Central 1 Credit Union Appoints CFO Helen Blackburn as Interim President & CEO

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 18, 2013) - Central 1 Credit Union (Central 1) today announced that current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Senior Vice President (SVP) Strategy, Helen Blackburn, has been appointed Interim President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective August 1.

The priority over the coming weeks will be to work together with Don Rolfe, current President & CEO, on a smooth transition for August 1.

Blackburn has more than 15 years' experience as a senior executive within the financial services industry. She was instrumental in leading the integration of the B.C. and Ontario provincial centrals into the current Central 1. In her role as SVP, Strategy at Central 1, Blackburn has been key in supporting the strategic vision for the organization and since her promotion to CFO in 2011 has continued to guide Central 1 to a strong financial foundation.

Prior to joining Central 1, Blackburn was SVP, Strategy and CFO at Credential Financial Inc. and Northwest & Ethical Investments where she was responsible for overseeing the strategic planning process and directing the financial affairs of both organizations. She is active on a number of boards in both the non-profit and private sector.

"Helen has been a much respected and valued advisor to the Board of Directors and to member credit unions," said Mr. Terry Enns, Chairperson of Central 1's Board of Directors. "Her talent and leadership will provide the stability and continuity necessary during this transition period for Central 1."

An executive recruitment is currently underway for the permanent President & CEO. The search is anticipated to take up to six months.

About Central 1

Central 1 is the central financial facility and trade association for the B.C. and Ontario credit union systems. Central 1 represents a consumer-oriented, full-service retail financial system that serves 3.2 million members and holds $88.7 billion in assets and is owned primarily by its member credit unions, 44 in B.C. and 96 in Ontario.

With offices in Vancouver, Mississauga, and Toronto, Central 1 provides liquidity management, direct banking and payment service solutions as well as a wide range of trade services. For more information, visit www.central1.com.