Princeton Federal Credit Union appoints new CEO
The Princeton Federal Credit Union has named Dana Caragine its new president and chief executive officer, succeeding Samuel Paulicelli, who is retiring after 21 years with the credit union.
Caragine has more than two decades of experience in banking, wealth and asset management, investment advisory, and private lending. Her previous roles at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Invesco, and privately held lending firms focused on technology, marketing, and client experience.
She joined Princeton Federal Credit Union in April 2024 as senior director of lending and marketing, reporting to Paulicelli and working with CFO Joe Vitti on growth and member engagement.
Caragine takes the role as the credit union looks to grow, expand digital services, and strengthen community engagement.
“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,” Board Chair Adam Coyne said. “Her track record of building strong teams and delivering for our members positions us well for the future.”
A 2002 Princeton University graduate, Caragine earned her bachelor’s degree in engineering and was in the Operations Research and Financial Engineering program. A member of Charter Club, she was an early beneficiary of the university’s 2001 financial aid enhancements, an experience she credits with shaping her interest in financial opportunity and inclusion.
“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,” Caragine said. “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.”
Founded in 1972, Princeton Federal Credit Union serves individuals who live, work, worship, or study in Princeton and surrounding communities. The credit union has more than 8,500 members and more than $170 million in assets.
