Women of Banking (formerly Women of Community Banking)
Navigating Large Credit Union Mergers & Culture Alignment | Susan Peyret, CFO, Keesler Federal
In this episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Susan Peyret, Chief Financial Officer at Keesler Federal Credit Union. Susan shares her unique career trajectory—transitioning from wealth management and financial advisory roles at major wire houses like Merrill Lynch into credit union executive leadership. She offers an insider look at leading full-scale financial due diligence through one of the largest credit union mergers across Mississippi and Louisiana, managing culture integration, and navigating complex core system conversions. The discussion delves into how modern credit union CFOs balance rigorous financial discipline—such as managing liquidity, controlling operating expenses, and optimizing asset liability management (ALM)—with an unwavering member-first mission. Susan breaks down how generating strong top-line earnings enables credit unions to deliver higher member dividends, competitive loan discounts, and sustained community investment. Key Topics Covered: Susan Peyret’s non-traditional path from wealth management to Credit Union CFO Executing M&A financial due diligence and managing core banking conversions Aligning organizational culture and multi-institution teams during mergers Strategic balance sheet management: Capital adequacy, liquidity, and ALM Levers Balancing strict cost controls with long-term technology investments and fintech competition Translating financial performance into direct member value and community impact Navigating macroeconomic pressures, inflation, and changing consumer expectations Career wisdom on self-reflection, mindfulness, and professional growth in financial services About the Guest: Susan Peyret serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Keesler Federal Credit Union. With nearly two decades of financial services experience—including 15 years within the credit union movement across organizations like Amplify, Fortera, and Keesler Federal—Susan brings a forward-looking, strategic lens to balance sheet management, corporate finance, and community-focused banking. About the Show: The Women of Community Banking Podcast highlights female leaders, executives, and innovators shaping the future of credit unions, community banks, and financial institutions across North America.
