WESTconsin's CEO Shares Retirement Plans, Successor Announced

WESTconsin Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Jim Wookey to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Wookey will replace Lora Benrud when she retires in September 2024.  

Serving our members and communities for thirty years, Wookey began his WESTconsin career in 1994 as a Consumer and Mortgage Loan Officer in the River Falls office.  He then served as Office Manager and Vice President of the New Richmond and Hudson offices before being hired as Chief Operations Officer in 2011.

 “Having been a part of WESTconsin for thirty 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,” said Wookey. “I am grateful to the Board of Directors and my fellow leadership team for the trust placed in me, and I look forward to leading our dedicated team of employees and continuing to support the 85-year legacy we’ve built for our members.”

Wookey will be replacing Lora Benrud, the credit union’s CEO for the past ten years, officially taking over duties prior to her last day on September 6, 2024. Starting at WESTconsin as a part-time Teller in 1984, Benrud has worked in several positions, including Vice President – Human Resources and Member Services and Chief Financial Officer. She was hired as CEO in August 2014, becoming the fourth president in the company’s history.  

“I am both excited and grateful to retire 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 my heart,” said Benrud. “I am proud of how our credit union has helped our members and communities and 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.”

In retirement, Benrud plans to spend more time with her family and friends, as well as travel and enjoy the outdoors. The Board of Directors extend their deepest gratitude to Benrud for her forty years of service to the credit union and wish her nothing but the best in her retirement.