Briefly
New CEO
WATERFORD — Charter Oak Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors announced that Craig Knell has been appointed as the organization’s new president and CEO. He will succeed Brian Orenstein, who is retiring following 21 years. With over a decade of distinguished experience in banking, financial management, and regulatory oversight, Knell brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, operational insight, and a people-centric leadership philosophy to the role. A U.S. Navy veteran, Knell has built a career defined by integrity, service, and results. Prior to this appointment, he served as COO and CFO at Nutmeg State FCU in Rocky Hill, where he played a pivotal role in driving membership growth, improving financial performance, and spearheading technology and efficiency initiatives across the organization.

Donations
WATERFORD — Charter Oak Federal Credit Union is donating $100,000 in emergency food assistance to eastern Connecticut’s food pantries and food centers to help boost food supplies to those in need during the holiday season. For the fourth year in a row, 20 food pantries will receive $5,000 this November for much-needed food supplies at food centers and food pantries. Those organizations receiving donations in Windham County include: Access Community Action Agency; Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic; Friends of Assisi Food Pantry in Danielson; Interfaith Human Services of Putnam-Daily Bread; Project Pin, Inc. in Moosup; St. Mary’s Church Food Pantry in Jewett City; Saint Vincent De Paul Place in Norwich; TEEG Community Market in N. Grosvenordale.

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