(Woodbury, MN – March 15, 2019) Rick Blood has joined Ideal Credit Union as Chief Lending Officer (CLO). Blood has over 26 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Ideal, he worked as Chief Operations Officer (COO) for Firefly Credit Union. In his new position Blood will be responsible for the growth, quality and compliance of Ideal’s loan portfolio. He will be leading all lending activities within the credit union, including consumer and indirect loans, mortgage and real estate loans, business loan financing, and all member lending needs. The CLO will report directly to the President/CEO as a key member of the senior leadership.

Blood has a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Concordia College and an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University. Volunteer efforts include serving as a Youth Sports Coach in his hometown of Farmington, where he resides with his wife and three children.

“Rick brings a wealth of broad-based lending experience to our organization and we are excited to have him join our executive team,” said Ideal CU President/CEO Brian Sherrick. “He will be instrumental in making strategic and tactical decisions to strengthen and grow our loan portfolio while minimizing loss.”

Founded in 1926, Ideal Credit Union is a member owned financial institution that is dedicated to providing financial services driven by a sincere and personal interest in the needs of our employees, members and community. Ideal CU offers a complete range of services, including a full suite of digital banking products, savings, checking, loans, mortgage products, exclusive VIP member payback, business services, investment services and more. Offices are located in Eagan, Hugo, Inver Grove Heights, North St. Paul, Stillwater and Woodbury. Visit idealcu.com for details and directions. Ideal has been voted “Best Credit Union in the East Metro” two years in a row by readers of the Stillwater Gazette and was named a 2018 Star Tribune Top 150 Workplace. Equal Housing Lender.