Princeton Federal Credit Union (PFCU) has announced the appointment of Dana Caragine as its new president and chief executive officer, succeeding Samuel J. Paulicelli, who retires following an accomplished 21-year tenure.
“After a comprehensive national search, it was clear that Dana brings the right combination of vision, leadership, institutional understanding, and commitment to member service to guide Princeton Federal Credit Union into its next chapter,” PFCU Board Chair Adam Coyne said. “Her track record of building strong teams and delivering for our members positions us well for the future. The Board is confident that Dana is the right leader to continue strengthening the Credit Union and the communities we serve.”
With more than two decades of experience in banking, wealth and asset management, investment advisory, and private lending, Caragine brings expertise in both financial strategy and digital innovation. She has held senior positions at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Invesco, and privately held lending firms, where her work centered on the intersection of technology, marketing, and client experience.
Caragine joined Princeton Federal Credit Union in April, 2024, as senior director of lending and Mmarketing, reporting to Paulicelli and collaborating closely with CFO Joe Vitti to drive growth and enhance member engagement.
“Their decades of leadership commitment have built a thriving home for members and colleagues at PFCU,” Caragine said. “I am honored and humbled to lead us forward, as someone who fell in love with Princeton early in life and more recently discovered PFCU’s strong culture. I appreciate the vibrant, diverse, and intellectually rigorous mosaic of people who comprise this community — and I’m confident in our future, alongside this incredible group of colleagues.”
A Princeton University Class of 2002 graduate, Caragine earned her bachelor of science in engineering in operations research and financial engineering. Among the early beneficiaries of Princeton’s landmark 2001 financial aid enhancements, she credits that experience with sparking her passion for financial opportunity and inclusion.
Founded in 1972, PFCU serves individuals who live, work, worship, or study in Princeton and surrounding communities. More information: princetonfcu.org.
