Meet the Senior Management Team

John Holt

Chief Executive Officer

John Holt is the CEO of Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, where he has served since 2010. As a purpose-driven leader with over two decades of experience in financial services, John is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of members and the broader community. He combines strategic vision and operational expertise with a deep personal commitment to fostering financial stability, inclusion, and empowerment. Under John’s leadership, Nutmeg has advanced its mission of strengthening communities through innovative products and services, impactful financial education, and strategic partnerships. John’s leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, transparency, and ethical decision-making. He emphasizes open communication and active engagement, ensuring that Nutmeg listens to members, understands their challenges, and develops solutions tailored to their goals. John champions empathy and builds a culture of belonging, leading a team focused on creating financial opportunities that promote personal growth, family well-being, and long-term success. A passionate advocate for community advancement, John serves on multiple nonprofit boards across Connecticut. Most notably, he serves as Chair of the Board of Connecticut’s Credit Unions. His collaborative approach bridges business leadership with philanthropic purpose, advancing initiatives that align Nutmeg’s mission with community needs. John holds a Master of Business Administration from Western New England College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

Pat Ahern

EVP, Integrator & Implementor

Pat is responsible for the business operating framework 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.

Heather Gates

EVP, Chief Revenue Officer

Heather Gates is a seasoned lending professional with over 15 years of experience in credit unions. Heather oversees the teams and operations that drive revenue and growth for the credit union. 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. Heather currently sits on the MeridianLink Advisory Committee which is comprised of industry leaders in the financial space. Outside of work, Heather enjoys taking walks, reading, and exploring new culinary experiences with her husband, three children, and her grandson. Her passion for continuous learning and personal growth extends beyond her professional life and into her personal pursuits. Her commitment to building strong teams and driving growth makes her a valuable asset to the team.

Sheryl Dick

SVP, Chief Retail Officer

Sheryl brings 18 years of experience in financial services, including 15 years dedicated to credit unions. As SVP, Chief of Retail, she leads Nutmeg's retail delivery channels, overseeing both in-branch and navigation 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.