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Helen Carbery Appointed CEO of Credit Union Development Association (CUDA)

By October 24, 2024News

The Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) has today announced the appointment of Helen Carbery as its new Chief Executive Officer. Helen steps into the role following the decision of Dr. Kevin Johnson, who led the organisation as CEO for 16 years, to retire from CUDA.

Helen Carbery brings a wealth of experience and leadership to CUDA, having worked in financial services for over two decades. Her extensive expertise spans retail banking, capital markets, insurance, and wealth management. Throughout her career, she has held numerous executive roles – most notably in AIB where she led large business, product, lending and change teams in a highly regulated environment.

Reflecting on her appointment, Helen expressed her enthusiasm for building on the significant strategic and legislative progress CUDA has delivered for the sector in recent years.

Helen’s vision for the future includes a society where everyone in Ireland has access to expanded credit union services to support their lives. The protection of the unique role of credit unions in their communities will be a key priority for Helen in her new role. She is committed to continuing to develop CUDA’s leadership, effectiveness and influence.

Commenting on her appointment, Helen said:

I am honoured to take on this role and build upon the strong foundation laid by CUDA and their many successes to date. My focus will be on continuing the important work of CUDA, prioritising the needs of members and communities advocating for the credit union sector, driving innovation, and ensuring that we provide strong leadership and development opportunities. I look forward to working with the CUDA team and its members as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Sean Murray, Chairperson of CUDA’s Management Committee welcomed the appointment,

We are delighted to welcome Helen Carbery as our new CEO. Helen’s exceptional track record in financial services, combined with her leadership experience, makes her the ideal person to guide CUDA into the future. We look forward to working with her as we continue to support the credit union sector and drive positive change.”

Helen succeeds Kevin Johnson, who leaves a strong legacy after 16 years as CEO. We thank Kevin for his contribution and wish him well in his future endeavours. We are confident that Helen’s leadership will continue to advance our mission of supporting the growth and success of credit unions across Ireland”.

Ends

Note to the editor

 

Helen Carbery Bio

Helen’s recent professional experience includes serving as a business consultant with Davy as well as her accomplished career in executive roles at AIB, where she managed product and lending portfolios and undertook strategic business design, investor deal structuring, credit analysis, and capital market transactions.

Helen has consistently demonstrated a people-centric approach to driving team innovation and development, with a focus on fostering a strong risk and ethical culture.

In addition to her commercial and strategic leadership experience, Helen is professionally qualified across multiple disciplines. She is a Chartered Accountant, Qualified Tax Consultant, and holds a QFA (Qualified Financial Advisor) certification from the Institute of Bankers. More recently, she also earned a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors and a Professional Certificate in Responsible & Sustainable Finance.

Helen has served in various governance roles, including as Chair of AIB Insurance Services, a PCF (Pre-Approval Controlled Function) role approved by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). She is also a volunteer non-executive director on the YMCA Board (youth services charity) and currently chairs its development sub-committee.

CUDA, the Credit Union Development Association, was legally incorporated in 2003. In its early days, it acted as the representative voice for owner member Credit Unions, with legislators and regulators. The organisation has since evolved and in addition to providing a ‘strong voice’, has become increasingly engaged in providing support facilities in the areas of regulatory compliance, shared services and competency development.

CUDA is a credit union-owned network of 50 member credit unions that enables them to engage in beneficial activities which would not have proved possible to do as single stand-alone entities.