Board of Directors & Executive Team

Meet Our Leadership Team

Executive Management Team

 

 

Lisa Pesta   

President and Chief Executive Officer

Lisa Pesta was appointed President and CEO of Meriwest in January 2023. Ms. Pesta has been in senior leadership roles in financial services for over 20 years. She joined Meriwest Credit Union, directing the human resources, training, and facilities functions, in 2000. In 2013 she was promoted to SVP, Chief Operating Officer in charge of Digital Strategy & Engagement, Retail Operations, Operational Support, Marketing, HR/Training and Facilities. In 2022, Ms. Pesta was named Executive Vice President. 

Ms. Pesta is recognized for her diligence in helping steward the credit union through the financial and emotional turmoil of the pandemic, As an advocate for our 80,000+ members, Ms. Pesta was essential in the implementation of the ‘Meriwest Merit Rewards’ program, designed to enhance financial benefits and deepen member relationships. 

Currently, Ms. Pesta is a board member for CUSIG (Credit Union Self Insurance Group). Ms. Pesta is a board member for CUSIG CUHB (Credit Union Health Benefits, a cooperative) and is the Past President of the Board of Directors for the Human Resources Directors’ network. 

Previously, she was employed by COVAD Communications as an HR Business Partner, Leasing Solutions as the Vice President of Human Resources, where she was the youngest vice president and at the Law Firm Gibson, Dunn, and Crutcher employed in their business department. 

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in leadership and organizational development from St. Mary’s College.

Chad Maze 

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Chad Maze is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Meriwest Credit Union, where he leads the organization’s member-facing businesses with a focus on delivering an advice-based, member, experience. He joined Meriwest in December 2023 and brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across banking, lending, wealth management, and marketing.

As COO, Mr. Maze oversees branch banking, the member care center, marketing, business development, wealth management, consumer, mortgage, and business lending, as well as marketing and communications. He also serves as chair of Meriwest Holdings (CUSO), and the Meriwest Community Foundation, 501c3.

In 2025, Mr. Maze was recognized by the Silicon Valley Business Journal as winner of the C-Suite Awards: Chief Operating Officer, acknowledging his leadership and impact in in the community.

Prior to joining Meriwest, Mr. Maze served as Chief Operating Officer of a large Midwest credit union and previously held senior leadership roles - including President, Director, and Regional Manager - at state, regional, and national banks. He is widely recognized for creating cohesive banking experiences that balance technology with meaningful human engagement.

Mr. Maze is the author of several books in The Discipline of Banking series and is a frequent industry speaker on leadership, service organization development, and lending. He holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has completed multiple executive banking leadership programs.

Jihong Huang

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Jihong Huang was appointed as the SVP, Chief Financial Officer at Meriwest Credit Union in September 2025. Ms. Huang joined Meriwest in 2001 and has held progressive leadership roles in finance and treasury, most recently serving as VP, Chief Treasury Officer. With more than 20 years of experience, Ms. Huang has helped guide Meriwest through changing economic cycles with a focus on capital strength, balance sheet stability, and delivering long-term value to members.

As CFO, Ms. Huang oversees all aspects of financial strategy and operations, including asset-liability management, accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, collections, and strategic planning. Her leadership has supported investment and hedging strategies that protect the credit union while ensuring competitive products for members. She also serves on Meriwest’s Asset/Liability, Loan, and Pension Committees, helping to maintain prudent lending practices, sustainable retirement funding, and sound reserves.

Ms. Huang is recognized for her ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear insights that help the Board and leadership make decisions that strengthen Meriwest’s service to its members and communities. She is committed to aligning financial health with Meriwest’s mission of improving the financial well-being of its members.

Ms. Huang holds an MBA in Finance from Florida International University and a Bachelor of Arts from Wuhan University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).