About GSCU
For over 80 years, Granite State Credit Union has focused on serving New Hampshire businesses and residents along their financial journeys. We're here to help members dream spectacularly, figure stuff out, and spark success.
Our promise to our members has remained the same since 1945. We are here to help you realize success and empower your dreams by not just finding, but creating solutions. Whether it is the first day of college or day 1,000 of retirement; we are here to help you figure it out. Have a mountain to climb; we can lighten the load. Got a race to win; we are on your pit crew.
Meet the Team Who Drives the Vision!
At Granite State Credit Union, we not only believe in personal, friendly service, but we practice it every day. From your local branch teller to your mortgage representative and, yes, even the CEO, we care about our members and value your input.
"I invite you to meet our leaders - the men and women who drive your credit union's vision. You don't need to know us by name but don't be surprised if we get to know yours."
- Michele Plaza
President/CEO
Executive team
Michele has dedicated her career to learning and growing with the credit union. From starting right out of high school as a Teller in 1986, to working full-time while earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Michele has remained committed to GSCU and the credit union principle of people helping people.
Michele has three adult children whom she enjoys spending time with, as well as with her husband and her Goldendoodle, Tucker. Michele is also a firm believer in the importance of work/life balance and the need to remain active to maintain a happy, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle, and she encourages this amongst all GSCU staff!
Michele is a champion of the credit unions’ technology, which allows us to provide 24/7 access and support, and she remains connected and proactive to member needs any time - day or night. Michele has participated on the credit union’s Digital Banking vendor's Advisory Council, providing a direct channel for member feedback to reach those responsible for the development of those solutions. She has also participated in an association of credit union senior officers focused on bringing educational programs and fostering collaboration within the credit union industry. Additionally, Michele serves on the Board of Managers for Octant Business Services, supporting business banking members. Michele understands that technology is intertwined in everyone’s lives, making it easier to juggle everyday demands while remaining passionately connected to what matters most: family.
michele plaza
President & CEO
KAREN LAPLUME
EXECUTIVE VICE President & COO
In her more than 30 years with the credit union, Karen has overseen numerous areas of the organization including Consumer Lending and the Call Center. The fast-paced environment and variety of her responsibilities make GSCU the perfect fit for her. Karen is passionate about the possibilities of the journey at hand! From ensuring the best possible member experience at GSCU to planning her next travel adventure, she isn't afraid to dream spectacularly! She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, biking, and kayaking. Karen and her husband have two grown daughters and she loves spending time with their family and friends. When asked how she has stayed with one company for so long her answer is always the same – the people she works with.
Not only is Lisa a long-time employee of the credit union, but she’s been a member almost all of her life! Lisa has overseen the Compliance and eServices areas of the credit union, but her passion is in Accounting, which she has managed for over 20 years. Lisa came to work at GSCU after being part of the credit union's year-end financial audit as a certified public accountant. Having worked in banking during college, followed by eight years in public accounting, she recognized and appreciated the unique culture at GSCU and took the opportunity to join the team! Lisa is a lifelong New Hampshire resident and is happiest spending time with her family. Whether relaxing at the family camp with her nieces and nephews, or picking blueberries all summer-long, family is the most important thing to Lisa. And for Lisa, the credit union has become an important extension of her family over the years. Lisa is a member of the NH Society of CPAs, as well as the AICPA. Ensuring that the credit union is financially sound and ready to assist members for years to come, is what fuels her drive to continue learning and growing with the credit union.
lisa barowski
executive vice President & CFO
bill house
senior vice President - Technology
Bill joined the credit union in 2007 with an extensive IT background and has been a key player in GSCU’s IT Department since. He began as a network administrator and is currently Senior Vice President of Technology, always focused on innovative ways technology can help members and staff while continuously prioritizing security.
Originally from North Carolina, Bill joined the US Army in 1985 and served with active duty during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He spent eight years stationed in Germany and took advantage of the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Bill has always been fascinated by history and enjoyed visiting historical sites in Germany as well as in London, Paris and more. One of his favorite memories is learning to ski at the base of the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
Samantha joined the credit union in 2005, working in the Contact Center part-time while in high school. She has gone on to hold a variety of roles in our branches and lending department. Samantha has her MBA with a concentration in Finance from Southern New Hampshire University. With over a decade of prior experience holding a real estate license and currently serving as Treasurer for a local school organization, she has a robust background in financial management. Her commitment to #AlwaysBeLearning has been a hallmark of her career as she actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge within the organization.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys being active - particularly as the mother of two young boys. She spends most of her free time running from one sporting event to another. Amidst the demands of family life, she is also dedicated to prioritizing her own health and wellness.
samantha mulvaney
senior vice President - lending & risk
lisa egan
vice President - human resources
Lisa started her career at GSCU as a teller in 1993 and has held a variety of positions in branch operations, human resources, security, as well as consumer and mortgage lending. As the VP of Human Resources, Lisa is responsible for Human Resources, Staff Development, Employee Engagement, and Marketing. She is passionate about GSCU’s culture and providing an exceptional employee and member experience. Lisa is a member of HR industry groups, Manchester Area Human Resources Association and the Society for Human Resource Management. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Economics from Plymouth State College and recently earned her MBA with a concentration in HR Management from SNHU.
Lisa is a proud mom of two adult daughters and loves to spend time with family and friends. She enjoys paddleboarding, exploring new places, and running agility courses with her two Alaskan Klee Kai.
Dennis began his career at GSCU in 1987 as a teller. He has held numerous roles, including Training and Security Manager, Director of HR/Training, Consumer Lending Manager, and VP of Business Development. Since 2017, he has been the VP of Culture and Engagement, where he actively engages with members and staff, introduces new services, and mentors front-line employees.
Dennis excels in outreach, from legislative meetings to charity events. He had led the Merrimack Valley Chapter of the NH Credit Union League, and has served on the NH Credit Union League Social Responsibility Committee, NH Legislative & Advocacy Committee, and the NH Credit Union’s Financial Literacy Committee for many years.
Dennis enjoys being active in his community and personal life. Dennis has been a coach, director, and president of the Candia Youth Athletic Association for 15 years. He also serves on several other local committees, including the Pinkerton Academy Business Advisory Council. He is a dedicated father and husband. In addition, he enjoys hosting a local podcast, covering news and music, with two of his longtime musician friends.
DENNIS HEBERT JR.
vice President - CULTURE & ENGAGEMENT
tracey healey
vice President - Fraud Prevention & security
Tracey has dedicated 31 years to the credit union and oversees the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Security Departments. Her extensive experience across various departments, including previous oversight of Branches, Lending, and Credit Resolutions, has deepened her understanding of the credit union environment.
Tracey’s passion extends beyond her professional role; she enjoys country music concerts, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and her two-year-old Golden Retriever, Reagan. She starts each day with a 4:30 AM workout (even on weekends!), which sparks her productivity. Tracey is driven by opportunities for continual improvement and growth, with her greatest fulfillment coming from developing new leaders and inspiring others to achieve their full potential - #WinTogether!
With her roots firmly planted in the credit union branches, Alicia has dedicated over 20 years to the “people helping people” credit union philosophy. She began her career as a teller and has held various roles within the branch network leading to her current position as Vice President of Branches where she oversees the credit union’s eight physical locations and Contact Center. It is the people, both members and employees, where her passion remains. Alicia loves the opportunity to connect with a member by phone or have a casual chat with an employee on her team. Alicia enjoys being in the moment and new experiences.
She shares her free time with her two teen sons, family, and friends. Alicia is currently pursuing her degree in Organizational Leadership.
alicia mattson
vice President - branches
SAMANTHA RIGGAS
VICE President - TECHNOLOGY
Samantha began her career at GSCU in 2005 as a Teller and spent 14 years working in various positions throughout the branch network, including branch management. Samantha expanded her credit union expertise through roles in HR and Training, Business Solutions, and currently as the Vice President of Technology. Throughout Samantha’s career, she has taken the lead on various projects. She is focused on impact and driven by her passion for innovation. Samantha constantly seeks ways to enhance products, services, and processes, ensuring an exceptional experience for staff and members while prioritizing security.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Samantha is a dedicated parent to two children and actively engages in their numerous sports and activities. She also serves as the Treasurer for their school Parent-Teacher Group. Additionally, Samantha is proud to volunteer on the board of Avé’s Hope.
Darcy began her career in 2000 as a Teller and quickly developed a strong foundation in the financial industry. Over the years, she has held various key positions, including in the Contact Center and Marketing. Her journey continued as she took on supervisory roles for the Contact Center, Manchester Branch, and Consumer Lending in 2011. Darcy was promoted to AVP of Consumer Lending in 2021 and her commitment to delivering awesome has led her to her current role as VP of Lending.
In addition to these achievements, Darcy earned an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and is now preparing to further her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership.
Outside of work, Darcy is a proud mother of two teenage children who keep her busy with their various activities, particularly sports. She finds great joy in attending their events and supporting them in their pursuits. In her family’s free time, they enjoy camping together and spending time with friends.
