Dear members of WCCU Credit Union:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board and staff for their warm welcome.

I am humbled and honored to have been selected as your new President and CEO. As I reflect on my first few weeks here, I am truly blessed to be part of the WCCU family.

With over twenty years in the financial services industry, I recognize that WCCU has developed a unique culture. I have heard so many wonderful stories and seen many examples of how our staff are genuinely dedicated to helping members and their local communities.

I am excited to build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors: Orrin Pederson, Larry Anderson, and Kevin Hauser. I am inspired by their commitment and dedication to this credit union.

On a personal note, the joy of my life has been raising our kids with my wife Alicia. I am a coach at heart and was very active coaching my children in football, basketball, baseball, and track. (My daughter, Annabelle, is the dancer in our family and did not approve of Dad instructing her dance routines!)

I was the President of Rosemount Youth Football and coached my nephew Ike’s 6th grade football team this last fall. I believe in the importance of giving back and look forward to the possibilities in our local communities.

I also take this opportunity to address you, our members. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their financial goals.

I am committed to delivering outstanding member experience, innovative products and services, and an internal culture that exemplifies the credit union movement.

As we begin this journey together, I look forward to getting to know you and finding out how we can better meet your needs. For now, I appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition. Thank you!

Warm Regards,
Chris Barnick, WCCU President

On June 5th, 2023 we officially welcomed our new President and CEO, Chris Barnick, into our WCCU Family. In April, Chris was hired by the WCCU Board of Directors. Chris was born and raised in the small town of St. Peter in rural Minnesota. Both of his parents were teachers and instilled in him the importance of education and giving back to others. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College with the hopes of becoming a History Teacher and Football Coach.

While he graduated with a History Degree, his professional classroom became a financial branch. He learned early in his career that financial education is very important and an excellent way of making a difference in the lives of others. With over twenty years in the financial industry, including nine years at a credit union, Chris has a genuine passion for serving members.

Chris met his wife, Alicia, at Gustavus and together they raised three children: Zachary, is a senior at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona; Charlie, is a junior and plays football for Gustavus; and Annabelle will be a freshman at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana this fall. Alicia is a personal trainer, Pilates instructor, and runner who has completed five marathons. Chris, Alicia and their 13-year-old cockapoo, Casper, are in the process of relocating to Westby.