Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Announces the Upcoming Retirement of President and CEO Brian A. Orenstein

Waterford, Connecticut (June 16, 2025) – Charter Oak Federal Credit Union has announced the planned retirement of longtime President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Orenstein, effective January 2026. Orenstein, who joined the credit union in 2004 as Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, was promoted to CEO in 2007. In recognition of his leadership and the credit union’s tremendous success under his tenure, the Board added President to his title in 2011.

Under Orenstein’s leadership, Charter Oak has experienced remarkable growth and technological innovation. The Credit Union expanded from $422 million in assets to over $1.6 billion and today serves over 88,000 members. During his tenure Charter Oak became the leading residential mortgage lender in Eastern Connecticut, as well as a major player in the Commercial Real Estate lending market. Member deposits grew as well from $363 million to over $1.45 billion including launching the Gold Rewards program, a member appreciation program, which has awarded over $8.2 million in annual $100 cash bonuses to qualifying members over the years.

Orenstein also led the construction of Charter Oak’s Headquarters on Route 85 in Waterford, which opened in 2014. The 55,000 square foot building houses about half of Charter Oaks’ 200 employees and has become an iconic landmark in Southeastern Connecticut.

Beyond financial success, Orenstein has been a champion of financial literacy, directing initiatives such as in-school credit union branches and advocating for personal finance education as a high school graduation requirement in Connecticut. Charter Oak has provided students with valuable, hands-on financial experience through these efforts, equipping them with essential money management skills. In 2009, Orenstein spearheaded Charter Oak’s Community Giving Program which gives back to the communities it serves in the form of scholarships, grants, and matching gifts with annual donations to food pantries and other non-profit organizations. Charter Oak has become well-known in Southeastern Connecticut for its generosity to its members and communities it serves.

“It has been and continues to be my privilege to serve Charter Oak as its CEO since 2007. It’s an honor to work with so many caring and dedicated people who are part of the Charter Oak family. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished and know it was only possible because of the hard work and dedication of our Board of Directors, Supervisory Committee and most importantly our employees. The trust and commitment that our employees receive from our membership is what makes our credit union so successful.”

“Brian has been an extraordinary leader,” said Guy Henry, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “On behalf of the entire Board, we thank him for his years of unwavering commitment and visionary leadership.”

In anticipation of his January 2026 retirement, the Board has engaged D. Hilton Associates, Inc. to conduct a nationwide search for Orenstein’s successor. Orenstein will remain with Charter Oak through the transition process to ensure continuity and success.

About Charter Oak Federal Credit Union

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union was founded in 1939 when ten shipyard workers in Groton pooled $25 each to establish a lending institution for their fellow workers. What began as a $250 investment has since grown into Eastern Connecticut’s largest credit union, with over $1.6 billion in assets and a network of branches offering comprehensive financial services. Despite its growth, Charter Oak remains committed to its founding mission—serving its members with exceptional service and innovative financial solutions while being a trusted financial partner for the community.