BURTON, Mich.–ELGA Credit Union CEO Karen Church is retiring after 45 years of service to the credit union. Terry Katzur has been named as Church’s successor.
In a statement paying tribute to her career, ELGA Credit Union said Church has been a “steadfast servant to the credit union and its members, to the community as a whole, and to the credit union industry throughout her career.”
Church joined ELGA CU in 1974 as a co-op student and was named CEO in 1993, overseeing growth from a $32 million institution with 18 associates to a $1.2 billion institution with 13 branches, 250 associates and 81,000 members. Church is the credit union’s second CEO in its history.
“Leaving a legacy of service, Karen will continue her community work through various projects with Catholic Charities and the newly-founded ELGA Credit Union Foundation for Impact,” the credit union said in a statement. “Karen will continue to host the Ginormous Tent Sale at ELGA CU each year, which has raised $105,000 over six years to support the work Catholic Charities does in the community.”
ELGA CU noted Church has been named to the Genesee Regional Women’s Hall of Fame and received the Sybil Atwood Lifetime Award in 2019. She was also honored with the Michigan Credit Union League’s Distinguished Service Award in 2020.
“Karen is regarded as an exceptional mentor and role model by her peers. She was one of only a few female CEOs when she was promoted in 1993, and she has been a true pioneer for women in the industry,” ELGA CU said.
The New CEO
Katzur began his career at ELGA in 1996 as a co-op student, before becoming a full-time teller before working in the accounting department and then serving as a branch manager. He then was promoted to VP-lending and was appointed executive vice president in 2014.
“I am fortunate to have this opportunity to lead ELGA Credit Union into the future, while continuing the legacy and culture that has made this organization a special place for our members and associates,” said Katzur.
Katzur holds an Associate’s degree from Mott Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Ferris State University and a MBA from the University of Michigan – Flint.
Katzur was named the Credit Union Professional of the Year by the Michigan Credit Union League in 2021, and he holds a Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation from CUES. He serves on the board for the Greater Flint Health Coalition.
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