AmeriCU Credit Union Strengthens Leadership Team with AVP and VP Appointments

ROME, NY – MAY 26, 2026: AmeriCU Credit Union welcomed several new AVPs and VPs to its leadership team. These appointments, made over the past few months, reflect AmeriCU’s continued investment in experienced leadership to support members and create meaningful connections across the communities it serves.

Amy Gonyo has been named AVP and Regional Director for Clinton and Essex Counties. In this role, she leads the teams at AmeriCU’s newest financial centers, supporting staff integration while expanding awareness of AmeriCU’s solutions and strategies throughout the North Country. Amy brings more than two decades of banking leadership experience, including 23 years at KeyBank where she advanced to operations leader, and six years as VP of operations at a credit union in upstate New York. She joined AmeriCU in July 2025 and played a key role in supporting AmeriCU’s merger with Mountain Valley Federal Credit Union.

Diana Morat has been promoted to VP of Specialty Banking and Fraud Prevention at AmeriCU. She provides executive leadership for enterprise fraud prevention, specialty banking, risk, quality control, and physical security programs, while serving as a strategic advisor on fraud trends, and regulatory compliance. Diana has more than 16 years of experience with AmeriCU, beginning her career as a teller in 2009 and advancing through roles in the call center, lending, compliance, and BSA, including establishing the credit union’s Specialty Banking program. She holds multiple industry certifications and serves on the board of the local chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and a branch of the Rome Hospital Twigs.

Jayla Lane has been named AVP and Regional Director of Virtual Services at AmeriCU. She leads the Member Service Center and Virtual Financial Center, including outbound sales teams and interactive teller machine operations, supporting more than 85,000 member interactions per quarter. Jayla brings more than a decade of leadership experience, including nearly ten years in the credit union industry focused on member experience, operations, and service transformation. She joined AmeriCU in January 2026 and is currently pursuing an MBA at LSU with a concentration in project management and data analytics.

Kevin Peterson has been named AVP of Technology Support at AmeriCU. In this role, he oversees technology implementation, end-user support, and lifecycle management, collaborating with business units and vendors to deliver organization-wide technology solutions. Prior to joining AmeriCU, Kevin spent 18 years at Verizon, where he advanced his career as a technology leader and developed high-performing technical teams while driving strategic initiatives. He brings a collaborative leadership approach focused on innovation, talent development, and aligning technology with organizational goals.

Luke DeArmond has been named VP of Mortgage at AmeriCU. He leads the growth and operational success of the mortgage department, overseeing mortgage sales, operations, and secondary market functions. Luke brings more than 13 years of credit union experience, including over a decade in residential mortgage lending, leveraging technology and data to scale operations while prioritizing team development through coaching and mentorship.

Serena Grant has been promoted to AVP of Credit Solutions at AmeriCU. She leads the credit solutions division, including member solutions and asset recovery, helping members navigate financial challenges through individualized solutions that support long-term stability. Serena has more than 18 years of experience in the banking and credit union industry, with a background in lending, underwriting, and leading advanced collections teams through operational and technology-driven change. She joined AmeriCU in August 2024 and remains actively involved in community service and leadership development initiatives.

Tiffany Abele has been named VP of Talent at AmeriCU. She leads the daily operations of human resources, including payroll, benefits, employee relations, recruiting, and performance management, working closely with leadership and staff to foster a supportive and growth-focused workplace. Tiffany has more than 15 years of Human Resources experience and holds an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management, a Master’s Certificate in Human Resources from Cornell University, and SPHR and SHRM-CP designations. Tiffany is active in the community, serving on the Boards of Directors for both the Rome Chamber of Commerce and Mohawk Valley SHRM.

Vanessa Szwejbka has been promoted to AVP of Community Relations at AmeriCU. In her role, she builds and strengthens relationships with community partners and helps guide AmeriCU and the AmeriCU Charitable Foundation’s nonprofit collaborations to create lasting impact across the region. She brings 15 years of broadcasting experience as a meteorologist across Central New York, the North Country, and the Southern Tier, before transitioning to community relations working with the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. Vanessa is active in the community, serving as a board member of the Syracuse American Heart Association, and is committed to advancing AmeriCU’s commitment to community support.

To learn more about careers at AmeriCU, visit www.americu.org/careers.

About AmeriCU Credit Union

As a credit union, AmeriCU is a not-for-profit financial institution owned by our members. Serving 24 counties in New York and beyond, AmeriCU provides you with all the products and services you need – often with low or no fees, and better rates. AmeriCU has grown to serve more than 200,000 members, 25 financial centers, and $3 billion in assets, while remaining dedicated to building meaningful connections with members and supporting the various local communities it serves. AmeriCU is headquartered in Rome, New York, and is among the State’s largest, full-service financial cooperatives. For more information, visit www.AmeriCU.org. Equal Housing Lender – Federally Insured by NCUA – Membership Eligibility Required.