Susan Frank, the first woman CEO to lead a credit union with $1 billion or more in assets, announced her retirement earlier this month.
In addition to Frank’s retirement, credit unions in Wyoming, Minnesota and Texas also announced retirements of their longtime CEOs and some cooperatives named their successors. What’s more, credit union in Maine and Alaska also appointed new CEOs.
Frank’s career began with Desert Schools Federal Credit Union in 1992 after serving 12 years with the $6.8 billion Bethpage Federal Credit Union in Bethpage, N.Y.
She became the first woman in the country in 1999 to lead a credit union with $1 billion or more in assets when she was appointed CEO of Desert Schools.
Under Frank’s leadership, she supervised the launch of numerous new branch locations, guided the financial growth of the credit union from $450 million to $4 billion in assets, and helped to grow membership to more than 317,000 members.
“I have been honored and humbled to serve our employees, members and our community during my time at Desert Schools. I’ve not only been able to build my career here, but I have built a life and a professional family,” Frank said. “I am grateful to have been surrounded daily by arguably some of the very best professionals and human beings I’ve ever known. Leaving Desert Schools has not been an easy choice, but it is time to pass the torch to someone who I know will continue to move Desert Schools forward in innovative and strategic ways.”
Frank’s successor will be Desert Schools President Jeff Meshey who joined the cooperative 22 years ago.
He was instrumental in leading the credit union through the economic downturn in 2008 and helped to move the organization’s area of service solely from school employees to a community charter. Meshey will transition into the role of CEO in February 2017.
UniWyo Federal Credit Union President Larry Knopp announced his retirement after 21 years of service at the Laramie, Wyo.-based cooperative.
“Larry Knopp’s dedication to helping UniWyo meet its full potential in improving members’ lives has been extraordinary,” Aaron Courtney, UniWyo Board FCU’s board chair, said. “In the last 20 years, UniWyo has grown from $62,941,279 to over $295,000,000 in assets, with 70 employees, over 26,000 members, and three branches in Laramie. All three of the current branch buildings were opened under Larry’s direction.”
Larry Knopp will continue working at UniWyo through early 2017, when a yet-to-be president is expected to be named.
In Duluth, Minn., the $72 million Northern Communities Credit Union announced President/CEO Larry Champeaux retired on Dec. 2.
“Through the last eight years, (Larry) has provided excellent leadership and guidance for our credit union,” Northern Communities CU Board Chair Grant Forsyth, said. “He came in and did some reorganizing and reworking of the credit union to make us more profitable and secure.”
Executive Vice President Trina Hoff, who has worked at the credit union for 22 years, succeeded Champeaux.
After sixteen years of service, Dale E. Kimble, president/CEO of DATCU in Corinth, Texas, announced his retirement effective at the end of the year.
Under his leadership, the credit union grew from $186 million in assets to $865 million in assets. Kimble also expanded the number of branches from four to 10 and membership grew from 40,000 to more than 88,000.
“I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished,” Kimble said. “It’s been such an honor for me to serve our members and communities these last sixteen years. I’ve been with the same management team for over ten years, and I am confident that DATCU is well positioned for continued, strategic growth in the future.”
Kimble’s successor is DATCU President Glen McKenzie.
“In the last fifteen years at DATCU, he (McKenzie) has served in every executive role,” DATCU Board Chair Susan Romero, said. “Glen has a great work ethic, is dedicated to helping people, and is enthusiastic about the future.”
In Portland Maine, the $258 million Evergreen Credit Union named Jason Lindstrom as it new president/CEO.
He replaced Tim Verreault.
Lindstrom recently served as the chief marketing officer for the $333 million Belvoir Federal Credit Union in Woodbridge, Va. that merged earlier this year into the $20 billion PenFed Credit Union in Alexandria, Va. At PenFed, he served as a director.
Lindstrom’s credit union career includes positions in lending, development, operations, marketing and governmental affairs.
“We believe Jason’s wealth of knowledge and diverse background in credit union operations will be a tremendous asset to our members and employees,” Evergreen’s Board Chair Christopher Doe, said. “His leadership will enhance our commitment to growing all our member services.”
In Fairbanks, Alaska, Angela D. Head was named president/CEO of the $103 million MAC Federal Credit Union.
She replaced Raelynn D. Radway.
Head, who previously served as the credit union’s chief operating officer, developed and launched new services and enhanced technology operations at MAC FCU. She also created the MAC-PAC, an employee volunteer community service team, which provides support and resources to the local community.
