William Heyer Elevated to General Counsel at PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union Appoints a New General Counsel

PenFed Credit Union, one of the largest federal credit unions in the United States, made a significant announcement regarding its leadership on May 21, 2026. The institution has promoted William "Bill" Heyer to the position of General Counsel. This elevation comes as no surprise, considering Heyer's extensive tenure of over 15 years within PenFed, where he has consistently provided invaluable legal counsel across various facets of the organization.

In his new role as General Counsel, Heyer will oversee a broad array of legal responsibilities. This includes managing legal risks associated with corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and litigation, as well as negotiating contracts and supervising retained legal counsel. This comprehensive oversight is vital for ensuring that PenFed navigates the complexities of legal challenges effectively, thereby safeguarding the interests of its members and stakeholders.

James Schenck, the President and CEO of PenFed Credit Union, expressed pride in promoting from within the organization. He stated, "Bill is a tremendous asset to PenFed, committed to providing valuable advice and counsel at every level of our credit union. His unmatched expertise in litigation, intellectual property, and corporate governance makes him an exceptional choice for this role."

Heyer succeeds Scott Lind, who retired after an esteemed 40-year career. Lind's tenure included significant contributions as an Army judge advocate and a senior attorney for the Army, culminating in his 12-year service as PenFed's General Counsel. Lind's retirement marks the end of an era, making way for a new generation of leadership at PenFed.

Before his promotion to General Counsel, Heyer has held various pivotal positions within PenFed, including Director, Assistant General Counsel, and several vice president roles. His comprehensive experience equips him with a unique perspective on the legal needs and challenges within the credit union, allowing him to address issues related to labor and employment, regulatory interpretation, as well as member relations.

Heyer earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Richmond and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon College. His educational background, combined with years of practical experience, positions him well for this new challenge. Prior to joining PenFed, he served as in-house counsel for two companies that specialized in consumer financial transactions, enriching his understanding of the legal landscape that governs the financial services sector.

Established in 1935, PenFed Credit Union serves nearly 2.8 million members worldwide, boasting an impressive $29 billion in assets. The credit union is committed to offering its members a wide spectrum of financial services, including competitive checking and savings accounts, credit cards, personal and auto loans, mortgages, and student loans. As a federally insured institution, PenFed is recognized as an Equal Housing Lender, demonstrating its commitment to diversity and inclusion in financial services.

In summary, William Heyer's promotion to General Counsel at PenFed Credit Union marks a pivotal moment for the organization. With his extensive expertise and commitment to the credit union's mission, he is poised to lead its legal department through the complexities of modern financial governance and regulation, ensuring continued success and value for PenFed's members.