WETHERSFIELD, Conn.–Two credit union CEOs have announced retirement plans, with one of the CUs naming a successor.
In Connecticut, Francis R.N. Proto, president and CEO of Dutch Point Credit Union, said he plans to exit the organization in January of 2023. DPCU said Proto will be succeeded by J. Charlyn Tanner, currently the credit union’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Proto has been with the credit union for nearly 30 years, joining Dutch Point in 1991 as vice president of finance before being named SVP/CFO and then CEO in August of 2006.
During Proto’s tenure, Dutch Point CU has grown to $425 million in assets and 23,700 members from $141 million in assets and 16,700 members. The CU also expanded to a community charter serving the counties of Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, and New London, merged two credit unions and added four branches to the Dutch Point network.
Other Roles
In addition to his role as president and CEO, the credit union said Proto has been actively involved with many boards and committees over the years and is currently a trustee of the Credit Union Building Financial Independence Foundation.
“In guiding the credit union forward, our successes would not be possible without a loyal membership base, and I am pleased to have met so many members during my time with Dutch Point,” said Proto. I’ve also had the privilege to work with a talented and supportive board of directors, management team and staff, both past and present, that truly believe in our mission.”
The New CEO
J. Charlyn Tanner, who will serve as DPCU’s next CEO, has been with Dutch Point 16 years and has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.
“The board is more than pleased with Mr. Proto’s leadership of the credit union during his tenure. We are also very pleased that Mr. Proto has provided sufficient notice to ensure a smooth and seamless transition of his responsibilities and leadership to Ms. Tanner,” said Board Chairman Richard Zajack.
Collier to Retire from Indiana Members CU
Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, Ron Collier, president/CEO of Indiana Members Credit Union (IMCU), has announced plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2022.
Collier has served as president and CEO since 2003 and has been a leader in credit unions for more than 40 years. During his tenure as CEO, IMCU has grown from $768 million to $2.9 billion in assets, from 89,000 to 141,000 members, and from 235 to 400 employees who serve members through 33 locations in central and southern Indiana, the credit union reported.
During his career Collier has also overseen 33 credit union mergers and acquisitions since 1985, the same year he established a unique teller training system. The Training Center’s design replicated a branch lobby, and trainees used a mock teller station and performed transactions with “credit union cash.”
Retention & Attendance Program
The credit union said Collier also created and implemented an employee retention and attendance program, which continues to be successful, as well as a Member Services Phone Center, which today processes more than 13,000 calls monthly, and an automated phone service for members, allowing them 24/7 access to their credit union accounts and information.
In a statement directed at Collier, Board Chairman Robert E. Martin said, “With your decision to retire in 2022, we start a celebration of your many accomplishments during four decades of service. Your strong, steady leadership, always putting our members first, and the family atmosphere that you have created with our employees are hallmarks of your career. Your legacy will guide us into the future. We thank you for your service and dedication to Indiana Members Credit Union.”
Collier was born in Indianapolis and is a 1975 graduate of Warren Central High School. He attended Ball State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in secondary education. After college, he taught at Noblesville High School for three years, where he also coached baseball, football and swimming, IMCU reported.
He then worked three years at the Indiana Credit Union League. In 1985 Mr. Collier joined
IMCU as the training director and in 1992 was named VP-planning and administration.
Volunteer Positions
During his career he has served on the Indiana Make-A-Wish, St. Francis Hospital Foundation, and CUNA Youth Involvement boards; participated on the planning committee for the New Palestine Relay for Life, served as President of the New Palestine High School Baseball Backers, and was an IHSAA football referee for 32 years. He also helped initiate several fundraising events for Make-A-Wish, Riley Hospital for Children, Relay for Life, and Indy BackPack Attack.
Collier also oversaw creation of the Indiana Members Foundation in 2010, which has raised and distributed more than $1 million to various organization.