With the honor of having become the first female in the role of CEO in an area financial institution, Kate Alexander is now the President/CEO of Southbridge Credit Union.
Ms. Alexander was hired as Chief Sales and Retail Officer and Executive Team Member in May 2016 and assumed the post of Interim CEO in December 2016 when that vacancy was announced. During that time, she spearheaded a complete rebranding project for the credit union, and emphasized a strong focus on continued community involvement, support, and connecting with customers. She also was instrumental in bringing in new products that reward members and in reinforcing the credit union’s goal to be the members’ primary financial institution.
“We are more approachable today,” Ms. Alexander said. “The time has come to emphasize our commitment to value relationships for our changing world. We’re initiating a cultural reinvention of a financial institution — one that proves that being buttoned-up and stuffy is a thing of the past. To accomplish that, we are closely aligning the latest societal trends and advancing technologies with the new wants and needs of our members. These are very exciting days for all of us.”
That excitement is powered by the theme of the new branding effort — “Southbridge Credit Union: We’ve got you.” Ms. Alexander said, “This theme has been developed to show members that SCU provides new beginnings, more capabilities, and endless possibilities when we work together; to let them know we are here to provide faster, easier, and more creative solutions for their total financial needs.”
Daniel Matte, Chairman of the Board of Directors said that the board is very pleased that Kate has transitioned from the Interim President/CEO into the permanent role. “During her time here she has demonstrated great energy and drive to keep the credit union moving forward in expanding the services available to our members. Under her direction, our new look and message concisely describe what the credit union has always been about — serving the financial needs of our members. We look forward to supporting Kate and her team in continuing these efforts.”
A 2011 award-winner of the Worcester Business Journal “Forty Under 40.” Ms. Alexander is currently Chair of the Sturbridge School Committee, which she has served on for 12 years. She is a founding member of the Tantasqua Educational Foundation, has volunteered with the south Central Mass Chamber of Commerce, and is a coach in TRY Soccer and Sturbridge Youth Basketball. Prior to joining SCU, she worked in various sales, training, and marketing roles at Southbridge Savings Bank for nearly a decade, and became Vice President there.
Southbridge Credit Union is a community financial institution, incorporated in 1938, doing business with individuals, businesses, and organizations within Worcester, Bristol, Franklin, Hampshire, Norfolk, Hampden, and Middlesex counties in Massachusetts.