CFCU Credit Union CEO named to State Charter Advisory Board

ITHACA, N.Y. — Linda Lacewell, superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), has appointed Lisa Whitaker, president and CEO of Ithaca–based CFCU Community Credit Union, to serve a three-year term on the department’s New York State Charter Advisory Board. 

The board seeks to foster economic development in New York through “prudent” regulations and supervision, consumer protection against fraud or unethical conduct, and consumer education.

“I’m honored to serve on the advisory board and look forward to assisting with the continued strengthening of our local economy and protection of consumers,” Whitaker said in a news release from the New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA).

Board members consider and make recommendations to the DFS superintendent on the following matters:

• Preserving the New York State Charter for depository financial-services institutions as a viable and attractive option to current and potential state-chartered financial institutions;

• Promoting state-charter retention and new charters;

• Encouraging the offerings of diverse financial products and services throughout the state;

• New laws, rules, or regulations; and,

• Amendments or repeals of current laws, rules, or regulations.

CFCU Community Credit Union serves residents in Tompkins, Cortland, Seneca, Cayuga, and Ontario counties. Whitaker also serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Depository Institutions Advisory Committee. NYCUA named her the 2013 Outstanding Professional for credit unions with more than $250 million in assets. 

Whitaker has a lot of board member and committee experience. She served nine years on the United Way of Tompkins County board of directors and is currently serving on the Tompkins Cortland Foundation board and the Investment Committee at the Sciencenter in Ithaca.