, Laureen Mallon will collaborate with all levels of management on programs and practices to help establish a positive work environment and promote high levels of morale and motivation across the workforce. Laureen, a graduate of Illinois State University, brings a wealth of experience to this newly-created position, including 2 years as Senior HR Consultant at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., an architectural and engineering firm, and 20 years in various HR roles at Aon, a leading provider of risk, retirement and health services. She resides in Grayslake, IL, with husband Chris and their two children.
Lauren Schultz joined CCU in March 2018 as Executive Assistant to long-time CEO Sean M. Rathjen. In her support position, Lauren's primary goal will be to assist Mr. Rathjen in day-to-day, operational responsibilities while identifying improved efficiencies. Her qualifications include a similar role at Grainger where she supported the Chief Information Security Officer, along with other VPs in the IT Department. Lauren also has experience as a Project Manager/Process Improvement Specialist, with training in Six Sigma. The Gateway Technical College graduate currently lives in Grayslake with her husband Chris and two children.
In her newest position at CCU, Jennifer Wenckowski will work with all areas of the credit union to review current processes, looking for ways to improve productivity, reduce costs, and make the best use of resources. She will also coordinate and lead merger projects, working closely with the joining credit union to help assure a smooth Member experience in the transition. Jennifer has held a number of key leadership roles in her 11 years at CCU, most recently as Director of VISA for debit, credit and reloadable cards. She has twice been recognized as CCU's "Manager of the Year," and Jennifer earned CCU's "Superior Achievement Award" in 2016.
Timothy Meiselwitz was promoted to CCU's Systems and Process Integration Manager. In his new role, Tim will assist with merger integration and lead process improvement initiatives across the organization. He began his career at CCU in October of 2013 as the Assistant Member Experience Manager at the credit union's Mundelein location. Tim brings more than a dozen years of financial services experience. His wealth of knowledge combined with his passion for Member Service will help him excel in his new position. Tim is a long-time resident of Round Lake Beach, IL, where he lives with Sharon, his wife, along with their four children.
John Russo was promoted to the new position of Director of Service Centers where he will manage operations at all CCU locations. John will be responsible for the performance and development of all Service Center Managers, helping them strengthen their teams in areas such as delivery, relationship building, operations and sales. John joined the credit union leadership team in 2017 as Regional Member Experience Manager for the Northern locations, bringing with him 20+ years banking and financial services experience. The Carthage College graduate lives in Huntley, Illinois, along with wife Wendy and their two boys.
"Consumers Credit Union is extremely excited about our direction for 2018 and beyond," continued Cheryl Kubas. "John, Timothy, Jennifer, Lauren and Laureen share one thing in common: the passion and desire to make our Members' experience the very best it can be. That approach will help the credit union continue to grow in the coming years!"
Enclosed are pictures of (left to right) Timothy Meiselwitz, Laureen Mallon, Lauren Schultz, John Russo and Jennifer Wenckowski. For more information about these new leadership positions, please contact Cheryl Kubas, Vice-President Talent Management, at 847.672.3499. Consumers Credit Union is Member-owned, with offices in Waukegan, Mundelein, Round Lake Beach, Gurnee, North Waukegan, Volo, Schaumburg, Northbrook, Des Plaines, Palatine, and can also be found online at www.myconsumers.org. And watch for the Grand Opening of our newest Service Center coming soon in Kildeer, Illinois!