Valley First Credit Union Expands Leadership Team to Drive Digital Innovation and Commercial Growth

Valley First Credit Union has appointed three senior executives to its leadership team following a period of rapid growth that saw the institution add over 6,400 members in 2024. These strategic hires in technology, commercial banking, and consumer lending signal a concerted effort to modernize operations and deepen financial inclusion within the California-based credit union’s diverse membership base.

What was announced

The credit union, which manages $1.04 billion in assets, has named Chris Dalman as its new Chief Technology Officer. Dalman, who reports directly to the CEO, brings 16 years of technology sector experience, including previous leadership roles at Harborstone Credit Union and Salal Credit Union. His remit includes driving the institution's technology strategy and security operations. Dalman holds an MBA in Information Technology Management from Western Governors University and is an active member of America’s Credit Unions Technology Council and FBI Infragard.

In the lending department, Carlos Villapudua joins as Vice President of Commercial Banking. With a 35-year background in commercial lending at institutions such as Bank of the West, Wells Fargo, and Chase, Villapudua will focus on the Modesto-to-Sacramento corridor. His expertise spans real estate, SBA financing, and agricultural credit lines. He has previously served on the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, Peggy Pollard has been appointed Vice President of Consumer Lending & Member Solutions. Pollard has over 25 years of lending experience, including tenures as Chief Lending Officer at LA Financial Credit Union and Vice President of Lending and Collections at Interior Federal Credit Union. She reports directly to the Chief Lending Officer.

Beyond executive appointments, Valley First is expanding its frontline capabilities by prioritizing the recruitment of Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors and bilingual staff. This initiative specifically targets the institution’s large Hispanic member base, ensuring that language barriers do not impede access to financial services across its branch network.

"As we look to the future of technology in banking, Chris Dalman’s expertise in digital innovation and commitment to serving underserved communities will be instrumental in driving Valley First Credit Union’s mission forward. Chris brings a wealth of experience in implementing cutting-edge technology solutions within credit unions that enhance operational efficiency and ensure equitable access to financial services for all members. Under his leadership, we will be better positioned to meet the evolving needs of our members and create a more inclusive financial landscape."

Kathryn J. Davis, President and CEO of Valley First Credit Union.

The companies involved

Valley First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in California. Operating with a balance sheet of $1.04 billion in assets, the institution occupies a significant niche in the regional credit union market, particularly within the Central Valley. The organization distinguishes itself through a member-centric model that prioritizes community building and financial well-being over traditional profit motives.

The credit union has recently focused on scaling its operations to match a growing membership, which expanded by more than 6,400 individuals in the current year alone. A core component of its market position is its dedication to financial inclusion, specifically serving minority populations and the Hispanic community. This is reflected in its operational strategy of staffing branches with bilingual financial experts and tellers. By maintaining a focus on both commercial and consumer lending, Valley First competes with larger commercial banks in the Modesto-to-Sacramento region while leveraging its status as a cooperative to offer tailored, relationship-driven business banking and specialized agricultural financing solutions.

What this means

This leadership expansion highlights a broader trend among mid-sized credit unions: the professionalization of the C-suite to compete with fintech-heavy incumbents. By poaching talent from major commercial banks like Chase and Wells Fargo, Valley First is signaling that it no longer views itself as a small-scale alternative, but as a direct competitor in the commercial and agricultural lending space. The appointment of a dedicated CTO with a security background also suggests that the member-owned sector is under increasing pressure to match the digital user experience and cybersecurity standards of Tier 1 banks. Furthermore, the focus on bilingual, certified counselors suggests the industry is moving toward a more sophisticated, advisory-led model of financial inclusion.