Kitchener - The Board of Directors for Mennonite Savings and Credit Union (MSCU) is pleased to announce that Brent Zorgdrager, CA, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, effective the first quarter of 2010.

Brent comes to the position from within MSCU where he currently holds the role of Chief Financial Officer. Having led MSCU’s finance, treasury and banking services functions over the last two years Mr. Zorgdrager is well versed in MSCU’s operations and grounded in its Anabaptist values. Brent joined MSCU following a 16 year career at Manulife Financial, where he demonstrated strong leadership culminating in his position as CFO for the successful Group Savings and Retirement Solutions business unit of the

Canadian Division. “We are so pleased that Brent has accepted the call to lead Mennonite Savings and Credit Union. His unwavering integrity, exceptional financial expertise and strong strategic leadership position MSCU well for the future,” says Bob Janzen, Chair of MSCU’s Board of Directors. Brent’s commitment to MSCU began long before his appointment to CEO. Beginning in 1992, he sat on MSCU’s inaugural volunteer Council of Members. In 2000, Brent began his first term on MSCU’s Board of Directors, where he served for six years. During that time he also extended his volunteer expertise to the Board of Meritas Mutual Funds, MSCU’s majority owned socially responsible investment company.

“I am excited and ready for the opportunity to lead MSCU, and I look forward to working closely with the Board, staff and membership to develop our cooperative, democratic credit union in a manner that puts our values at the forefront, while focusing on strong business results.”
Nick Driedger, as retiring CEO, feels strongly that Mennonite Savings and Credit Union will be in good hands. “I’m absolutely delighted with the Board’s choice for my successor. From my perspective Brent has earned the respect of his peers, our staff and the Board of Directors. I’m confident that the leadership transition will be smooth for our members.”

Complementing Brent’s outstanding skills in finance and leadership are his community involvement and down to earth nature. Brent has a long list of volunteer commitments, including fundraising for Hopespring Cancer Support Centre. When he leaves the office for the day you’ll occasionally see him heading home on his bike to make it to soccer practice, where he coaches his 12 year old daughter Hilary. Brent and his wife Nancy, and children Bradley, Andrew and Hilary live in Kitchener, and attend Glencairn Mennonite Brethren Church.