COASTHILLS CREDIT UNION APPOINTS JAMES LEDFORD AS PRESIDENT AND CEO

James Leford

​CoastHills Credit Union’s Board of Directors has named James Ledford President and CEO effective Aug. 1, 2025.  Ledford has held several executive-level leadership positions since joining the Credit Union in 2015.  Most recently, Ledford served as EVP Chief Experience Officer - overseeing Lending, Collections and Member Experience.  In August 2024, Ledford was appointed interim CEO as the board conducted a nationwide search for the position.
 
While acting as Interim CEO, Ledford and the Credit Union executive team developed and began implementing a three-year strategic plan focused on culture, finance, and service.
 
“From the moment I was given the opportunity to lead, I made it a priority to put culture at the heart of everything we do,” said Ledford. “What makes CoastHills truly special is our incredible team and our loyal members. I’m committed to strengthening our Credit Union from the inside out - ensuring everyone we serve feels valued and knows how much their membership means to us.”
 
Ledford, a U.S. Army Veteran, earned an MBA in business administration from Western Governors University and has more than 25 years of leadership experience in financial services, including several senior management roles at JPMorgan Chase.
 
“James has consistently gone above and beyond in his service to CoastHills, our members and our employees,” said Homero Contreras, board chairman. “His leadership style, experience, and dedication to CoastHills’ vision of making a difference in our neighbors’ lives make him the ideal choice for President and CEO. During his time as Interim CEO, every key financial measure improved. We’re grateful for James’s continued commitment to strengthening the financial well-being of our members, and we look forward to collaborating with him as we move the organization forward.”

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