News

CO-OP Financial Services taps Dean Michaels to lead development, strategic partnerships

December 28, 2017

Dean Michaels is the new head of corporate development and strategic partnerships for CO-OP Financial Services.

Earlier this year, the company acquired credit-processor TMG to grow business and better service credit unions.

"Strategic business partnerships and acquisitions are central to CO-OP delivering on its promise to the industry to quickly deliver seamless, secure and advanced digital solutions," said Todd Clark, president/CEO of CO-OP, in a release announcing the appointment. Michaels will report directly to Clark.

"The acquisition of TMG is a prime example of how we are building CO-OP to be the most comprehensive payments and financial technology provider to credit unions. Dean brings extensive corporate development background and expertise in the arena of payments technology and networks," said Clark in the release.

Prior to joining CO-OP, Michaels held leadership roles at First Data Corporation, including head of business execution for STAR Network and head of finance for First Data's U.S. Merchant Acquiring Business. In addition, he led the development of First Data's Smart Routing and Network Routing partnership programs, driving new revenue through network routing solutions developed in response to the Federal Reserve Board's Regulation II governing debit card interchange fees and routing.

In previous roles, Michaels led First Data's merchant acquiring Small Business Cross-Sales and Retention organizations. Michaels has also worked for JP Morgan Chase. There, he was responsible for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of consumer banking cross sales campaigns, including profit and loss responsibility for JP Morgan Chase's branch and call center cross sales programs.