The addition of several newly named senior leadership team members at Citadel Credit Union “signals Citadel’s readiness to continue its legacy of innovation and growth.”
The recently announced team at the Chester County-based credit union reflects Citadel’s focus on fostering an environment of continuous improvement, accountability, operational efficiency, and “bold leadership,” the company said in a press release announcing the team.
“Our mission at Citadel is to empower our members and communities with the tools and services they need to achieve financial well-being. To do that effectively, we must be more agile and innovative, continuously improving our operations to meet the evolving needs of our members,” Bill Brown, Citadel president and CEO, said in a statement.
Brown was appointed CEO of Citadel in October 2023. Since his appointment, the credit union has been focused on business transformation and reorganizing its internal talent to maximize member value and support the company’s growth ambitions.
“The addition of these veteran leaders empowers us with a wealth of experience and passion and, importantly, a shared commitment to our members, employees and the communities we serve. Together, they will drive the strategies and tactics that are critical to our continued success, from enhancing our digital capabilities to improving member experience across all touchpoints,” Brown added.
Citadel’s newly appointed leadership team members include:
Lucia “Lucy” Bellomia, chief retail officer, leads the retail and business banking teams, contact center, and the newly formed branch administration team. Bellomia has 25 years of experience in streamlining business efficiencies and enhancing customer service through technology at financial institutions such as Bank of America, Berkshire Bank, Santander Bank, and PNC Bank.
Michael Desimone, chief lending officer, brings more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Desimone has expertise in credit risk management, regulatory environments, product management, and digital loan platforms. He has held prior roles at People’s United Bank and KeyBank as well as spending time with a lending software technology company.
Chris Palumbo, chief risk officer, brings more than 30 years of experience in financial services, with a strong focus on risk management, regulatory compliance, and operational leadership. In prior roles as regulator at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and managing director at KPMG, Palumbo has led the development and implementation of comprehensive risk management frameworks and improved regulatory compliance at companies such as Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, and more. At Citadel, he is responsible for ensuring the institution’s operations align with regulatory standards.
Courtney Rowan, chief digital and transformation officer. Promoted from within, Rowan has a deep understanding of Citadel’s operations, having started her career at the company in 1999 and establishing herself as a pivotal figure in advancing Citadel’s digital strategy.
Donald Scala, chief experience officer, will oversee Citadel’s member and employee experience team and establish an enterprise-wide Project Management Office (EPMO). Scala’s focus will be on integrating member feedback into every aspect of Citadel’s operations, driving higher satisfaction and loyalty. He has 30 years of experience and background in organizational culture, quality assurance, and retail positions at Citibank, Investors Bank, and Connect One Bank.
They join the rest of Citadel’s senior leadership team, which inclides:
Bill Brown, president/CEO; Mike Aileo, chief human resources officer; Brian Berry, chief information officer; Philip Faris, chief marketing officer; Sheri Perkins, chief wealth management officer; and Anand Solanki, chief financial officer
Headquartered in Uwchlan Township, Chester County, Citadel Credit Union serves more than 260,000 members in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
