BALANCE Announces Ronaldo Hardy as New President and CEO

Ronaldo Hardy

BALANCE, a national leader in financial wellness, is excited to announce the appointment of Ronaldo Hardy as its new Chief Executive Officer. Hardy brings decades of financial service experience, visionary leadership, and an inspiring personal mission: “To change the world by building the people who will change the world.”
​
“My career in financial services has been an incredibly transformative journey, and I am very excited to join BALANCE at such a pivotal moment,” said Ronaldo Hardy. “As our nation grapples with evolving challenges, politics and socio-economic status aside, families across the country need support more than ever. BALANCE is poised to meet that moment, delivering critical resources, financial education and housing support that will alter the trajectories of countless lives. For me, this is purpose work. When I was growing up, my family, like many others, faced some financial challenges; I experienced firsthand how difficult that can be. Prioritizing financial wellness has been a cornerstone of my career—disrupting poverty, keeping families together, and creating lasting impact in communities nationwide. It’s the natural next step for me to embark on this journey with BALANCE to empower new generations and build a brighter, more equitable future.”

Hardy’s career reflects his dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of the National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations (NACUSO), where he spearheaded initiatives to scale solutions through partnerships with CUSOs and Fintechs, driving forward the credit union industry’s collaborative potential. Before that, Hardy led CU Strategic Planning’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility (DEIBA) services, proving that comprehensive DEIBA strategies significantly enhance organizational performance and employee satisfaction.

As the former CEO of Southwest Louisiana Credit Union, Hardy’s leadership produced remarkable outcomes, including CDFI certification, an FA award, and a sustained record of financial performance. These achievements underscore his ability to lead organizations toward mission-driven success while delivering measurable results.

Thomas Layman, BALANCE’s Board Chair said “We are very excited to welcome Ronaldo Hardy to BALANCE as its new CEO. His 22+ years of experience in the financial services industry and his deep commitment to the community aligns with our mission and will enhance the great strength of our leadership team. Together, we look forward to building on our half century history and commitment of providing quality financial wellness and housing solutions to our clients and families nationwide for another 50 years and beyond.”

Hardy is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, having shared his insights at premier industry events such as CUNA Management School, CUES, and the NCUA’s inaugural Diversity Summit. His thought leadership has been featured in prominent publications, including Credit Union Journal, CU Times, and Credit Union Magazine.

“The search for our new CEO was both rigorous and inspiring, with over 200 highly qualified candidates vying for the position. The final round of interviews was especially intense, as we engaged with an extraordinary group of capable and visionary leaders. Ronaldo Hardy stood out as the transformational leader whose unmatched ability to drive vision and purpose aligns perfectly with BALANCE's mission to empower financial wellness. His depth of experience, innovative approach, and proven leadership in advancing DEIBA strategies will undoubtedly propel BALANCE to new heights, and we are thrilled to have him lead our extremely capable team,” said Melyssa Barrett, Vice Chair and Head of Search Committee for BALANCE.

Hardy will oversee BALANCE’s strategic initiatives, including expanding financial education programs, enhancing coaching services, and building partnerships that create pathways to financial stability and success for individuals and communities across the country.

---