Danbury-based Union Savings Bank has named a new president ahead of CEO Cynthia Merkle’s retirement later this year.

Union Savings Bank said in a statement this week that it has named Chelen Reyes, a long-time credit union executive, as its next president. The bank said Merkle would continue in her role as CEO until her retirement later this year.

“As we conducted our search for the next President of Union Savings Bank, Chelen rose to the top, embodying so many of the qualities we believe are necessary to lead this institution well into the future,” Lucie Voves, Union Savings Bank’s board chair, said in the statement.

The bank said Reyes will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations, ensuring that the bank operates in a safe and sound manner and in the best interest of the stakeholders, customers, team members, and the community.

“We’re excited to welcome Chelen aboard and to see how he’ll help enhance the USB experience for our customers and team members,” Merkle said in the statement. “His unique background of banking, marketing, and technology gives him a well-rounded perspective on how a community bank can live up to, and even exceed, the expectations of its stakeholders.”

Reyes joins Union Savings Bank from Hudson Valley Credit Union, a $6.6 billion-asset credit union based in Poughkeepsie, New York. Most recently a senior vice president. Reyes had several executive roles there, and his responsibilities have included retail delivery, marketing and lending, the bank said.

With two decades of banking experience, Reyes has worked in retail banking, lending, wealth management and marketing. He has led initiatives focused on strategic growth, new product rollouts, customer relationships, compliance and training for employees, the statement said. Reyes previously worked in the technology sector.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to join Union Savings Bank, and I’m incredibly thankful to the Bank’s leadership for placing their faith in me as their next President,” said Reyes. “Cindy [Merkle] and those who held this position before her have brought incredible success to USB; I hope that I’m able to do the same.”