Chicopee, MA – September 18, 2025 – Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has selected Michael Sugrue, current Executive Vice President, as the next President, effective September 17, 2025. Following the retirement of current President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James P. Kelly on May 31, 2026, Sugrue will assume the CEO title. This strategic succession plan, developed over five years, ensures PNCU’s commitment to its members and community.
James P. Kelly’s 20-year tenure as President & CEO has driven significant growth in membership and assets, introduced innovative financial services, and strengthened community ties. “Serving PNCU has been the honor of my life,” said Kelly. “Michael Sugrue’s leadership and dedication make him the ideal successor.”
Michael Sugrue brings nearly 30 years of banking experience to his new role. Since joining PNCU in 2016 as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, he has driven strategic growth and member engagement initiatives. His prior roles include positions in risk oversight, audit, compliance, community reinvestment, and as a financial institution examiner for regulatory authorities at both the state and federal levels. A lifelong Western Massachusetts resident, Sugrue holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a graduate degree in Executive Banking from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking. His community involvement includes serving on the Holyoke Medical Center board, the Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. “I am honored to lead PNCU and continue serving our Western Massachusetts community with innovative financial solutions and personalized care,” said Sugrue.
Effective September 17, 2025, PNCU announces the promotion of Charlotte Hansen to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Hansen brings more than 30 years of financial services experience and has been with PNCU for over seven years, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and CFO. In her role, Hansen oversees Finance and Accounting, Financial Services, and Marketing, with responsibility for financial reporting, budgeting, investments, treasury, and asset liability management. Prior to joining PNCU, Hansen was CFO and Senior Vice President at Bankers’ Bank Northeast and began her career in public accounting with Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C., focusing on audit and tax services for financial institutions. A Certified Public Accountant, Hansen holds an Associate of Science in Accounting from Manchester Community College and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Hartford. She also serves on several local boards.
Kirk Burnham, promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations/Technology, has over 30 years of experience in financial services. Since joining PNCU in 2013 as Senior Vice President of Operations, he has overseen daily operations, including security, facilities, vendor management, data processing, electronic delivery systems, and the contact center, while driving technology objectives and policies. Previously, he served as a Vice President of Operations and Chief Technology Officer. Burnham holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and attended the Massachusetts Bankers Association’s School for Financial Studies and the National School of Banking. He serves on local education boards and supports financial literacy programs.
David Fernandes, promoted to Senior Vice President of Retail, and Sherri LaPlante, promoted to Human Resource Director, further bolster PNCU’s leadership with their expertise in member services and workplace culture.
Kelly will remain fully engaged as CEO through May 31, 2026, ensuring a seamless transition. PNCU extends gratitude to Kelly and looks forward to a bright future under Sugrue’s leadership.
For media inquiries, contact Shane Hall at (413) 206-0623 or shall@pncu.com.
About Polish National Credit Union (PNCU)
Headquartered in Chicopee, MA, Polish National Credit Union is a full-service financial institution with seven branches in Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Granby, Westfield, Southampton, Hampden, and Wilbraham. PNCU offers online banking at www.pncu.com and a social media presence at facebook.com/PolishNationalCreditUnion. An Equal Housing Lender, deposits are insured by the NCUA and MSIC. PNCU’s NMLS number is 439259.