Bratsakis Selected To Lead League Of Credit Unions & Affiliates
By CU Today Staff —
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates has named John Bratsakis as its next chief executive officer, selecting the longtime credit union executive following a national search conducted by Sterling | Martin. Bratsakis will assume the role on Aug. 3 and will oversee the organization and its affiliated companies.
When The League announced in March it would conduct a national search for a CEO, President Samantha Beeler told CUToday.info she remained committed to leading the organization. Beeler noted The League had operated without a CEO for two years under a leadership structure that included her as president and Steve Willis overseeing LEVERAGE, and said she was confident in the model while looking forward to the organization's next chapter.
In a release, the league said Bratsakis "succeeds the leadership structure established through recent governance enhancements and will work closely with the board of directors, staff and member credit unions to advance The League's strategic priorities and continue delivering exceptional value across the region."
Bratsakis joins The League after serving as president and CEO of the MD|DC Credit Union Association, where he led membership growth, expanded strategic partnerships and developed new programs aimed at supporting credit unions. He brings more than 35 years of experience in the credit union movement, including leadership roles with trade associations and financial institutions.
“John is a proven leader with an exceptional track record of advancing the credit union mission, building meaningful relationships and delivering results,” Board Chair Rick Skaggs said in announcing the appointment.
In addition to leading the MD|DC Credit Union Association, Bratsakis co-founded Plexcity, a back-office collaboration platform that provides operational support services to associations, foundations, small businesses and credit unions nationwide. He currently serves as chair of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues and has held numerous leadership positions across the credit union system.
"I am honored to join The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates and serve the credit unions, employees and communities that make this organization so impactful," said Bratsakis. "Credit unions have never been more important to the financial wellbeing of consumers and small businesses. I look forward to working alongside our talented team, dedicated volunteer leaders, member credit unions and business partners to advance our shared mission, strengthen our influence, and create new opportunities for continued growth and success."
"John Bratsakis has long been a respected leader and advocate within the credit union movement, and I congratulate him on being named CEO of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates," stated Defense Credit Union Council Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak. "His deep understanding of our industry, combined with his proven ability to build consensus and drive results, makes him exceptionally well-suited for this role at a pivotal time for credit unions nationwide."
Stverak said DCUC looks forward to "working alongside John and The League to advance policies that strengthen credit unions, preserve our ability to serve members, and reinforce the cooperative principles that set our movement apart. As defense credit unions continue supporting servicemembers, veterans, military families, and their communities around the world, we welcome the opportunity to partner with John on issues that promote financial readiness, expand access to affordable financial services, and ensure credit unions remain a strong and trusted resource for generations to come."
Stverak continued, stating the credit union movement is strongest when it works together.
"I am confident John’s leadership will help further that mission, and I look forward to collaborating with him on behalf of our member institutions and the millions of Americans who depend on credit unions every day," he said.
America's Credit Unions congratulations Bratsakis.
"John is a champion for the credit union movement. He is a relentless, passionate advocate and his commitment to the movement's mission shows up in the many charitable causes he supports. I look forward to continuing to work alongside John in his new role to strengthen our unified efforts and advance credit unions," said Scott Simpson, ACU president/CEO.
Originally reported by CU Today.