Notre Dame Federal Credit Union is counting on Noe Najera's extensive background to help it grow its membership and strategic vision in Michiana.
The nonprofit credit union appointed Najera as its new Michiana market president on Jan. 3. He previously was the executive vice president of mortgage and retail lending at Horizon Bank. There he earned the bank's Outstanding Leadership Award in 2020.
“(Najera's) exceptional track record, leadership skills, and deep commitment to the community make him the ideal candidate to lead our operations in the Michiana market,” said Thomas Gryp, president and CEO of Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, in a press release. “We are confident that his strategic vision and extensive experience will contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization.”
Before Horizon Bank, Najera also helped United Federal Credit Union double their asset size and build out its consumer loan portfolio to more than $400 million.
“I am honored and proud to join Notre Dame Federal Credit Union and help lead it into a new era of growth,” Najera said. “I look forward to bringing new ideas to the table and leveraging my experience to help make a tangible difference in the financial lives of both our member/owners and our communities.”
Najera is committed to the communities he serves. He served on United Federal Credit Union’s credit union service organization and the Urban League of Northwest Indiana. He also led Horizon Bank's diversity council and was president of its Community Development Corp.
Najera also played professional baseball with the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds from 1992 to 1998. He continues to stay involved with the game by supporting youth sports.
He attended Cypress College and North Carolina State University with the help of baseball scholarships. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University South Bend.
Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, which was founded in 1941, has more than 64,000 members around the globe. The not-for-profit has 11 branch locations.
