CU*Answers, the 100% credit union-owned cooperative CUSO, announced today that they have appointed Geoff Johnson to the newly created position of Chief Operations Officer. Johnson previously served as CU*Answers Executive Vice President of Client Interactions since joining the firm in 2005. The new position expands the current group of officers, which includes Randy Karnes, CEO, Bob Frizzle, CFO, and Jody Karnes, CIO.

“The decision to add a fourth officer position does not come easily or frequently at CU*Answers,” said CU*Answers CEO Randy Karnes. The process requires the current officers to make a case for the position and the Board must then ratify the design change.  It demonstrates the CUSO’s commitment to developing internal resources that can support the goals not only of CU*Answers, but also of all CUSOs in the cuasterisk.com network.  Says, Karnes, “Geoff has earned our confidence over the last nine years.  More importantly, he has been the kind of leader that can launch new business and set the standards needed for a new position like this.  He has proven he can shoulder the responsibilities of being the go-to guy for our clients and partners, and now we look for him to add new capabilities, and enhance our board room and our overall cooperative design.  This move has me smiling about some big opportunities for our network in the next few years.”

Chris Butler, CEO of La Crosse Wisconsin’s Community Credit Union and CU*Answers Board Chair agrees. “With the growth CU*Answers has experienced in the last decade, the Board of Directors felt the need to expand the Corporate Officer positions to include a Chief Operations Officer. Johnson brings a proven track record to the table for what this new position demands.”

“It has been a rewarding experience to be a part of the growth and opportunities at CU*Answers over the past nine years,” says Johnson. “On a daily basis I have the opportunity to work with the leaders of over two hundred credit unions as well as a wide range of business partners in the marketplace.  Being a part of that mix has been a great environment to work in each and every day. I look forward to expanding interactions with leaders both in our market space and those in the industry at large in this new role.”