Matt Kaudy

ANTIGO, Wis. – Matt Kaudy has taken over as president and CEO of CoVantage Credit Union, succeeding Charlie Zanayed as only the fourth CEO in the cooperative’s 73-year history.

Kaudy stepped into the role after Zanayed’s previously announced retirement, concluding a two-year succession process. Zanayed was president and CEO for 13 years, guiding the credit union through significant growth, CoVantage stated in a news release.

“We are deeply grateful for Charlie’s leadership and the lasting impact he has made on CoVantage, its member-owners, and its employees,” CoVantage Credit Union Board Chair Mike Windberg said, adding, “Matt’s experience, values, and leadership approach position CoVantage well for the future.”

With more than 20 years of credit union leadership experience, Kaudy brings a broad background across human resources, payments, digital, contact centers, financial centers, marketing, and community engagement. Most recently, he was executive vice president and chief growth officer at EECU Credit Union in Fort Worth, Texas.

“I’m honored to step into the role of president and CEO at CoVantage,” Kaudy said. “The welcome I’ve received from employees, members, and community partners has been incredibly meaningful.”

Throughout his career, Kaudy has been engaged in community service, supporting organizations focused on youth development, financial education and children’s health. He looks forward to becoming active in the communities CoVantage serves, which in the Upper Peninsula includes branches in Crystal Falls, Iron River and Menominee.

Headquartered in Antigo, Wis., CoVantage Credit Union has more than $4 billion in assets and 183,000 member-owners. Founded in 1953, the financial cooperative has more than 450 employees working in 23 locations in Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. For more information, go online to covantagecu.org.