Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Announces New President/Chief Executive Officer

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors is delighted to announce that Craig Knell has been appointed as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. He will succeed Brian Orenstein, who is retiring following 21 years of exceptional service and leadership.

With over a decade of distinguished experience in banking, financial management, and regulatory oversight, Craig Knell brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, operational insight, and a people-centric leadership philosophy to the role.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Craig Knell has built a career defined by integrity, service, and results. Prior to this appointment, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Nutmeg State FCU in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, where he played a pivotal role in driving membership growth, improving financial performance, and spearheading technology and efficiency initiatives across the organization.

In his earlier career, Knell worked for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), where he led comprehensive risk and governance reviews for financial institutions with assets ranging from $300 million to over $20 billion. 

“Craig’s deep understanding of financial institutions, combined with his commitment to servant leadership and innovation, makes him the ideal person to guide our organization into its next chapter,” said Guy Henry, Chairman of the Board. “We are confident that his vision and integrity will further strengthen our mission and advance the value we deliver to our members, our employees and our community.”

Knell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a Minor in Mathematics from Central Connecticut State University and is pursuing his Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation through the CUES CEO Institute, with an expected completion date in 2026. He has received multiple awards for his leadership and community engagement, including the FDIC Mission Achievement Award (2020) and recognition in the Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty (2023).

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Craig remains deeply engaged in his community, serving as Board Treasurer for Ben Bronz Academy, President of the Arbor Meadows Association, and a member of the American Legion in Cromwell, Connecticut.

“I am honored and humbled to lead Charter Oak Federal Credit Union during this exciting time,” said Knell. “Our mission to serve our members, our employees and communities with excellence and integrity will remain at the heart of everything we do.”Charter Oak is eastern Connecticut’s largest credit union with assets of $1.64 billion as of September 30, 2025. For more information about Charter Oak’s broad range of products and services, please visit any of our convenient branches, call our Contact Center at 860.446.8085 or visit CharterOak.org. 

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