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cPort CU’s Kelsey Marquis and Gene Ardito.
cPort CU announced that Gene Ardito will retire as President & CEO on June 1, 2025, after a successful 21-year tenure of visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative service to cPort’s members, employees, and communities. The cPort CU Board of Directors has conducted a complete and rigorous selection process, meeting with both internal and external candidates, to ensure the best fit for the role. As a result, the Board confidently selected Kelsey Marquis, cPort CU’s current Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer (COO & CFO). Marquis will be appointed to the role of President effective March 1, 2025, and President & CEO upon Ardito’s retirement.
Gene Ardito, President & CEO, to Retire from cPort CU
Since joining cPort CU as President & CEO in 2004, Gene Ardito has been the driving force behind its remarkable growth and success. Under his innovative leadership, the organization has expanded from two to five branches, with a sixth opening in Lewiston later this year. During his tenure, the credit union’s assets grew from $88 million to $420 million, membership more than doubled from 15,000 to 35,000, and the cPort team grew from 36 employees to a thriving workforce of 116.
Scott Paquet, Chair of the Board of Directors, said, “On behalf of the Board, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Gene for his 21 years of outstanding leadership and dedication to cPort. His vision and commitment have driven remarkable growth, modernization, and a culture of excellence that will continue to shape our future. We are incredibly thankful for his contributions and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
cPort CU has been recognized as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes for two consecutive years and has been listed among the Best Places to Work in Maine for the last eight years. Ardito’s dedication to providing the highest level of personal service and advanced banking products has been instrumental in cPort’s continued success. His incredible support of the organization’s surrounding communities, especially those with limited access to banking services, has been unwavering. In 2008, Gene introduced cPort’s Career Aspirations Program to elementary schools within the community, encouraging students to think and write about their future career goals. To date, students have written over 10,000 essays, and cPort CU has granted over 1,300 scholarships.
“Reflecting on my time at cPort CU, I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve as President & CEO,” shared Ardito. “The growth and success we have achieved as an organization are a testament to our creativity and unwavering dedication to serving the underserved, our commitment to our values, and the hard work of our incredible team. cPort will continue to thrive and remain a strong and innovative force in the financial services community. I look forward to seeing the continued success and positive impact cPort will have on its members and the community.”
Kelsey Marquis Promoted to President of cPort Credit Union, Set to Transition to CEO
Kelsey Marquis, cPort’s COO & CFO, has been selected to be the next President and CEO. Traverse Fournier, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and lead point person on the CEO search, stated, “Finding the right leader for cPort wasn’t just about experience—it was about finding someone who truly embodies cPort’s values, vision, and culture. We sought a leader who understands what makes cPort special: our commitment to our members, our community, and the incredible culture that sets us apart. After an extensive search, we are confident that Kelsey Marquis is the perfect person to uphold our legacy, inspire our team, and lead us into an exciting future.”
Marquis’ professional journey is one that cPort CU celebrates with pride. She began her career at cPort as a teller in 2010, after graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bryant University. In this role, she gained firsthand experience in serving members. She then went on to earn her Master of Business Administration in Leadership from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Her dedication and talent led her to excel in multiple roles, particularly in accounting and finance, where she was instrumental in strengthening the organization’s financial operations. Marquis has played a key role in enhancing
operational efficiencies, driving financial growth, and spearheading initiatives that benefit both members and employees.
Her contributions extend well beyond the credit union. She is actively involved in the Maine community, collaborating with organizations like United Way and their CA$H Maine program, as well as The Olympia Snowe Leadership Institute, where she has volunteered as an Olympia’s Leader Advisor. Marquis also serves as a respected board member for the Financial Managers Society, a non-profit organization committed to providing education, networking, and resources to finance professionals. Her dedication to financial education and leadership development reflects her passion for empowering individuals and
strengthening the local community.
“I am honored to step into this role and lead cPort into its next chapter,” said Marquis. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation we’ve created and continuing to serve our members, support our employees, and make a lasting impact in the communities we call home.”
“Kelsey’s experience at every level of the organization has given her unique insight into the needs of our members and the opportunities ahead,” shared Ardito. “As President and CEO, she will be responsible for executing cPort’s strategic vision, ensuring operational excellence, and continuing to strengthen our position as a leader in Maine’s credit union community.”
As cPort CU looks to the future, the organization remains committed to its vision of providing the best financial experience to its members. Under the leadership of Marquis, the organization will continue to build on the strong foundation laid by Ardito.
The credit union thanks Ardito for his years of dedicated service and looks forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.