‘Passing the key’ welcomes new leader
Banking institution transitions to new leader
WEST CHESTER >> Benchmark Federal Credit Union staff, board members and customers recently celebrated the company’s transition to a new president and CEO.
Daniel J. Machon Jr. officially took the reins Feb. 1., succeeding David LaSala, who had led Benchmark since 1999.
On April 11, LaSala joined Machon at Benchmark’s headquarters on McDaniel Drive in West Chester to pass along the symbolic key to Benchmark’s commitment to member service.
The passing of the key was an opportunity for staff, board and members to show their appreciation for LaSala’s years of service and to formally welcome Machon, according to the company.
LaSala has made himself available to offer support as needed throughout the transition period.
“David will be greatly missed by the Benchmark family,” Machon said in a press release. “He begins a well-deserved retirement
filled with travel plans and more time spent with loved ones — especially his growing grandchildren.”
Headquartered in West Chester with branch locations in West Chester and Phoenixville, Benchmark has served Chester County for nearly 80 years. Machon will lead
the company on its renewed core mission to serve a growing population of members whose needs can be overlooked in today’s lending climate.
“I admire Benchmark’s personalized approach, and respect their strength of membership and legacy of financial stability. I look forward to shaping Benchmark’s future and building on the momentum it has gained since attaining its community
charter to exclusively serve Chester County,” he said in the release, adding that Benchmark doesn’t make decisions based solely on credit scores.
“We recognize that people’s financial needs can fluctuate and must be assessed on a personalized, case-by-case basis when they seek first mortgages, home equity, debt consolidation, continuing education loans and personal lines of credit,” he added.
In 2015, Benchmark obtained a new community charter — expanding its footprint to serve all of Chester County. Under the new charter, anyone that lives, works, worships or attends school in Chester County can become a member.
Machon is a graduate of LaSalle University. He most recently served as president and CEO of Stonebridge Bank in West Chester, which was
sold to central Pennsylvania-based LINKBANCORP Inc. in October. He also served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer for Colonial American Bank based in Horsham; president of Keystone Savings and Loan in Philadelphia; and chief financial officer at USABancShares.com Inc. and NOVA Financial Holdings Inc.
Benchmark is the title sponsor of West Chester’s professional cycling event — the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic, and sponsors the Toyland Division of the QVC West Chester Christmas Parade.