BrightStar Credit Union has elevated two senior leaders to its C-suite, naming Guy Petroro chief lending officer and Natasha Schneider chief financial officer, a move that reinforces the institution’s strategic momentum across South Florida.
The dual promotions come as the member-owned cooperative continues to expand its footprint in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, now serving more than 61,000 members through nine branch locations.
Petroro brings more than 25 years of experience across the credit union and traditional banking sectors, with deep familiarity in the South Florida market. Since joining BrightStar in 2024 as senior vice president of lending, he has overseen the growth and alignment of the organization’s mortgage, auto, commercial, business and consumer lending divisions.
As chief lending officer, Petroro will now direct all loan operations across the institution. His responsibilities include guiding portfolio performance, advancing product development and strengthening risk management practices designed to support sustainable, member-focused growth.
Schneider’s appointment reflects more than two decades of progressive financial leadership within BrightStar. Most recently serving as vice president of finance, she has led budget preparation, asset-liability management, financial and regulatory reporting and operational performance initiatives. She also spearheaded major debit and credit card programs, developed specialized rewards initiatives for educators and business members and implemented system improvements that enhanced efficiency and profitability.
In her new role as chief financial officer, Schneider will set the credit union’s long-term financial direction, overseeing company-wide budgeting and forecasting, liquidity and capital management, regulatory compliance and enterprise performance analysis. As a key advisor to the executive leadership team and board of directors, she will provide data-driven insights to inform strategy and strengthen governance.
Beyond her work at BrightStar, Schneider has served for more than a decade on the Card Services Advisory Committee for Credit Unions and has been recognized internally as one of only three employees to receive the organization’s Bulldog Award, honoring perseverance and exceptional performance.
Together, the appointments underscore BrightStar’s focus on disciplined balance sheet management, thoughtful lending expansion and operational rigor as competition intensifies across South Florida’s financial services sector.
Founded as a not-for-profit cooperative, BrightStar continues to position itself as a regional alternative to traditional banking institutions, offering a comprehensive suite of personal and commercial financial services while maintaining a community-centered model.
For more information, visit bscu.org.
