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Newsmakers
Kaylee Johnston and Gabe Gutierrez were recently named vice presidents at Truity Credit Union. “Kaylee and Gabe have been invaluable to Truity in the Lawrence market,” said President/CEO Dennis Halpin. “I’m very pleased to have both of them on the middle management team.” Kaylee Johnston
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Johnston began her career at the credit union in 2006 as a teller while she was still in high school. “Slowly but surely, with the guidance of many influential leaders, I have grown into a career that I love,” Johnston stated. She served as a teller, member consultant, lead member consultant and senior member consultant. After graduating from the KU School of Business in 2014, she was promoted to branch manager, and now she is vice president, Lawrence Market. “Having served in these multiple roles gives me perspective on what my teams members are facing every day in their positions,” she said. Johnston currently serves as the co-chair for the Chamber of Commerce Envoys, sits on both the statewide and local board for Junior Achievement as the treasurer for both. She also founded and am the current president for the Lawrence KS Young Professionals. Johnston is a “townie,” born and raised in Lawrence. She currently lives in Baldwin City with her daughter Gracie. “I’m grateful for the growth opportunities Truity continue to provide all employees. I’m excited to serve in the VP position and look forward to Truity’s continued success in the Lawrence community,” she continued. Gabe Gutierrez
Gutierrez has been with Truity for 15 years and has been in the Commercial Lending Department for 6 years. He was elevated to the department manager in 2018 and was recently named vice president. In his time with the department, he has earned his Credit Union Business Lending Professional (CUBLP) designation through the CUNA Mutual training program in 2016. As vice president, Gutierrez will continue to oversee the Commercial Lending Department and will work diligently to bring competitive and worthwhile financing options tailored to businesses in Lawrence and surrounding communities.
New Envista Branch to Open in Lawrence in May 2021
Envista Credit Union is pleased to announce that they have purchased the building at 3045 Iowa in Lawrence, Kansas to serve as the tenth branch location for Envista. The facility will open in May of 2021. “While the self-service capabilities that Envista offers through online and mobile banking are state-of-the-art, our growing membership in Lawrence has a need for financial support through a physical location,” said Ron Smeltzer, president and CEO of Envista. “We are committed to investing in the communities and the members that we serve.”
Four Hands on the Wheel
Van Go, Inc. announces new Co-Executive Directors Eliza Darmon and Kristen Malloy, both seasoned Van Go staff members, to lead the organization into the future.
The new leadership format, approved unanimously by Van Go’s Board of Directors, began January 1, 2021. Each woman brings a unique set of skills and specialty area to their positions: Eliza in Development and Operations, and Kristen in Program Administration and Human Resources.
“Together we look forward to creating a model of leadership at Van Go that exemplifies the invaluable job skills of teamwork, collaboration, communication and shared leadership that we teach our youth every day. Last year’s challenges affirmed the benefits of this integrated approach. It is with deep respect for one another and reverence for Van Go’s roots that we will steward this cherished organization into the future,” said Darmon and Malloy. “We are delighted that Kristen and Eliza will be serving as Co-Executive Directors of Van Go. They did an exceptional job leading Van Go in 2020, and we know they will continue to strengthen and grow this award-winning social service organization. Working in tandem, and supported by an extraordinary staff, our new Co-Executive Directors will propel Van Go forward in its mission to support and empower at-risk youth through the development of essential work and life skills. Van Go is strong and its work has never been more vital. We congratulate these incredibly talented leaders and look forward to supporting them in their ongoing work on behalf of our youth and community, “ said John Bullock, 2020 President of Van Go’s Board of Directors.
Malcolm Proudfit Promoted to CEO of Good Energy Solutions
Good Energy Solutions is pleased to announce that Malcolm Proudfit of Lawrence, KS has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Good Energy Solutions. Malcolm holds his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Kansas. He also holds Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Finance and brings years of experience in the solar industry. “Over the last year, as Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Malcolm has brought improvements at Good Energy Solutions in our people and processes, all while empowering change that will enable the continued growth of the business”, said Kevin Good, President and Owner of Good Energy Solutions. “Malcolm has earned the position of CEO by helping the company grow and thrive during a pandemic. I look forward to seeing what he can do to steer the organization through the tidal wave that is building in the solar and energy storage industries and supporting our fast growing electrical division” Good added. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this organization. This is an industry I am passionate about, and I wanted to work with the best, which is what led me to Good Energy Solutions. We have an amazing team, and even though we’ve still got some battle scars from 2020, we are enthusiastic about the future, and ready to get to work. We will seek to continue our growth trajectory so that we can accomplish our mission of providing good, clean energy to those around us”, added Malcolm Proudfit. Good Energy Solutions has seen continued growth in the last several months in electrical services for both the commercial and residential market, increased interest in energy storage, and a boom in the solar industry.
