03/06/2012
Kathy Garner Selected As Catalyst Corporate’s New CEO
In making the announcement, Lin Hodges, Catalyst Corporate chairman and President/CEO of Associated Credit Union in Norcross, GA said, “We are pleased to have someone with Kathy Garner’s credit union industry background and understanding. She is well-regarded in the credit union community and will bring a high level of member focus to the role.”
Most recently, Garner served as Executive Vice President of Member Relations and Business Development for Catalyst Corporate.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to lead Catalyst Corporate,” Garner said. “Catalyst Corporate has a very bright future with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. I am looking forward to connecting with member credit unions and continuing to provide valuable products and services.”
Garner will replace Dianne Addington, who has served as the President and CEO at Catalyst Corporate since it was created in September 2011 from the combination of Georgia Corporate Federal Credit Union and Southwest Bridge Corporate Federal Credit Union. Addington was tapped by the NCUA to run Southwest Bridge when it was conserved prior to its emergence as Catalyst Corporate. Addington had long indicated her intent to return to retirement once Catalyst Corporate was on its feet and a new CEO was selected.
“I worked closely with Kathy Garner for almost 12 months at one of the most difficult times in the history of this organization,” Addington said. “During her time with Southwest, Kathy helped in the development of the low-risk business plan and was instrumental in conducting the Town Hall meetings that led to the capitalization of Catalyst Corporate. She has always been a staunch supporter of Catalyst Corporate.”
During her previous tenure at Catalyst Corporate, Garner was responsible for correspondent and payment services sales, communications and marketing, member services and the Northwest Regional office. She held that position since the merger of Northwest Corporate Federal Credit Union with Southwest Corporate in December, 2007. Prior to that merger, she was the President/CEO of Northwest Corporate from 1995 to 2007.
Garner worked for U.S. Central Federal Credit union from 1984 to 1995, primarily as a manager in the Asset/Liability department. Prior to that, she was the Assistant Manager of Corporate Central Credit Union of Utah for more than a year.
Garner’s tenure in the credit union industry has been extensive, serving as past Chair of CU Business Group LLC and Primary Financial Company LLC, two CUSOs partially owned by Catalyst Corporate. She served on the Governmental Affairs Committee for the Credit Union Association of Oregon, was a board member of the Oregon Credit Union Foundation, the Washington Credit Union Foundation, and the Western Payments Alliance (WesPay). Garner currently serves on the board of the NW Credit Union Foundation.
Garner received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Utah State University and an MBA from University of Missouri/Kansas City. She is also a Credit Union Development Educator.