MODESTO, Calif. Dec 19, 2024 – Valley First Credit Union, a leading member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with $1.04 billion in assets, is proud to announce a series of strategic hires that reflect its commitment to enhancing member service, improving financial well-being, and driving organizational growth. Welcoming over 6,400 new members in 2024, these hires and investments underscore the credit union's dedication to empowering its growing membership with expert guidance, innovative solutions, and exceptional service.
Kathryn J. Davis, President and CEO of Valley First Credit Union, said, “We are thrilled to welcome such exceptional talent to the Valley First team. With each new team member having a demonstrated track record and invaluable expertise in their respective fields, these leaders bring a passion for building community and advancing innovation that will help us elevate our member experience and expand our services in meaningful ways.”
Valley First Credit Union welcomes Chris Dalman as its new Chief Technology Officer. With 16 years of experience in the technology sector, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in IT operations, security, and innovation. Most recently serving as Vice President of IT Operations at Harborstone Credit Union, Chris has also held leadership roles at Salal Credit Union, where he managed IT security and operations. Holding an MBA in Information Technology Management from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Purdue University Global, Chris is equipped with a strong academic foundation and multiple technology certifications. As an active member of organizations such as America’s Credit Unions Technology Council, FS-ISAC, and FBI Infragard, Chris is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. Reporting directly to the CEO, Chris will play a pivotal role in driving Valley First's technology strategy to enhance member services and operational efficiency.
“As we look to the future of technology in banking,” said Kathryn J. Davis, President and CEO of Valley First Credit Union, “Chris Dalman’s expertise in digital innovation and commitment to serving underserved communities will be instrumental in driving Valley First Credit Union’s mission forward. Chris brings a wealth of experience in implementing cutting-edge technology solutions within credit unions that enhance operational efficiency and ensure equitable access to financial services for all members. Under his leadership, we will be better positioned to meet the evolving needs of our members and create a more inclusive financial landscape.”
Carlos Villapudua, newly appointed Vice President of Commercial Banking, brings over 35 years of expertise in commercial lending and relationship driven business banking. Serving the Modesto-to-Sacramento region, Carlos specializes in diverse lending solutions, from real estate and SBA financing to agricultural lines of credit. Carlos has built a distinguished career at several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of the West, Wells Fargo, and Chase, and has actively contributed to his community, serving on the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2020 and 2021. Reporting directly to the Chief Lending Officer, Carlos will play a crucial role in strengthening Valley First’s commercial banking capabilities and delivering tailored financial solutions to meet the needs of local businesses.
Peggy Pollard, Vice President of Consumer Lending & Member Solutions, joins Valley First with over 25 years of lending experience, including more than 16 years dedicated to the credit union movement. Peggy brings a deep understanding of member-focused financial solutions. Her impressive career includes leadership roles such as Vice President of Lending and Collections at Interior Federal Credit Union and Chief Lending Officer at LA Financial Credit Union. Peggy also served as Vice President of Lending Services at Ventura County Credit Union. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in communications and speech, Peggy has furthered her expertise through specialized training at Rex Johnson’s University of Lending program. Reporting directly to the Chief Lending Officer, Peggy will be instrumental in enhancing Valley First’s lending services and delivering innovative solutions to support member financial well-being.
The organization has prioritized hiring Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors and bilingual team members to better serve its diverse and largely Hispanic member base, showcasing the imperative to financial inclusion and empowerment of minority populations. Valley First Credit Union demonstrates its dedication to bilingual service by staffing many branches with bilingual employees. The credit union prioritizes recruiting bilingual financial experts and tellers, ensuring language is never a barrier to delivering outstanding member support and making financial services accessible to all.
About Valley First Credit Union
Valley First Credit Union is a $1.04 billion, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative providing quality financial services to over 79,000 members in the growing and diverse communities of Calaveras, Fresno, Kings, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sacramento, Tulare, and Tuolumne Counties. With eight branches throughout the Central Valley, the credit union is committed to banking with a purpose – to better the financial lives of the people and businesses in the communities we call home. To learn more about how Valley First is making good happen across the communities it serves, see the credit union’s 2023 Impact Report or visit www.valleyfirstcu.org/.