GLENDORA, Calif.– After 42 years of service at America’s Christian Credit Union, including 33 years as president and CEO, Mendell L. Thompson said he will retire effective March 2020.
“Mendell’s leadership both at ACCU and in the community has been nothing short of exemplary,” said Board Member Dr. Kevin Mannoia. “We are proud of Mendell’s Christ-like, effective leadership in setting a high bar of impact over decades of faithful service.”
In a statement, the credit union said among Thompson’s many accomplishments is ACCU’s transformation from a “generic banking institution into a premier financial partner for cultural impact.”
“In ways large and small, under Mendell’s leadership, ACCU has steadily grown to become the gold standard of service and financial stewardship for 132,000 members and over 3,000 churches and ministries nationwide,” the credit union said.
In addition, ACCU said Thompson is also to be recognized for his passion for adoption by helping over 1,850 children find their forever families through ACCU’s signature Adoption Loan Program.
“It has been the honor of my life to have served the credit union and the community in this role,” said Thompson. “Thanks to the board, management team, and employees for embodying the mission of ACCU. We have done well in exceeding member expectations with the stewardship of their finances, while remaining faithful to our mission. I’m also blessed to have the unwavering encouragement and support of my wife, Reanna, along with our two children and their spouses, which has enabled me to surpass my professional goals and fulfill God’s call in my life. I’m now excited to pass the torch and spend more time with her, our children, and our four grandchildren.”
A Fast-Path Career
ACCU said Thompson joined the credit union at 22 and was quickly promoted to assistant manager. In 1986, Thompson was named president/CEO upon co-founder and president T.R. Partee’s retirement.
“Over the years, Mendell has walked the credit union through a number of charter and name changes and a headquarters move,” the credit union said. “From the Nazarene Credit Union to America’s Christian Credit Union, Mendell has provided steadfast leadership, guidance and has strengthened key strategic partnerships.
ACCU’s board said it has retained CarterBaldwin to conduct a nationwide executive search.