Veteran credit union executive will take the helm in February, succeeding Kevin Ryan after a year of leadership transition.

Financial Center First Credit Union, a nearly $900 million institution serving central Indiana, announced this week that it has selected Ning Duong as its next chief executive officer, marking the latest chapter in a leadership transition that has unfolded over the past year.

Duong will officially assume the role on Feb. 2, succeeding Kevin Ryan, who has served as interim president and chief executive since August 2025 while the credit union conducted a national search. Ryan, a former long-time chief executive, returned on an interim basis after the retirement of Cameron Minges, who stepped down on Dec. 31 after 12 years with the organization and three years as president and chief executive.

“Financial Center stands on a strong foundation of service, innovation, and commitment to our members,” Tom Spahr, the credit union’s board chair, said in a statement. “Ning Duong brings exceptional leadership experience and a proven track record of operational excellence that aligns perfectly with our strategic vision.”

Based in Indianapolis, Financial Center First Credit Union reported $889 million in assets and roughly 59,000 members, according to National Credit Union Administration call report data. Through Sept. 30, the credit union earned $980,000, an increase from $761,000 during the same period a year earlier.

Duong arrives with more than 25 years of experience in the credit union industry, having led teams across a broad range of functions, including branch operations, business banking, community development, digital delivery, marketing, technology and human resources. Most recently, she served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Credit Union West, where she was closely involved in strategy, member experience and organizational growth.

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“I am honored to be joining Financial Center First Credit Union,” Duong said. “The credit union’s rich history and enduring commitment to its mission, core values, and people strongly resonate with me. I look forward to working in partnership with the board and team to build on the strong foundation already in place.”

Her appointment comes at a moment of both continuity and change for the Indianapolis-based credit union. Ryan previously served as chief executive for 12 years before retiring in 2021, and his interim return helped stabilize the organization during the leadership search. Minges, who joined Financial Center First in 2013 and became chief executive in 2022, oversaw a period of growth and strategic investment before his retirement.

Duong is widely regarded within the industry as a collaborative leader and mentor, with a strong focus on organizational culture and the broader credit union mission. She holds both the U.S. Credit Union Development Educator designation and the GlobalDE designation from Canada, credentials that emphasize community impact and financial inclusion. Her academic background includes a master’s degree in human resources and employment law from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Colorado State University. She is completing her final year at the CUES CEO Institute, where she is working toward the Certified Chief Executive designation.

The leadership change also follows recent expansion efforts by Financial Center First.

In October, the credit union opened a new full-service branch in McCordsville, one of Indiana’s fastest-growing communities. The $1.5 million investment extends service to members in eastern Indianapolis and Hancock County, including McCordsville, Fishers and Greenfield.

Spahr said the board views Duong’s appointment as a step toward building on that momentum. “Under her guidance, we are confident Financial Center will continue to grow stronger, deliver greater value to our members, and enhance our impact in the communities we serve,” he said.

As Duong prepares to take the helm, Financial Center First joins a growing number of mid-sized credit unions navigating leadership transitions while balancing growth, community presence and evolving member expectations in a competitive financial services landscape.

“Ning Duong brings exceptional leadership experience and a proven track record of operational excellence that aligns perfectly with our strategic vision.”

– Tom Spahr
Board Chair
Financial Center First Credit Union