Princeton, NJ, December 1, 2025. 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.
PFCU enters a new chapter focused on continued growth, innovation, and deepened community engagement under Caragine’s leadership.
Reflecting on the Board’s decision, Chair Adam Coyne shared, “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. 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, Dana Caragine brings deep 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 Marketing, 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 and was a member of the Charter Club. 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.
Under Caragine’s leadership, Princeton Federal Credit Union is well-positioned to build on its proud legacy while embracing innovation, expanding digital capabilities, and strengthening community partnerships—ensuring the Credit Union continues to thrive for generations of members across Princeton and the surrounding communities.
The search was completed in partnership with Humanidei. Humanidei brings decades of credit union system experience to the recruiting process, ensuring executive placements that will carry organizations forward in fulfillment of their mission. www.humanidei.com
About Princeton Federal Credit Union
Founded in 1972, Princeton Federal Credit Union (PFCU) serves individuals who live, work, worship, or study in Princeton, New Jersey, and surrounding communities. With more than 8,500 members and over $170 million in assets, PFCU is dedicated to enhancing the financial lives of its members through exceptional service, innovative products, and a steadfast commitment to cooperative principles.
Learn more at www.princetonfcu.org.
Contact:
Ciara LaVelle
ciara@humanidei.com
