Albuquerque, New Mexico — Friday, May 1 — Sunward Federal Credit Union is excited to welcome Mateo Ficco, CPA, CGMA, as Chief Financial Officer, where he will shape the financial future of one of New Mexico’s largest credit unions.
From private banking to venture capital to multi-billion-dollar credit unions, Ficco’s extensive leadership experience across financial sectors will provide Sunward with a broad perspective on financial strategy, sustainable growth, and operational discipline as the Credit Union continues physical expansion and digital innovation across the Southwest.
“What stood out to us was Mateo’s collaborative approach and genuine interest in our values, our people, and the communities we serve,” said Steph Sherrodd, Sunward President and CEO. “Mateo’s impact is already evident in our organization and we expect continued growth under his leadership.”
As a key member of Sunward’s leadership team, Ficco’s priorities include ensuring strong financial stewardship and organizational efficiency, while positioning Sunward for healthy, long-term success far into the future.
“The beauty, charm, and culture of New Mexico all attracted me to Sunward, and the dynamic people throughout our team helped solidify my decision to join this growing credit union,” said Ficco. “It’s been a tremendous first few months with the team. The energy and commitment to serving our members and our communities has shone through every day.”
Ficco’s hiring follows a pair of promotions in Sunward’s Lending team. Jamie Aguilar and Casey Bresnahan were promoted to Chief Lending Officer and Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending, respectively.
Sunward has also grown physically in addition to its leadership growth, recently celebrating the grand opening of a new branch in Albuquerque’s South Valley and announcing a new branch on Albuquerque’s West Side that’s set to open later this summer.
Sunward Federal Credit Union is one of New Mexico’s largest credit unions, serving over 175,000 members and managing more than $4.5 billion in assets. Formed in 1948 by employees of Sandia National Laboratories, Sunward’s footprint spans 16 branches across the Southwest and California.
Based in Albuquerque, Sunward has been named one of America’s Best Regional Credit Unions by Newsweek and Albuquerque’s Best Bank by the Albuquerque Journal’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Anyone can apply to open an account, and members can enjoy access to checking, savings, mortgage, auto, credit card, and investment services.
Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit gosunward.org.
