Dort Financial Credit Union on March 18 announced the appointment of Brian Waldron as its next chief executive officer. Waldron succeeds Vicki Hawkins, who is retiring in April.
“I am honored to be joining Dort Financial Credit Union, and I am thankful for the Board of Directors for allowing me the opportunity,” said Waldron. “I look forward to working with the Board to meet the opportunities and face the challenges ahead. I have always believed in the mission of credit unions and the idea of ‘people helping people’ and making a difference in the lives of their members. I am excited to begin working with the staff at Dort Financial in making a difference in the lives of its current and future members.”
Waldron has served in multiple executive roles. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of lending/chief lending officer at Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He was also assistant vice president at Universal 1 Credit Union and chief lending officer at Scott Credit Union in Edwardsville, Ill.
Hawkins retired after 36 years at Dort Financial. She began at the credit union in 1986 as an accountant. Since then, she has served many roles at the credit union, including controller, chief financial officer and vice president of finance. Hawkins was appointed president and CEO in 2009. During her 13-year leadership tenure, Dort Financial’s assets grew from $350 million to $1.3 billion and membership doubled from 50,000 to over 109,000. The organization also increased the number of branches from seven to 10 and expanded to a statewide charter in 2020.
“I look back at all these years with a huge smile on my face. Dort Financial Credit Union has been my family and home for nearly my adult life. I am so grateful to the Board of Directors, the members, and the team members who have been partners to me in this amazing journey,” said Hawkins. “With a strong management team, Dort Financial Credit Union will continue to be recognized as a leader in the financial industry.”
The Michigan Certified Development Corp. (MCDC) announced the addition of Coty Gould as a loan officer. Coty will cover Central Michigan while working out of his Midland office. His responsibilities will include marketing the SBA 504 Loan Program by working with lenders, small business owners and other referral sources to secure SBA 504 financing. He will work with the MCDC underwriters to review the eligibility to obtain SBA approval. Coty was formerly with Horizon Bank where he served over seven years as a commercial credit analyst and commercial loan officer.
Mott Children’s Health Center was recently selected as one of the 2021 Best Nonprofits To Work For. The NonProfit Times, the leading national business publication for nonprofit leaders, has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify nonprofit organizations where leaders have excelled in creating quality workplaces.
This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the nonprofit industry, benefiting the industry’s economy, workforce and businesses. The list is made up of 50 organizations. The criteria for making the list are entirely from existing employees providing feedback via online surveys.
“Mott Children’s Health Center is honored and proud to have been included among the 50 best nonprofits to work for,” said President and CEO Todd Wiseley. “We treasure our employees, and this award is reflection of their passion and dedication to serving the children of Genesee County with excellence.”
Mott Children’s Health Center has serve the children of Genesee County for over 80 years as a pediatric center of excellence. Programs include pediatric medical, dental, behavioral health, audiology, rehabilitation (physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology), cardiology and lipid disorder services.
Bishop International Airport is now one of the newest electric vehicle fast-charging stations in Michigan. In partnership with Consumers Energy, Bishop installed two DC fast-charging stations for the general public. The airport joins the statewide list of 36 EV fast charging stations and 1,600 more at homes, businesses and public locations powered by Consumers Energy.
“Electric vehicles are vital to a clean energy future and we’re always seeking new opportunities to help our state at the forefront of a clean energy economy,” said Nino Sapone, CEO, Flint Bishop Airport. “The new chargers will help build our local EV infrastructure and pave the way for a clean future.”
The charging stations at Bishop are DC Fast Chargers and able to charge an electric vehicle much faster than an in-home electric vehicle chargers. Most vehicles are capable of getting an 80 percent charge in half an hour and a 100 percent charge in 90 minutes or less. Both units can charge any electric vehicle and are located in the terminal lot. The fast chargers will also help facilitate the electrification of ride share services, EV rental options and EV owners picking up their loved ones visiting or returning home. The fast chargers are also conveniently right off of I-69 and I-75.
“Consumers Energy is excited to partner with Flint Bishop Airport as we power Michigan on the road to 1 million electric vehicles,” said Sarah Nielsen, Consumers Energy’s executive director for electric vehicle programs. “Fast charging locations like this make EV driving even more convenient for Michiganders, not only as they drive across our state but as they travel the country from Flint.”