Meet the Senior Management Team

John Holt

Chief Executive Officer

John is the CEO of Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union. With several years in the financial services industry (mostly in credit unions), he brings a versatile combination of sales, service and operations management experience. He possesses a strong desire to help members achieve their financial goals and is committed to improving the communities Nutmeg serves. With a strong sense of business strategy, John consistently motivates change through teambuilding and the implementation of new products and services. John brings a unique philosophy to Nutmeg. He frequently strives to make the credit union more appealing by understanding the many financial needs of the membership. His vision is to become an industry leader through technology innovations, making it easier for anyone to transact regardless of delivery channel. Through this member-centric philosophy, John’s goal is ultimately to position Nutmeg as the best provider of financial services in all of Connecticut and beyond. In addition to his work at the credit union, John benefits the community by serving on many volunteer boards throughout the state. He earned a Master of Business Administration from Western New England College (Springfield, MA) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh (Plattsburgh, NY).

Pat Ahern

Executive Strategic Advisor

Pat is responsible for the overall operation of the credit union. His experience includes credit unions, non-profits, donor advised funds, micro-finance and fin techs. Prior to joining Nutmeg, Pat served nearly 30 years as a credit union CEO leading his institution to local, state and national prominence. Prior to serving as CEO he served as a CFO and turnaround specialist for credit unions and was a trusted resource for the state and federal regulators. Pat's passion for people is exhibited in his care for members and employees. He has served on numerous boards and has been recognized in the credit union industry. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Economics.

Robin Del Vecchio

Senior Vice President, Technology and Operations

Robin comes to join Nutmeg with 37 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is an accomplished change agent and business optimization expert. Robin is skilled at driving successful initiatives within all aspects of banking / credit union operations including conversions, acquisitions, risk assessments and process improvements. She has a strong reputation for achieving exceptional results, consistently improving operations and inspiring teams to be creative and collaborative. Robin is considered a “professional volunteer” with deep roots within the community through volunteering, fund raising and being an active blood donator.

Sheryl Dick

Senior Vice President, Retail

Sheryl brings 18 years of experience in financial services, including 15 years dedicated to credit unions. As Senior Vice President of Retail, she leads Nutmeg's retail delivery channels, overseeing both in branch and contact center experiences. With a passion for process improvement and technology, Sheryl focuses on creating innovative solutions that enhance the member and employee experience. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of positions within the credit union, which makes her a well-rounded and collaborative leader. She is committed to keeping members and employees at the center of every decision, ensuring a seamless, omni-channel experience through branch of the future design, advanced contact center technology, and the development of trusted advisors. Sheryl holds a degree in Marketing from Missouri Southern State University and is a certified UX designer. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering, playing golf, exploring local cuisine with her husband, and spending time with her great dane, Matilda.

Heather Gates

Chief Revenue Officer

Heather Gates is a seasoned lending professional with over 15 years of experience in credit unions. Throughout her career, she has established a reputation for pioneering growth and fostering a healthy team culture. Heather's exceptional leadership skills have enabled her sales teams to consistently rank among the top in the nation. Heather holds a degree in industrial/organizational psychology, which has equipped her with a deep understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics. She leverages this knowledge to create a workplace that prioritizes employee satisfaction and fosters an environment of mutual respect and trust. Outside of work, Heather enjoys taking walks, reading, and exploring new culinary experiences with her husband and three children. Her passion for continuous learning and personal growth extends beyond her professional life and into her personal pursuits. Overall, Heather Gates is a dynamic and accomplished professional who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to any organization she serves. Her commitment to building strong teams and driving growth makes her a valuable asset to any team.