RACINE, Wis.–Gene Szymczak, CEO of the $1.6-billion Educators Credit Union here, has died suddenly and unexpectedly. Mr. Szymczak was 67.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Gene Szymczak,” said ECU Board Chairwoman Mary Lueneburg in a statement. “He was, first and foremost, a generous, selfless human being, as well as an inspiring leader. Gene considered everyone in the Educators organization an extension of his family. He made it a point to know the first name of those who work here, and took great pleasure in interacting with our members. He will be deeply missed. His drive to service, excellence and doing what is right will be hallmarks that we will carry forward with us.”
Szymczak joined ECU as a teller after graduating from college from the University of Wisconsin. He rose through the organization until being named president in 1994, and oversaw growth from one branch to 19 and to more than 142,000 members.
The credit union said plans for a celebration of Szymczak’s life and “extensive contribution to the community” will be announced in the coming days.
COO Linda Hoover has been named interim CEO.