Members 1st names new president and CEO

Members 1st Credit Union has selected Mike Wilson as its next president and CEO. 

Wilson, who currently serves as chief experience officer, will take on the new role July 1, replacing George Nahodil, who is retiring after 23 years, including six as president and CEO, Members 1st board of directors said. 

“This appointment highlights Members 1st’s commitment to fostering growth, recognizing talent within the organization and upholding its distinct culture,” said Chairman of the Board Jon Kirssin, who helped to lead the national search for the credit union’s next president and CEO as part of a more than two-year succession planning process.  

“With a deep understanding of the organization and a demonstrated history of leadership, Mike is well-positioned to guide our financially sound credit union toward further success,” Kirssin said.  

Wilson joined Members 1st in July 2016 as a vice president of relationship management and has held several leadership roles, including his current role as chief experience officer.   

“I am honored to continue to serve our members, associates and communities as Members 1st’s next president and CEO,” said Wilson. “Throughout my long-term history with this credit union, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact we make on the lives of those we serve. I am excited to partner with George, our board and our leadership team throughout this transition and work alongside our phenomenal associates as we honor an incredible legacy and plan for the next chapter in our family’s history.”   

In his current role, Wilson oversees branch operations, online banking, customer service, business development and mobile app. He provides leadership and direction for the credit union’s retail, operations and customer service areas, as well as public relations, marketing, community outreach, internal and external communications, and financial literacy, Members 1st said.  

In addition, Wilson leads the business development and wealth management teams to cultivate and foster relationships to help drive business and achieve all business goals. 

“Mike’s strong leadership skills, strategic thinking and deep understanding of our unique culture make him the perfect choice to lead Members 1st into the future,” said Nahodil. “I am immensely proud of the significant contributions he has made to our members, associates and communities during his tenure.” 

“I have worked closely with Mike over the last seven years and am extremely comfortable with his leadership skills, creative and innovative use of technology, and practical experience,” Kirssin said.  

Wilson is involved in the local communities within Members 1st’s nine-county footprint. A lifelong advocate of the tenets of servant leadership, he serves as president of the Members 1st Charitable Foundation, whose mission is to support grassroots organizations within southcentral and northeastern Pennsylvania to make them stronger, healthier and more financially sound.  

In addition, Wilson serves on several boards and committees in the credit union industry and throughout the community, including CrossState Credit Union Foundation and the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC).  

With a passion for people and entrepreneurial thinking, he has been recognized for his professional accomplishments with numerous business awards, Members 1st said.  

Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, an MBA, and graduated from the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) CEO Institute Program, earning executive certificates from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and Cornell University’s Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management.