OMNI Community CU CEO Ted Parsons Announces Retirement, Mark Cramer Named New CEO
Ted Parsons, CEO of OMNI Community Credit Union, has announced he will retire on Dec. 1, 2023.
Parsons began his career as a teller working in a bank and through the years, took on more responsibility receiving promotions that led him to Director of Retail Banking overseeing the Central Region for the former Michigan National Bank. He spent 22 years working at the bank before joining Community Choice Credit Union as Chief Operating Officer in 2001. He remained there until 2005, when he became CEO at OMNI Community Credit Union.
For the past 18 years at OMNI, Parsons' leadership has been able to help grow the organization from three branches to 13 branches, 65 employees to 135 employees and 20,000 members, to 45,000 members. Looking back though, Parsons is most proud of the culture that has been built and the fact that OMNI has given back almost $20 million to members through the Cashback Rebate Program.
“We’ve built a loving, caring culture. We’re not just colleagues, we’re family. We’re all committed to providing a great experience for our members and work together to accomplish that,” said Parsons. “My goal every day was to make a difference for the people I work with, as well as the members of the credit union. I aim to inspire people to be better in their life and I hope my life has affected people in a positive way.”
He is looking forward to enjoying his retirement by spending time with his children and grandchildren, and intends to travel, write, and continue to be active outside, whether that is hiking, playing golf or kayaking.
“I feel truly blessed to have served as the CEO of OMNI for 18 years, and bring my passion for the people and the growth of the organization. I’ve learned from many different people throughout my journey and even though I’m retiring, I plan to continue learning. I will forever be grateful to the Board of Directors for the opportunity that was provided to me," continued Parsons.
With Parsons' retirement, the Board of Directors announced that Mark Cramer, current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at OMNI, will become CEO, effective Dec. 1, 2023. Cramer has 25 years of experience in the credit union industry and brings experience from OMNI for 24 years.
As CEO, Cramer will focus on creating efficiencies for the credit union and driving loan growth objectives. He will also lead the initiative of expanding member value and implementing technology enhancements to create a cohesive member experience.
“I’m looking forward to seeing OMNI improve the financial lives of both its members and team members. Being able to lead an organization that can accomplish both is an honor and a privilege,” said Cramer. “OMNI is in a strong position and being able to leverage our strengths will continue to be a guiding light as we look to grow and expand.”
Most importantly, Cramer is pleased to embody the healthy culture OMNI has been able to grow under Parsons over the years by continuing to enhance the culture he’s been a part of and make OMNI a fun place to be, all while doing what is best for OMNI members.
“That’s the kind of culture we have, and it’s an honor to retain it,” said Cramer. “Being a part of OMNI for 24 years and having the opportunity to continue that as CEO is a monumental opportunity.”
Cramer began his career after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Western Michigan University in 1998. He started as an Administrative Clerk and had various roles such as Loan Administrator, Business Development Manager, and Credit Manager. In 2007, Cramer left OMNI to become the VP of Operations at E&A Credit Union in Port Huron where he led the Retail Banking, Collections and Lending teams. In 2008, Cramer was recruited to return back to OMNI as the Chief Financial Officer to oversee the financial operations of the Credit Union. In 2021, he was promoted to EVP while completing the three-year CUES CEO Institute, where he earned the designation of Certified Chief Executive.
“One of the great things about retiring is I get to turn over the leadership role to my good friend and colleague, Mark Cramer,” remarked Parsons. “Mark has been preparing for the last 25 years and I have full confidence and faith that he will continue the legacy of what has brought us to be the best credit union and best place to work in Michigan.”
Cramer has lived in the Southwest Michigan area for the past 25 years and loves being a part of the local community. He was a member of the Battle Creek Community Foundation Financial Committee, served as an Ambassador for the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, and has sat on the CUES Michigan Council Board since 2010. In his spare time, Cramer enjoys hunting, fishing, playing golf, being outdoors and spending time with family. He is a proud grandpa of three grandchildren, with one on the way.
