“James is a credit union advocate through and through with a passion to provide fair and competitive financial service options to all consumers,” said Patrick Spyke, LAFCU CEO. “He has a proven record of leadership that has resulted in financial growth, enhanced member service and advancing use of technology. We’re fortunate for the depth and breadth of experience he brings to LAFCU and its service to members.”

As CFO, McHale leads LAFCU’s finance and accounting functions, and serves as a financial and strategic business advisor to the CEO and broader leadership team.

“I was lucky that my first day was the annual LAFCU all-staff in-service event, conducted virtually this year,” McHale said. “It was amazing, and it put into focus many of the reasons I chose LAFCU. There was tremendous energy and enthusiasm displayed by the entire staff, and valuable insight was provided into becoming a stronger employee and better citizen. All of this supports LAFCU’s steadfast commitment to its members and the communities it serves across Michigan.”

For much of McHale’s career he worked for credit unions in California and recently Indiana. For two years he headed up the analytics team at a technology company that develops lending, risk management and analytics software for financial institutions.

McHale holds the designation of CUNA Credit Union Enterprise Risk Management Expert. He earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and financial management at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, and has completed several credit union-specific courses focusing on lending and risk management, as well as the intensive management course sponsored by Western CUNA Management School at Pomona College, Claremont, California.

About LAFCU
Chartered in 1936, LAFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Michigan and to businesses and other entities located in Michigan. The credit union serves more than 68,000 members and holds over $835 million in assets. It was named a Best Credit Union to Work For in 2020. LAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services as well as an expanding complement of financial technology solutions. Members enjoy benefits such as low fees, low interest rates on loans, high yields on savings, discounts, knowledgeable employees and nationwide access to fee-free ATMs. A recipient of the national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for credit unions, LAFCU enriches the communities it serves by supporting many organizations and causes. To learn more about LAFCU, call 800.748.0228 or visit www.lafcu.com.

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