Freedom Federal Credit Union Elects New Board Chair

Bel Air, MD – Freedom Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Lisa Ermatinger has been elected to serve as Chair of the Credit Union’s Board of Directors. Ermatinger has served on the Board since 2004 and has previously served as Secretary and Treasurer.

Ermatinger assumes the role from Mike Kaiser, who has stepped down after 12 years as Board Chair. Kaiser will remain on the Board as a Director.

Since joining Freedom’s Board of Directors, Ermatinger has also served on several essential internal committees, including the Asset Liability Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and the Budget & Compensation Committee.

“I am deeply honored to be elected as the new Board Chair and look forward to working with my colleagues to move Freedom’s mission forward,” said Ermatinger “I want to thank the Freedom Board of Directors for its confidence in me to serve our community, and I especially thank Mike Kaiser for his years of leadership and service. Together with our employees, volunteers, and community partners, we will continue to make a positive difference in Harford County. We will extend that impact into Baltimore County with the opening of our new branch coming soon to Perry Hall.”

Ermatinger has more than 30 years of experience in the financial and health insurance industry. and served on the Board of Directors for the Fidelity Health Group. Raised in Baltimore County, she is an alumna of the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business. Ermatinger has lived in Harford County for more than 20 years with her husband and their four children.

SVP of Business Banking Named to Department of Social Services Advisory Board

Bel Air, MD –Freedom Federal Credit Union is pleased to recognize Bob Wehland, Senior Vice President of Business Banking, on his recent executive appointment to the Department of Social Services (DSS) Advisory Board in Harford County. Wehland received commendations on his appointment by County Executive Barry Glassman and County Council President Patrick Vincenti.

The Department of Social Services Advisory Board is involved in every phase of DSS planning, operations, and funding. The agency itself works under the mission to aggressively pursue opportunities to assist people in economic need, provide prevention services, and protect vulnerable children and adults.

Wehland comes to the board with over twenty years of banking management experience, and a long history of community involvement. Wehland is currently the Vice President for the Mason-Dixon Business Association, for which he has also served as both President and Treasurer since his initial involvement in 1999. Around the same time, Wehland also joined the board of Mason-Dixon Community Services, for which he has been the Treasurer for the last eight years.

Wehland is also the current chair of the Veterans Committee for Abingdon Elks Lodge # 2354, where he recently coordinated and assisted in delivering 115 boxed lunches and 105 hot dinners to Veterans at Perry Point.

In addition to his role at Freedom Federal Credit Union, Wehland has coordinated employee volunteers to participate in over twenty different non-profit causes and over 1,500 hours of volunteer time as Chairperson of Freedom’s Community Outreach Committee, a role he has held since 2015.

When asked to join the DSS Advisory Board, Wehland expressed that he was both “humbled and honored to be considered for such an opportunity”. “I have always believed it is important to give back to the community,” Wehland stated. “Fortunately, Freedom Federal Credit Union shares this philosophy of giving back and people helping people.”

“Offering a hand up, especially in a time of crisis, makes our world and our community a better place,” Wehland continued. “I hope to bring my knowledge, experience, and wisdom, along with my compassion and commitment to the DSS Advisory Board. I am very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to serving the citizens of Harford County in this new role.”

“Bob Wehland is as dedicated to his community as he is to the Freedom Federal Credit Union Team, and we could not be prouder” stated Mike MacPherson, Freedom’s President and CEO. “Over the years, it has been incredible to see our community being served in meaningful ways by our Freedom employees, board directors, committee volunteers, and members.”

The Credit Union encourages employees to volunteer their time and skills to better serve the Harford and Baltimore County communities, including serving on local non-profit boards and county government boards and commissions.

Michael MacPherson is New President/CEO

President/CEO Appointment Caps a Nation-Wide Search

Freedom Federal Credit Union's President/CEO Michael MacPherson — **Freedom Federal Credit Union’s President/CEO Michael MacPherson**

Freedom Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the official placement of Michael MacPherson as the credit union’s new President/Chief Executive Officer.

“Having served twelve years in a variety of management positions, including Chief Operating Officer and most recently as the interim President/CEO, there is no better qualified individual to serve as our credit union’s President/CEO,” said Mike Kaiser, Chairman of the Board. “As interim CEO,” Mr. Kaiser said, “Michael demonstrated his abilities to lead and guide Freedom into the future. We are looking forward to his continued tenure with Freedom Federal Credit Union.”

Michael moved into the interim CEO role last October after serving as Chief Operating Officer of the credit union. In his career at the credit union, Michael has led efforts to increase member service and satisfaction, enhance business development and product innovation, as well as improve processes and efficiencies. Responsible for lending, commercial business services, branch operations, marketing and business development, Michael has been integral in Freedom’s continued growth. Prior to his time at Freedom, Michael invested thirteen years with Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union in such roles as Vice President Credit Operations/Business Development. Michael has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Personnel Management from Towson University.

When asked about his new position Michael said, “For the last twelve years, I have served the credit union and am proud of the progress and growth we have achieved. I see great potential at Freedom, not only for our members, but for our staff and our community. I am honored to permanently assume the President/CEO role and continue my career at such a wonderful organization.”