Welcoming New Staff

BDCU is expanding and our CEO Katie Hurrell welcomes Stephen Townend as COO and Jess Comer Finance Lead announced in The Business Desk .

Bradford District Credit Union is marking the first year of its CEO, Katie Hurrell, with two key additions to its team.
The organization has appointed Steve Townend as chief operating officer and Jessica Comer as finance lead.

Townend brings a wealth of operational management experience gained over a 30-year career in the financial sector.
His depth of expertise and knowledge will be instrumental in ensuring the credit union operates to a high standard, delivering an efficient and safe service to its more than 9,000 members and providing a solid foundation for its growth plans.

Comer brings with her a solid background in both credit union and other financial roles across the last seven years.
As finance lead, she will oversee all aspects of the credit union’s financial management and planning.
Having previously worked at the neighboring Leeds Credit Union, she also possesses a strong, sector-specific knowledge.

Hurrell said: “I am thrilled to welcome Steve and Jessica to our team, as their appointments come at a crucial time in our development.”

“Steve brings a wealth of experience across banking and fintech sectors and has joined BDCU to give back to the communities in which he grew up.

“We also welcome Jess Comer, former finance manager of Leeds Credit Union, who knows the sector very well.

“Jess joins us following the birth of her little girl and we are excited that she has joined us at the start of our growth journey.

“I look forward to being a part of our collective journey and seeing the benefits of their respective contributions.”

Townend said: “I am keen to provide our members with a service that competes with the best in the industry.”

“The values and aims of the business, especially the fact that profit is not the principal driving force, were key in bringing me here and it provides me with an opportunity to give something back after three decades in the sector.”

Comer added: “Having worked with Katie previously, I jumped at the chance to join back up with her and help contribute to the new direction and journey she is taking the credit union on.”

“As part of my initial input, I’ll be looking to drive efficiencies by looking at even more effective ways of working and implementing new processes.”