Vermont-based credit union promotes seven leaders and expands its executive team, investing
in the people who will guide its next chapter of growth
BURLINGTON, Vt., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NorthCountry Federal Credit Union today announced a series of leadership promotions and expanded executive roles, reflecting the credit union’s ongoing investment in the team members guiding its growth across Vermont and northern New York.
Seven internal leaders have been promoted into new roles, and three members of the executive team will take on expanded responsibilities. Together, these changes are designed to deepen NorthCountry’s community presence, sharpen how it operates day-to-day, and build the next generation of leadership from within.
“We are so proud to announce these promotions, as each of these leaders have already played a pivotal role in shaping where NorthCountry is headed,” said Bob Morgan, CEO of NorthCountry Federal Credit Union. “As we grow, our members and communities need a leadership team built to support their futures, and that’s exactly what we are putting into place.”
Newly Promoted Leaders
- Brie Husk has been named Chief Operations Officer. Formerly NorthCountry’s Vice President of Risk Management, Brie has led complex initiatives across the credit union and has an incredible track record of improving how the institution executes at scale.
- Shawna Bell has been promoted to Vice President of Innovation, Digital & Payments from her previous position as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement. Shawna has driven many of NorthCountry’s most forward-looking projects and brings a wealth of experience to this new role.
- Karen Burgess has been promoted to Vice President of Retail. Karen has built a successful reputation shaping the direction of NorthCountry’s retail teams as Regional Director and centers her work around member-focused leadership.
- Reem Ladner has been promoted to Vice President of Internal Audit. Over her years at NorthCountry, Reem has helped strengthen the credit union’s governance and assurance practices and will continue to guide that function in her new role.
- Ryan Keighley has been promoted to Vice President of Information Technology. Ryan has led NorthCountry through major technology implementations and modernization work and will continue to apply his expertise to this new position.
- Karrie Nelson has been promoted to Vice President of Risk Management, formally recognizing the risk, compliance, and stewardship leadership she has provided to NorthCountry for years.
- Patrick O’Donnell has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Member Growth, after making a significant positive impact on NorthCountry through his strategic leadership, data-driven approach, and commitment to supporting organizational growth. In his new role, Patrick will continue to focus on strengthening our brand, growing member relationships, and advancing our strategic priorities.
Expanded Executive Leadership
Three members of NorthCountry’s current executive team will also take on expanded roles:
- Jeff Smith will serve as NorthCountry’s new Chief Credit & Impact Officer, overseeing lending, financial empowerment, community partnerships, and business development.
- Kathryn Lagerstedt will now serve as NorthCountry’s Chief Experience Officer, aligning strategy, marketing, retail, training, and innovation around a single member and employee experience.
- Nik Khosla will continue in his role as Chief Information Officer, with a larger focus on leading Information Security and our Data Intelligence & Analytics.
These role transitions are expected to be complete by the end of 2026, with a small number extending into early January.
This announcement comes as NorthCountry also prepares for the retirement of long-time team member Luanne Cantor, who plans to retire in January 2027 after over 10 years of dedicated and excellent service to NorthCountry and its members. In her tenure, Cantor has led Projects, Analytics, Facilities, and Retail, and we are immensely grateful for the growth and innovation she has brought to our institution.
About NorthCountry Federal Credit Union
NorthCountry Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to improving the financial lives of its members and strengthening the health, wealth, and resilience of communities across Vermont, as well as part of New York and New Hampshire. NorthCountry supports the community through charitable giving, partnerships, and innovative financial wellness initiatives.
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SOURCE NorthCountry Federal Credit Union
