RALEIGH, N.C.–State Employees CU has named a successor to its retiring CEO, Jim Blaine.
The $33-billion SECU has named Michael J. Lord, who has been CFO at the CU since 1986 and is a 41-year veteran of the credit union, to lead the organization. His experience includes serving members as a loan officer in Raleigh and Fayetteville and as a branch manager in Elizabeth City. He will assume his new responsibilities as of Sept. 1, 2016.
“Mike has been involved at a senior leadership level over many years of change and rapid growth at SECU,” said SECU Chair Cynthia Jolly. “The board is excited to have him as our next CEO. His experience combines the knowledge of where we have been with where we want to be in the future in meeting our members’ financial needs.”
In a statement, SECU said Lord has provided leadership for SECU’s financial services during a period of dynamic changes in the financial landscape. He currently serves as an officer of the SECU affiliated companies, which include a broker/dealer, a registered representative holding company, a property management company and a life insurance company.
“Mike is a strong leader with institutional experience and future vision, and we are fortunate to have him lead SECU during this next phase in our organization,” said Blaine.
“I am honored that the board has selected me to continue the important work of serving our members,” said Lord. “We will continue helping members improve their lives by serving as the trusted provider of financial services at fair and reasonable rates and terms.”
Lord is a graduate of N.C. State University and a certified public accountant. His community service activities have included participation in Community Workforce Solutions, Raleigh Host Lions Club, United Way, Habitat for Humanity and the Jaycees. He has served on many credit union-related committees and boards. He and his wife, Jo Conroy, have lived in Raleigh since 1982.
Blaine, 66, has served as the CEO of the credit union since 1979. During his tenure SECU grew from $300 million in assets to $33 billion in assets and from eight branches to 256.
Earlier, Blaine shared his thoughts on credit unions, his career and more here and here.