During Christian Community Credit Union’s 60th anniversary celebration, President/CEO John Walling said last week it’s time to retire after 45 years of service to the San Dimas, Calif.-based credit union.
Walling will retire July 31. David Estridge, EVP, will serve as interim CEO effective August 1.
“My 45 years have been an incredibly blessed experience in working with our outstanding staff and supportive and encouraging board of directors and supervisory committee,” Walling said in a prepared statement. “The credit union’s continued success is a collective effort of many people over many years. I give thanks to God for placing me in this position and for the elected officials, management team, and staff as they continue to serve the members of Christian Community Credit Union.”
Walling began as the credit union’s assistant manager in June 1972 when it was known as the American Baptist Credit Union that managed $7 million in assets and served more than 5,000 members. Since then, the credit union has grown to $643 million in assets and more than 30,000 members.
In 1980, Walling was promoted to general manager and appointed president/CEO in 1984.
The California Credit Union League honored Walling in 2012 with the “Unsung Hero Award” for his valuable and significant contributions to the credit union movement within the Golden State.
The board plans to hire an executive search firm to find Walling’s successor, but it will also consider internal candidates.
“Few CEOs today have the creativity, the passion, and the energy to reach the 20-year mark in a single organization. Yet John Walling has served a remarkable 45 years at Christian Community Credit Union,” Mike Pate, vice chair of Christian Community’s board, said. “The members of our board of directors and supervisory committee have been privileged to serve alongside such a capable leader. We salute and congratulate John for his extraordinary leadership – and wish him God’s best in his retirement years.”
