First Harvest Credit Union Announces Management Enhancements and New Member Service Center

Information and image provided by First Harvest Credit Union

First Harvest Credit Union (First Harvest), New Jersey’s second largest credit union by membership, has announced the hiring of a new executive leader as well as several management promotions among its existing leadership team.  In addition, the credit union is launching First Harvest Direct, its New Jersey-based member service and digital banking team, creating over 20 new South Jersey jobs.

New Human Resources Leader

Lisa Noreski, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP has been hired as Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer. With a proven track record of outstanding achievements and leadership in the field of human resources and financial services, Noreski is joining First Harvest from Nav Technologies Inc., a national fintech lender, where she served as Director of People Strategy.  There, Lisa led a comprehensive overhaul of HR technology, tools and processes. She grew headcount in the organization over 150% in two years, with a focus on underrepresented talent.  Previously, Lisa held progressive leadership roles in Human Resources with Discover Financial Services for over 13 years. During that time she developed and implemented human capital plans to enhance employee relations, talent acquisition and development, and performance management.

Noreski holds a Bachelor of Science from Rowan University, and a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources Management from Goldey Beacom College. She also holds certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from both HRCI and SHRM.  A featured speaker at Hacking HR, Noreski holds certifications in Employee Engagement Management Coaching, and served as an honorary commander of the Delaware National Guard.  She is a lifelong resident of Gloucester County, and is actively involved with animal rescue efforts.

“Lisa’s extensive experience and commitment to her colleagues and community make her a valuable addition to our team at First Harvest Credit Union,” stated First Harvest President & CEO Mike Dinneen.  “With Lisa’s leadership and business partnership, we will continue to enhance our overall employee experience, including our employee health, wellness and retirement programs, improving our training and development programs, and truly becoming the best place to work in South Jersey.”

Staff Promotions

First Harvest has also announced several promotions among its management team:

• Camille Gadsden has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Controller & Asset Recovery.  Gadsden joined First Harvest in 2006, and oversees the credit union’s accounting and asset recovery departments, and has served as chair of the employee-led Charitable Journeys charitable giving committee.
• Kimberly Montgomery has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Retail Banking.  Montgomery joined First Harvest in 2021, and oversees the sales, service and member experience across the credit union’s eight retail branch locations.
• Erik Young has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Direct Banking.  Young joined First Harvest in 2015, and is overseeing the build-out of First Harvest Direct, the credit union’s new in-house member service and solution center, as well as its new digital banking branch.
• Daniel Murphy has been promoted to Vice President, Facilities & Security.  Murphy joined First Harvest in 2016, and oversees the operations of the credit union’s physical locations, as well as security and loss mitigation functions.

“I am deeply appreciative of the leadership, partnership and accountability that Camille, Kim, Erik and Dan have demonstrated to the credit union’s employees and membership.  We are proud to recognize them and promote them as they will continue to play an integral role in our strategic vision of providing outstanding member and employee experiences,” stated Dinneen.

First Harvest Direct

The credit union is hiring more than 20 new associates in its new First Harvest Direct initiative, embarking on the creation of a new, locally-based member service contact center and digital banking center.  Based at the credit union’s headquarters in Deptford, N.J., this team will serve as a best-in-class member service and solution center, and will also administer a digital banking platform to facilitate online account opening and deposit programs for new and existing members throughout the region.  

“In the coming months, our members can be confident that their service issues will be handled right here at our headquarters, by First Harvest staff members who are also fellow members,” stated Dinneen.  “Our members deserve nothing less than premiere service, and this new team will also allow us to begin growing our membership through our online and mobile channels as well.  In addition, we are excited to be creating new jobs in South Jersey, which will have a positive economic impact here in our community.”