Meet Christian Marcussen, Ascentra’s New Chief Technology & Innovation Officer
Iowa native Christian Marcussen has been named Ascentra’s new Chief Technology & Innovation Officer.
Christian brings a multitude of experience to Ascentra through past positions held with Mazuma Credit Union in Kansas City, Missouri and Abound Credit Union in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as iLending in Denver, Colorado.
He is known for taking a fresh and transformative approach to business and leadership by delivering effective growth strategies, fostering purpose-driven organizations and engaging brands, and building high-performing teams and lasting consumer relationships.
“Ascentra has a rich history of helping members and the community thrive. As a passionate champion for the credit union movement, I am thrilled to join the team and help lead progress that supports Ascentra’s purpose,” said Christian.
In addition to Christian’s technology experience, he previously led credit union strategy, branding, marketing, communications, product growth and digital experiences as the Chief Strategy Officer for Kentucky’s largest credit union, Abound Credit Union. He was also a co-founder of Flux, a digital growth think tank specializing in building digital strategies and programs for credit unions.
“Christian is a great fit for Ascentra,” said Linda Andry, President and CEO, Ascentra Credit Union. “His knowledge and experience in technology innovation, systems and member experiences will continue to grow and expand the technology and services that Ascentra currently has in place and the offerings that our members are asking for and need.”
Since joining Ascentra in 2023, he has begun developing plans that fuel growth, deliver market leading digital experiences, leverage technology and make more possible for members. He is currently spearheading projects in technology and data analytics that improve member journeys, make banking easier and maximize member value. Ultimately, this will help collectively identify ways members prefer to spend, borrow, save and learn smart money habits so that Ascentra continues to be the best financial partner in the communities we serve.
Christian is a native of Waverly, Iowa. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa School of Business in 2002. He is a CUES Certified Senior Executive and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional through ISC2.
Christian succeeded the position recently held by past Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Brad Knutson, who officially retired on Jan. 19 after 30 years of executive leadership and nearly 35 years of service in total.
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Christian Marcussen is Ascentra Credit Union’s new Chief Technology & Innovation Officer. He is known for taking a fresh and transformative approach to business and leadership by delivering effective growth strategies, fostering purpose-driven organizations and engaging brands, building high-performing teams and lasting consumer relationships.
About Ascentra
Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $534 million in assets and nine branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Illinois. Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org. Follow Ascentra on Facebook (@ascentra), Twitter (@ascentra), Instagram (@ascentracu), TikTok (@ascentra) and on the Ascentra Credit Union YouTube channel.