VyStar Credit Union named Jim Ryan senior vice president of strategic initiatives.
Ryan joins VyStar from Curql Collective, a fintech investment firm with more than 160 credit union partners. VyStar said in an Aug. 3 news release that as vice president of strategy and growth, he helped connect credit unions with emerging technologies, supported the growth of more than 50 fintech partnerships and contributed to the $360 million Curql Fund II, the largest credit union-led fintech fund in the industry’s history.
“Jim is one of the most respected relationship builders and strategic thinkers in the credit union industry,” Joel Swanson, VyStar executive vice president and chief lending officer, said in the release.
“His experience connecting credit unions, fintechs and industry leaders will help us accelerate innovation, strengthen strategic partnerships, and continue delivering exceptional value to our members and communities.”
Prior to Curql, Ryan held executive leadership roles at Financial Center First Credit Union and Financial Center Services CUSO. His experience spans strategic planning, business development, lending, relationship management and fintech.
“It is an honor to join an organization that shares my passion for the credit union movement and helping people achieve financial well-being. Now, it’s time to go to work, build on VyStar’s strong foundation and together shape what comes next,” Ryan said in the release.
VyStar said Ryan’s contributions to the industry have earned national recognition, including multiple Credit Union Times Luminary awards and CUNA awards for innovation, financial education and leadership.
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida. It has 79 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, more than 1 million members, more than 2,300 employees and assets of more than $14 billion.