New Zia Credit Union CEO Dwayne Herrera at the United Way of Northern New Mexico annual campaign kickoff with ZIA Mortgage Lending Manager and UWNNM Board Member Valerie Martinez Thursday evening at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

BUSINESS News:

Zia Credit Union has announced the appointment of Dwayne Herrera as Chief Executive Officer.

Herrera replaces David Woodruff, who assumed the CEO post at APL Federal Credit Union in Laurel, Md., in March.

Herrera has more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, most recently as executive vice president at State Employees Credit Union, which he joined in 2003. Previously, he held strategic roles in investment services, branch administration and corporate development with Del Norte Credit Union.

“We’re delighted to bring Dwayne aboard the Zia Credit Union team,” said Lawrence Gutierrez, Zia Credit Union Board Chairman. “His values embody our values, and his diverse experience will help us accelerate our growth in helping northern New Mexico families.”

Coming from two larger credit unions based in Santa Fe, each with excess of $600 million in assets, Herrera now leads a smaller, but growing institution in northern New Mexico. Zia Credit Union recently reached a new milestone, with assets more than $145 million. As of June 2019, year-to-year loan growth rose 5.62 percent. The credit union boasts 11,522 members.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with a high-performing team that is so well established in Los Alamos and Española,” Herrera said. “What Zia Credit Union has to offer is unbeatable, in my opinion. A small credit union doing big things – that’s what attracted me here. We are northern New Mexico, and we’ve only just begun!”

Paul Johnson, who has served as interim CEO, will continue in his role as Chief Financial Officer at Zia Credit Union.

“It was an honor to lead the credit union during the leadership transition,” Johnson said. “I also believe Dwayne’s vision and team-oriented approach makes him the ideal fit for our credit union.”

About Zia Credit Union

Zia Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative providing financial services to approximately 11,000 members who live, work or worship in Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Pojoaque or Santa Fe counties. To find out more visit us at ziacu.org. Zia Credit Union has offices located in Los Alamos and Española.