Fusion Credit Union’s Chief Risk Officer Darwin Johns will become the financial cooperative’s new Chief Executive Officer on May 4, the board of directors announced today. Johns takes over from Ron Hedley, who is retiring after a lengthy career at the helm.
“We considered a number of outstanding candidates,” said board president Guy Huberdeau. “Fusion is a billion-dollar credit union — so, as you can imagine, there were some very impressive applicants.
“Even among such a capable field, though, Darwin emerged as clearly the best choice,” he continued. “And I think it speaks extremely well of our organization that we’ve been able to grow and nurture internally the talent we need to go forward with confidence and purpose.”
Johns’ professional experience is extensive, going back to 2000 when he began as a Member Services Representative for Vanguard Credit Union while he was still a student at Brandon University. After ten years as a lender he was appointed Vice-President Finance and Technology in 2010, and later Vice-President Finance and Risk Management. In conjunction with the Fusion Credit Union amalgamation in 2018 he was named Chief Risk Officer.
“I’ve been preparing for this role for a long time — for my whole career, really — and I’m eager to get started,” said Johns. “I’ve had the benefit of learning from some terrific leaders in the past, including Ian Gerrard and, most recently, Ron Hedley here at Fusion. I feel confident and, as challenging as it’s certain to be, I feel absolutely equipped for the role.”
A lifelong learner, Johns has pursued ongoing education and achieved professional designations through the Credit Union Institute of Canada at Dalhousie University and a bachelor’s degree from Brandon University. He’s also active in the community, coaching hockey and baseball and serving on a number of volunteer boards over the years, including his current position on the Hamiota Education Stakeholders Committee. He lives near Kenton with his wife Erin, son Kyle and twin daughters Addison and Haily.
(Fusion Credit Union Release)
