SEATAC, Wash. (10/28/15)--Seattle-based Inspirus CU has pledged $25,000 in matching funds for needed school supplies for Washington classrooms, according to the Northwest Credit Union Association (Anthem Oct. 26). The credit union partnered with DonorsChoose.org, an online crowdfunding site for teachers, to help buy the supplies. When individual donors’ contributions hit a halfway mark for select funding requests, the credit union matches the rest. Inspirus CU, formerly School Employees CU of Washington, has fully funded 43 projects. Also, when members take out an auto loan before year-end, the credit union will provide them with $200 to donate to a DonorsChoose.org project and match those funds if the member selects a request from a high-needs school …

DENVER (10/28/15)--Patricia “Patty” Salazar, a former lobbyist with the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, has been named Colorado’s new Commissioner of Financial Services and Director of the Division of Financial Services at the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Her appointment is effective Nov. 12. She previously served as deputy commissioner for California’s financial services regulator, the Department of Business Oversight. Salazar served as the leagues’ state legislative and regulatory lobbyist, and also worked closely with the Mountain West Credit Union Association (MWCUA). “Patty’s broad experience and already existing relationships within our state and industry will be a particular asset to the interests of Colorado’s credit unions and will be helpful as we navigate the ever-challenging world of financial regulations,” said Scott Earl, MWCUA president/CEO …

MADISON, Wis. (10/28/15)--Tom Liebe has been named president/CEO of Cooperative Network, the statewide association for cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Liebe served as senior vice president of advocacy with the Wisconsin Credit Union League and was with the league for 11 years. Liebe has more than 20 years of experience in government relations, advocacy and trade association management. His new position is effective Nov. 9. He succeeds Bill Oemichen, who retired earlier this month, and will be headquartered in Madison, Wis. …

MADISON, Wis. (10/28/15)--CUNA Mutual Group has hired Dave Brown as chief investment officer, succeeding David Marks, who will retire at the end of the year after 10 years with the company. Brown most recently served as chief investment officer for the TIAA-CREF General Account. He also served as chair of the TIAA Investment Management Committee and previously held several senior-level investment positions at Prudential Financial. Brown will oversee CUNA Mutual Group’s investment portfolio and MEMBERS Capital Advisors, its registered investment adviser affiliate …