GARDNER, Mass.-GFA Federal Credit Union has named a new president and CEO. The $649-million GFAFCU said it has selected Mark Hettinger to lead the organization.
Hettinger previously served as EVP/COO at First Alliance Credit Union since 2004 and will join GFA FCU in early April.
“In addition to Hettinger’s extensive experience as EVP/COO at First Alliance Credit Union where he was a respected proponent of empowerment and accountability, he previously served as Vice President Member Services for Think Federal Credit Union,” the credit union said in a statement.
GFA FCU said Hettinger’s professional experiences have also included serving as a branch manager and a lending officer.
‘World Class Service’
“GFA FCU has an 85-year history of strong growth and high-quality member service, along with an intelligent and dedicated board of directors,” said Hettinger. “I look forward to enhancing the credit union’s strong employee culture and providing innovative, world-class service to meet all members’ financial needs – whether they joined us yesterday, today or will join us tomorrow.”
Hettinger obtained his Bachelor of Applied Science, Business Administration and Human Resources Management degree from Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota. He has continued his professional development by attending the CUES CEO Institute and completing executive education programs at Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, University of Virginia’s Darden School, CUNA Management School, and the American Institute of Banking.
GFA FCU has approximately 31,000 members.
The search was handled by DDJ Myers, an ALM First Co., Phoenix.
Former CEO Passes Away
Separately, Kathleen O’Hara Geary, the former president/CEO of The Democracy FCU, has passed. Ms. Geary, 62, passed away in The Villages, Fla.
The credit union noted Ms. Geary's career spanned nearly four decades in the credit union industry, retiring as president/CEO in December 2018. She held a number of positions while at Democracy FCU before becoming president/CEO in 1998, including assistant vice president, senior Accountant, and Regulatory Compliance administrator. She also led marketing, member services, and investment strategy.
“During her tenure as president/CEO, she fulfilled a number of company firsts and milestones,” DFCU said. “In 2001, Democracy FCU (formerly HEWFCU) surpassed the $100 million mark in assets. She believed wholeheartedly in the credit union philosophy of people helping people resulting in the expansion of the credit union's field of membership to encompass those who live, work, worship, and go to school in the DC metropolitan area.”
Additional Accomplishments
In addition, Democracy FCU said that under her leadership, branch locations were opened in Silver Hill (District Heights, Md.), Philadelphia Public Ledger Branch, Alexandria Branch in Old Town Alexandria, and 550 C Street, S.W. (D.C.). In keeping with Democracy's expanded services, Geary led the name change from HEWFCU to Democracy FCU in 2015. Her energy and commitment led to countless awards and industry recognition for Democracy FCU, the credit union said.
Volunteer Roles
During her career Geary also held a number of volunteer positions in the credit union industry. She served as vice chairman of the Credit Union Mortgage Association and its audit committee; served on the board of the MD/DC Credit Union Association as well as president of the DC Chapter and chair of the Advocacy Committee. She was a Trustee for the Credit Union Legislative Action Committee.
In addition, she was active in the Don't Tax My Credit Union Campaign initiatives, an advocacy effort conducted in conjunction with leagues, CUNA, and credit unions nationwide to protect credit unions' tax status as part of U.S. House of Representatives tax reform efforts.
‘Dedication, Love & Passion’
“Mrs. Geary's dedication, love and passion for the credit union movement is unmatched, and her legacy will be forever intertwined with Democracy FCU,” the credit union said. “We are grateful for her service.”
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