STEPPING UP. Longtime WESTconsin Credit Union CEO Lora Benrud, left, will retire in September, and will be replaced by Jim Wookey. (Submitted photos)

After a decades-long career at WESTconsin Credit Union, the last 10 years as CEO, Lora Benrud will step away from the helm as she enters retirement this fall. Prior to her last day on Sept. 6, Jim Wookey will take the reins of the Menomonie-based credit union.

Wookey has been WESTconsin’s chief operations officer since 2011, and prior to that served as office manager and vice president of the New Richmond and Hudson offices. With a decades-long career under his belt, Wookey is looking forward to continuing the credit union’s 85-year legacy.

“Having been a part of WESTconsin for 30 years, I have witnessed the strength of our mission of empowering members and communities with the resources to achieve financial wellness, and I am honored to continue that as CEO,” Wookey said in a media release.

“(I) have great confidence in the bright future that is ahead for WESTconsin under Jim’s leadership.”

LORA BENRUD

OUTGOING WESTCONSIN CREDIT UNION CEO

Benrud reflected on her 40-plus year career at WESTconsin, which began back in 1984 when she was hired as a part-time teller. Over the years, Benrud served as vice president of human resources and member services as well as chief financial officer before being hired as CEO in August 2014, becoming the fourth president in the company’s history.

“I am both excited and grateful to retired from such a wonderful organization full of caring and engaged employees and board members. Looking back, I never would have imagined after graduating from college that I would find a lifelong career with a company I hold dear to me heart,” Benrud said in a media release. “(I) have great confidence in the bright future that is ahead for WESTconsin under Jim’s leadership. It has been an honor to be a part of the remarkable credit union industry.”

Upon stepping into retirement, Benrud plans to enjoy the outdoors and travel while spending more time with family and friends.

WESTconsin Credit Union has been serving the region since its founding in 1939, when it primarily served the area’s agricultural community as Menomonie Farmers Credit Union. After expanding its membership base and merging with other small credit unions in the region, in 1990 it celebrated its growth by changing its name to WESTconsin.

WESTconsin serves 28 counties across west-central Wisconsin and east-central Minnesota, including office locations in Altoona, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie, and beyond.

Learn more about WESTconsin Credit Union on its website.