Maine State Credit Union Selects Sharlene East as SVP, Chief Financial Officer

August 2026 – Smith & Wilkinson partnered with Maine State Credit Union (MSCU) to manage the search and selection process for its SVP, Chief Financial Officer.

Headquartered in Augusta, MSCU is an $806MM, community-chartered credit union serving 37,000 members across eight counties, with a strategic vision for continued statewide growth. As the organization continues to expand, MSCU sought a strategic, growth-oriented financial executive to strengthen financial performance, support long-term planning, and help guide the Credit Union through its next phase of growth.

Following a nationwide search, MSCU selected Sharlene East for this key leadership position. A CPA with more than 20 years of financial services experience, Sharlene brings a unique combination of financial, operational, and strategic leadership. She spent the majority of her career with Kirtland Federal Credit Union, a $1 billion credit union in New Mexico, including ten years as CFO before advancing into broader executive roles. Most recently, she served as EVP, Chief Financial Officer of Soarion Credit Union in Texas.

In her new role, Sharlene will report to MSCU’s President and CEO and provide leadership across financial planning, asset/liability management, investments, budgeting, regulatory reporting, and risk management. Known for connecting financial strategy with broader organizational priorities, she also brings extensive experience across technology, operations, enterprise risk, and strategic planning, along with a collaborative leadership style focused on developing people and translating strategy into action.

This executive search was led by Moriah Callahan, Partner & Director of Recruiting, Financial Services.

About Maine State Credit Union

Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Augusta, Maine State Credit Union is a community-chartered credit union serving more than 37,000 members across eight Maine counties. With approximately $806 million in assets, MSCU provides a full range of consumer and business banking, lending, and digital financial services. Originally founded to serve Maine state employees, the Credit Union has expanded its membership and geographic reach while maintaining its focus on helping members build savings, access affordable credit, and improve their financial well-being.

About Smith & Wilkinson

For more than 25 years, Smith & Wilkinson has been a trusted executive search and talent advisory partner. Our Financial Services team serves banks, credit unions, service providers, associations, nonbank lenders, financial technology companies, community and economic development organizations, and government-sponsored enterprises in attracting, promoting, and retaining senior leaders who drive long-term business success.

Our financial services executive search work includes Board, C-suite, and Director-level engagements across executive leadership, strategy, risk, finance, operations, lending, technology, wealth management, and more. With industry-leading market insight and a consultative approach, we provide both clients and candidates with exceptional visibility into today’s evolving talent landscape.

Looking to fill a leadership role similar to this position? Get in touch to learn how Smith & Wilkinson’s financial services and association executive search team can help you attract, promote, and retain the talent your organization needs to grow and compete.