Happy Money, a leading platform for unsecured lending in partnership with credit unions, today announced the appointment of Joe Heck as the company's new Chief Executive Officer. This development sets the stage for a transformative era as Happy Money innovates in new ways to deliver on its mission of providing a happier approach to lending.
Joe Heck steps into his role as CEO after four years with the company, most recently having served as Happy Money’s Chief Operating Officer. Joe has a legacy of driving innovation and transformation within the lending industry as well as years of experience working with credit unions. With his combination of grit and creativity, he is uniquely positioned to steer the company through this next season and drive the team forward to create value for Happy Money’s stakeholders, partners, and consumers alike.
“I see tremendous opportunity for Happy Money as we bring greater self-sustainability to our business and support credit unions in competing in a dynamic and increasingly digital market,” said Joe Heck, CEO of Happy Money. “We believe that credit unions are good for the financial ecosystem and that they can be stronger when they work together. Happy Money has the potential to build greater balance sheet connectivity, simplicity, and diversity to these financial institutions while simultaneously advancing a happier approach to lending that meets the needs of today’s consumers.”
This appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as Happy Money expands its reach and impact through underwriting expertise, powerful analytics, and direct loan origination and participation opportunities. Under Joe's leadership, Happy Money is poised to benefit even more credit unions seeking to engage a new generation of members through diverse and digital channels – ultimately benefiting borrowers and partners across the nation.
“Joe’s depth and breadth of experience in lending paired with his integrity and intentionality made him the perfect candidate to lead Happy Money into this next season,” said Tracy Edkins, former CHRO of Splunk, and Happy Money Board Member. “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are excited to see how Happy Money furthers its impact in the years ahead under Joe’s steady leadership.”
Happy Money looks forward to this next phase of its journey, propelled by a vision of lending that supports consumers and financial institutions thriving together. The company’s mission is more relevant than ever as they seek to design a happier way of lending that helps borrowers achieve their goals and helps credit unions achieve greater impact. Through their platform, Happy Money helps credit unions compete at scale with the technology and reach they need to serve more people and deepen their community impact, while increasing access to credit sourced from institutions that hold borrowers’ best interests at heart.
About Happy Money
Happy Money is a financial technology company that offers a people-first lending experience in partnership with credit unions and other community-focused financial institutions. Our vision of transforming the lending industry comes to life through our connected platform of financial partners who help offer a happier digital lending experience that meets the needs of today’s customers. Through automation and proprietary underwriting models, we offer flexible rates and payment plans that work best for borrowers’ unique financial situations. And we are expanding the reach of our core product, The Payoff Loan™ for credit card debt reduction, to even more consumers via embedded financial services.
Backed by leading investors, Happy Money has helped over 300,000 borrowers since inception – working with lending partners to fund more than $6 billion in loans*. As a fully distributed company, Happy Money has a passionate and purpose-driven employee base of over 200 people across the United States. For more information, please visit happymoney.com.
*As of August 1, 2023.