PHOENIX–After 25 years with the credit union, Susan Frank has announced her retirement as CEO of Desert Schools FCU.
Frank will be succeeded in the role of CEO by current Desert Schools President Jeff Meshey.
Following a 12-year career with Bethpage FCU in New York, Frank joined Desert Schools in 1992 and in 1999 became the first woman to lead a credit union with more than $1 billion in assets.
While at Desert Schools Frank has overseen growth to $4 billion in assets from $450 million. DSFCU today has more than 300,000 members.
“I have been honored and humbled to serve our employees, members and our community during my time at Desert Schools,” said Frank in a released statement. “I’ve not only been able to build my career here, but I have built a life and a professional family I am grateful to have been surrounded daily by arguably some of the very best professionals and human beings I’ve ever known. Leaving Desert Schools has not been an easy choice, but it is time to pass the torch to someone who I know will continue to move Desert Schools forward in innovative and strategic ways.”
In a statement, Claudette Gronski, chair of Desert Schools, said, “Susan is not only one of the most savvy, but most generous leaders I know in this community. It’s been an honor to serve Desert Schools and our members alongside her.”
Meshey, who is now gaining the CEO title, was promoted to president in 2014 and has 22 years of experience with the credit union, all of which have been served with Frank holding the senior most executive leadership position.
“I couldn’t be more honored to step into the role of CEO following all of my years serving at Desert Schools under Susan’s guidance and leadership,” said Meshey in a statement. “We have been working on a plan for the last several years in order to provide a seamless transition for our members and employees. I look forward to continuing to serve our community for many years to come and to continue the legacy of impactful work that Susan has started at Desert Schools.”
Meshey will transition into the role of CEO in February 2017, the credit union said.