NEW YORK, USA / AGILITYPR.NEWS / June 08, 2020 / First Woman to Fill the Position in Credit Union’s 52-Year History

Suffolk Federal has announced the selection of Michele Dean of Smithtown as President and Chief Executive Officer. She is the first woman to serve in that position in Suffolk Federal’s 52-year history. Dean will provide strategic leadership, tactical oversight, and comprehensive direction of day-to-day operations consistent with Suffolk Federal’s vision and mission. She will succeed Ralph D. Spencer, Jr., who will be retiring in June and will work in partnership with Spencer to shift management responsibilities beginning June 15 to ensure a smooth and steady transition of leadership.

“The Board of Directors selected Michele Dean after an extensive search among the best qualified candidates for this position,” explained James J. Maggio, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors at Suffolk Federal. “Michele stood apart because of her outstanding expertise and flawless ability to connect vision, people and ideas as well as her history of successful tactical execution. Her vision and dedication are consistent with our strategic plan and will enhance the Suffolk Federal experience in delivering a constant, steady and dependable member experience.  We are excited to welcome Michele Dean to the Suffolk Federal family. We also thank Ralph D. Spencer, Jr. for his years of service to Suffolk Federal,” he continued.

“On behalf of the New York Credit Union Association and credit unions across the Empire State, we congratulate Michele in joining an impressive and growing list of women leaders at New York credit unions,” said William J. Mellin, President/CEO of the New York Credit Union Association. “Credit unions, from their very earliest days in this country, have recognized just how extraordinarily important it is to have strong and diverse leadership. Today, the majority of credit union CEOs in New York are women, and we’re honored to welcome Michele to this prestigious group of executives. It’s clear from her background that she is passionate about credit unions and helping New Yorkers achieve a better financial future. I look forward to working with her.”

Dean has built a reputation as a visionary executive leader with a history of successful operational and management results as well as sustained profitability. Her career demonstrates her commitment to the credit union mission and positive member experience. Prior to joining Suffolk Federal, she was the Chief Strategy Officer for Jovia Financial where she was a key member of the strategic team responsible for operations, lending and corporate strategy. In addition, she has 19 previous years of experience with Long Island’s largest credit union, Bethpage Federal Credit Union as a Senior Vice President of Lending and Investments.

A longtime resident of Suffolk County, Dean attended SUNY Oswego where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration followed by an MBA in Corporate Finance from Dowling College. She has received multiple awards presented by the Long Island Business News for their Who’s Who – Women in Professional Services; Long Island’s Rising Stars Under Age 40; and Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business.   

“I am honored to be joining Suffolk Federal and appreciate the Board of Directors’ confidence in me to lead this dynamic organization as we move towards the future. I am excited to work with the Board and the Suffolk Federal team to effectively serve our members and community, building upon a solid foundation to achieve continued success, growth and expansion,” explained Dean.

Since its establishment 52 years ago, Suffolk Federal’s focus has been to provide its members with the absolute best in banking opportunities. As Suffolk County’s leading credit union, Suffolk Federal’s solid independent financial position with assets in excess of $1.3 billion, 60,000 members and 10 branches provide enhanced services, strong banking options and opportunities to all Suffolk Federal members. The credit union offers members incredible benefits like free checking, free online banking, low interest rates on home and auto loans and much more.