December 5, 2024 - For Immediate Release
Albuquerque, N.M. – Nusenda Credit Union President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Christian has announced his plans to retire on February 28, 2025, after 39 years of service. During his time leading the credit union, Christian played a vital role in transforming Nusenda into New Mexico’s largest credit union with nearly $5 billion in assets, 280,000 members, and 30 branches. Christian will be succeeded by Executive Vice President of Operations, Michelle Dearholt.
Christian joined the credit union in 1986 as the Data Processing Manager, marking the beginning of a remarkable career in leadership. Over the decades, he held various roles including Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Operations Officer, and Executive Vice President of Operations, before being named President and CEO in 2019.
"Over my 39-year journey with Nusenda, I've witnessed the transformative power of a financial cooperative. Working alongside like-minded individuals, we've achieved remarkable milestones. Our true success lies in our unwavering commitment to our members and the communities we serve and the positive impact we've made together,” said Christian. “The future of Nusenda Credit Union is extremely bright. I will leave knowing that its future is in the collective hands of an extremely talented leadership team that will continue the great work we have always done.”
Under Christian’s leadership, Nusenda expanded its footprint and reputation as a trusted financial partner. He led the credit union’s acquisition of Western Heritage Bank, strengthening Nusenda’s presence in southern New Mexico and West Texas while broadening opportunities for members, businesses, and communities in the region. With a knack for technology, Christian championed innovative advancements, including the credit union’s first website, enhanced branch and drive-up technology, and countless programs to boost efficiency and deliver streamlined services. He also grew community-focused programs through the Nusenda Foundation and initiatives like the Community Rewards Program, which has donated over $21 million since 2008 to support vulnerable populations and meaningful work in New Mexico and West Texas communities.
Also, during his tenure, Nusenda has been named a Top Workplace and Best Credit Union for several years running. Other honors include being recognized as a Best Credit Union to Work For by American Banker and USA Today, Forbes best in state credit unions, and consistent five-star ratings from Bauer Financial.
In addition to his contributions at Nusenda, Christian made a significant mark on New Mexico and the credit union industry over the last four decades. He has served on numerous boards, including the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, CU Anytime, and Constellation Digital Partners, and remains a valued member of the Business Advisory Council at New Mexico State University’s College of Business. His efforts earned him national recognition, including the Leadership Award from the Albuquerque Journal in 2019 and 2022 and his distinction as one of The Business Journals’ Top 100 Influencers in Finance. Most recently, he was inducted into the New Mexico State University College of Business Hall of Fame.
After engaging with the industry search firm DDJ Myers, the Nusenda Credit Union Board of Directors unanimously selected Executive Vice President of Operations, Michelle Dearholt, as Christian’s successor. Dearholt will take the lead on March 1, 2025.
Dearholt has been with Nusenda for over 20 years, serving as Executive Vice President of Operations since 2019 and holding various chief and senior vice president leadership roles since 2012. She has been instrumental in modernizing Nusenda’s approach to leadership and employee well-being, ensuring exceptional member service experiences, and leading several strategic initiatives. She holds both a BBA and an MBA from the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management. An active community leader, she serves on multiple nonprofit boards such as the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and the Albuquerque Community Foundation. She has also previously served on the boards of the CNM Foundation and UNM Anderson Alumni Council. Recognized as a Woman of Influence, Diverse Leader, and Forty Under Forty honoree by Albuquerque Business First, Dearholt brings extensive expertise and a member-focused commitment to innovation and growth to her new role.
“It’s hard to summarize the impact of Joe’s legacy at Nusenda. He leaves the credit union well-positioned for the future thanks to his innovative and community-focused initiatives. During his five years as CEO, the credit union grew by over $2.5 billion in assets, added 11 branches, and expanded into Las Cruces and El Paso, Texas. His focus on exceptional service and a strong company culture has allowed us to deepen connections with our members and their communities while garnering frequent recognition from the community and the credit union industry. Joe’s retirement is richly deserved after 39 years, and we are grateful for his impactful leadership at Nusenda Credit Union,” said Ralph Wallace, Nusenda Board Chair. “We are proud to promote from within, knowing that Michelle is deeply committed to positively impacting the lives of our members, employees, and the communities we serve, and continuing to advance Nusenda as a leading credit union in the country.”
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About Nusenda Credit Union
Nusenda Credit Union is New Mexico’s largest locally owned and operated credit union with over 275,000 members and more than 850 employees. It has more than 30 branches located throughout New Mexico and West Texas, serving the communities of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Taos, Valencia County, Socorro, Deming, Las Cruces, and El Paso. There are hundreds of ways to join the credit union. Connect with Nusenda Credit Union at www.nusenda.org; Facebook @NusendaCU; Twitter @NusendaCU; and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nusenda-credit-union.
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Media Contact: Eric Harrison, (505) 610-0419 or [email protected]