Acadia FCU Names Joey Cannan as President and CEO

As President and CEO, Cannan will oversee the overall operations and strategic direction of the credit union. Reporting to the Board of Directors, he will lead Acadia’s continued commitment to financial strength, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of exceptional member services across Maine.

“As Dave Desjardins transitions into retirement—a well-earned milestone that honors his hard work, dedication, and the pivotal role he played in shaping what Acadia has become—we now look to the future under Joey Cannan’s stewardship,” said Chris Shaw, Chairman of Acadia FCU’s Board of Directors. “Throughout this transition, the mandate for Acadia’s Board of Directors has been to safeguard the long-term stability of our credit union while continuing the strong trajectory of financial growth that positions us to be an impactful force in our communities. Joey’s experience in the industry, his genuine passion for our mission, and his steadfast belief in the necessity of our organization as an instrument for positive communal impact have earned the full confidence of this board. We are excited for what lies ahead!”

Cannan has served as Acadia FCU’s Executive Vice President since 2021 and brings with him nearly three decades of banking and mortgage industry experience. Prior to joining Acadia, he held various senior leadership roles at Bangor Savings Bank, including Senior Vice President and Director of Operations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the New England School of Finance and a Master of Business Administration from Husson University.

Born and raised in Madawaska, Cannan has been a resident of Bangor for 29 years and remains closely connected to his roots in the St. John Valley. A dedicated father of six and a committed community volunteer, Cannan has long been involved with youth sports organizations throughout the region.

“It’s an incredible honor to serve as the next President and CEO of Acadia,” said Cannan. “Having grown up in Madawaska, my roots in the St. John Valley run deep, and I carry that sense of place and purpose with me every day. It’s important to remember where we came from, even as we grow and serve new communities in Bangor, Brewer, and now Presque Isle. I’m deeply grateful to Dave Desjardins for his decades of impactful leadership, and to our board of directors and members for placing their trust in me. Acadia has always stood for something greater than banking — it’s about people helping people and making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. I’m committed to building on that legacy, expanding our reach, and continuing to deliver meaningful impact for our employees, members, and communities across Maine.”

As he steps into this new role, Cannan emphasizes leadership rooted in dependability and genuine connection. “My priority is to lead with clarity and consistency,” he shared. “That means making sure our employees feel supported, our members feel valued, and our communities feel our presence. At the core of it all, I want to make sure people feel the difference at Acadia, because of how we lead, how we show up, and how we care.”

Reflecting on his leadership style, Cannan said, “I lead by staying grounded, being transparent, and building trust. Growth and financial strength come when we stay focused on the long game—serving people well, stewarding resources wisely, and staying agile as the world around us changes.”

Cannan also noted his pride in shaping and strengthening Acadia’s culture during his time as EVP. “Culture can be hard to describe, but you know it when you feel it. And at Acadia, it’s real.”

Joey Cannan will officially begin his duties as President and CEO on July 2, 2025. He can be reached at Acadia FCU’s Broadway branch by phone at 207-992-0101 x.665 or by email at jcannan@acadiafcu.org.