LUFKIN, Texas–In Texas, two long-time CU leaders have announced retirements.
Jonathan Matthews, who got his first job during his senior year in 1973 through a VOE high school work program at Security Service FCU, is retiring as CEO of Southland FCU in Lufkin, Texas.
In 1974, SSFCU hired Matthews to work in its mailroom, and over the years, he worked for several other credit unions earning progressively greater responsibilities, until he became CEO of Southland FCU.
Now, after 46 years in the credit union movement and more than 13 years with Southland, Matthews is retiring effective Dec. 31, the credit union has announced.
Matthews’ credit union ties go beyond just the professional responsibilities. While still in the mailroom at Security Service, he met his wife, Linda, who was working in the marketing department. They married in 1978.
‘My Biggest Fan’
“My wife of over 43 years has been my biggest fan and supporter, encouraging me and telling me ‘you can do it!’ when I was unsure of myself,” Matthews told the Cornerstone league. “I have a wonderful family and have had a wonderful credit union career.”
After eight years with Security Service, Matthews told the CCUL he took a three-year break in attempt to earn more money for his family, but the restaurant business wasn’t for him and he returned to Security Service to work as the manager of the cash department.
After Security Service, Matthews moved around the industry and attended Southwest CUNA Management School, graduating in 1986. He moved his family to Amarillo to work for Plains Bell Telephone FCU as a VP of operations, and then to Plainview to become a CEO of Hale County Teachers FCU. In 1993, he returned to San Antonio to work as VP of lending for San Antonio Telephone FCU (now River City), and then in 1998 went to work with Southwest Research Center FCU as its chief operating officer, the CCUL said.
In 2008, Matthews moved to Lufkin to become CEO at Southland FCU, and during his career has overseen growth to $61-million in assets from $17 million.
‘More Than a Vision Statement’
“When I started at Southland Federal Credit Union, I discussed with the board a vision statement that read, ‘Where people helping people really matters’,” Matthews told the Cornerstone league. “To me, my board, and staff, that’s more than a vision statement. It is a core value in all we do to help the lives of the members we have the privilege to serve. I have been blessed to have found a career in something I truly love to do every day.”
During his career Matthews has served on numerous boards, including the CU*South CUSO board, and league-related boards and committees, including the Small Credit Union Committee, the Innovation and Collaboration Committee, and as chapter president of the Amarillo and Pineywoods chapters.
In 2011, Matthews was honored with the league’s Small Credit Union Achiever of the Year award.
Kathy Harvey has been named to succeed Matthews as CEO and will take over effective Jan. 1, 2022.
Gary Williams Retiring; Scott Ward Named President
Meanwhile, in Ft. Worth, after 27 years with the $304-million Unity One Credit Union, CEO Gary Williams has retired. Williams will step into an advisory CEO role and Scott Ward, the credit union’s chief operating officer and executive vice president, has been named as the new president, according to the Cornerstone league.
“Williams has been a devoted leader in the credit union industry since 1981. He launched his career with Xerox Federal Credit Union as a loan officer, working his way up in the organization,” the league said.
In 1994, Williams joined Unity One Credit Union, known then as United BN Federal Credit Union, as the chief operating officer. In 1998, he was promoted to CEO.
“Williams helped lead the credit union through many significant changes in his 27 years, including two name changes, charter changes, select employee group expansions, a merger, and a host of operational and technological upgrades,” the CCUL stated.
‘Loved the Philosophy’
When asked about his 40-year career in credit unions, Williams told the league, “I’ve always loved the credit union philosophy of people helping people. As an industry, we are all about one thing: people before profits. We place the needs of our members above all else.
“I’m proud to have carried on the legacy of those who came before me," he continued. "During my time as CEO, I have always emphasized member service as our competitive advantage, and I believe we have managed to exceed our members’ expectations.”