Energy Capital CU promotes senior leaders

Energy Capital Credit Union has promoted three employees to senior management positions. Corey Cunningham now serves as the chief financial officer; DJ Contreras was promoted to vice president of member services; and Deana Price is now vice president of human resources.

Cunningham brings more than 10 years of financial services industry experience to his new role and has previously served as a financial analyst, accounting manager, and controller. He joined Energy Capital CU in 2020 as a vice president/comptroller.

“Corey’s extensive experience positions him well to lead our financial operations,” said Linda Pearsall, CEO of Energy Capital Credit Union. “He’s had a great first year at ECCU, and we are confident that he will excel in his new role.”

Cunningham has served on various committees such as ALCO, OPCO, Pricing Committee, Credit Committee, and has also previously served as a licensed financial advisor. He has also obtained the Certified Credit Union Investments Professional designation from CUNA, attended CUNA’s Financial Management School, and participated in various executive leadership and management programs such as the Vistage Emerging Leaders Program and Integrity Coaching. Cunningham holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Houston—Clear Lake.

Contreras’ area of expertise includes branch, call center, and facilities operations. He brings more than 12 years of experience in the financial services industry to his new role. He joined the credit union two years ago from Smart Financial Credit Union, where he served as branch manager, managing three branches and nine employees. Prior to Smart Financial, Contreras worked in various roles at Capital One, Wells Fargo, and JP Morgan Chase.

“DJ harnesses his positive energy to encourage others to work hard to succeed,” Pearsall said. “Providing excellent member service comes naturally to him, and his unique brand of leadership will serve our members well.”

Contreras holds a bachelor’s degree in business psychology from Arizona State University and has a dual Master of Business Administration in management and finance from Western International University.

Price started her financial services career in 2000 when she was hired as a part-time teller at Bank of America. In 2003, Price joined Energy Capital Credit Union as a floating MSR and joined the human resources department in 2004, after which she worked in roles such as HR assistant, HR generalist, and HR manager.

Price has spearheaded several projects that have enhanced human resources at the credit union, including the implementation of its human resource information system, applicant tracking, and enhancements to its benefit program offerings.

“In the last 20 years, Deana has played a key role in enhancing the human resources function at Energy Capital,” Pearsall said. “She is well-attuned to the culture here at Energy Capital and is a valuable resource to our employees.”

About Energy Capital Credit Union

In 1934, a small group of Humble Oil Employees came together to form what would become Energy Capital Credit Union. The credit union’s goal is to provide exceptional service and offer its members the tools they need to realize their dreams. Banking services are available to anyone in the Texas counties of Harris and Montgomery.