AMARILLO, Texas–Access Community Credit Union here has named a new CEO to succeed the retiring G. Keith Watson.
The credit union has named John Hays to succeed Watson. Hays has previously been EVP/COO, and has 17 years in financial services, including 11 with Access Community.
Watson has retired after 17 years with the credit union. In 1976, Watson was hired by the credit union’s sponsor company, Southwestern Public Service (SPS), as an accountant. That same year, Watson served as a volunteer member of the credit union’s audit committee, according to the Cornerstone CU League. He served on various committees thereafter, including the board of directors during the 1980s. In 1986, he was promoted to manager of payroll services for the company, a position he held until 1997. In 2000, he was hired as vice president and chief financial officer for Access Community CU, and he later became executive vice president and CFO.
In 2006, Watson was appointed by the board of directors as president and chief executive officer. Under his leadership, credit union assets have increased from $67 million to $114 million, and during that same period two branch locations were added.
“We congratulate Keith Watson on his upcoming retirement,” said Chairman of the Board Scott Davis. “His leadership and wisdom have been instrumental in transforming our credit union for the future needs of our members. Keith has long been a faithful steward of our credit union and culture, and we wish him continued success in his new personal beginning.”