SAN DIMAS, Calif.–After a 45-year career with Christian Community Credit Union, CEO John Walling has announced he will retire effective July 31.
The announcement came during the credit union’s recent annual meeting. Executive Vice President David Estridge will serve as Interim CEO effective August 1.
"The board knew that this day—and this decision—would ultimately come, and so we are prepared with a thoughtful leadership succession plan," said Chairman John Pearson in a statement on the credit union’s website. "We will miss John’s leadership, but with his encouragement and guidance, we are also praying and trusting God as we seek his direction for the credit union's next leader."
Pearson said CCCU will be considering both internal and external candidates for the position.
During the annual meeting, the board honored Walling for his 45 years of service.
"Few CEOs today have the creativity, the passion, and the energy to reach the 20-year mark in a single organization. Yet John Walling has served a remarkable 45 years at Christian Community Credit Union," said Mike Pate, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, and Executive Director of Transformation Ministries Camping. "The members of our Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee have been privileged to serve alongside such a capable leader. We salute and congratulate John for his extraordinary leadership—and wish him God’s best in his retirement years."
Under Walling’s leadership, the credit union, which was known as American Baptist Credit Union when he joined it, had $7 million in assets and 5,000 members. Today it has $640 million in assets and more than 30,000 members.
Walling began as the Credit Union’s Assistant Manager in June 1972. Six years later, he assumed the top leadership role as general manager. In 1984, the board appointed him President/CEO. Walling has also served as a board member of Payment Systems for Credit Unions, Inc. (PSCU) and as Treasurer of Christian Community Credit Union’s Board of Directors.
In 2012, his credit union peers from the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues honored John with the "Unsung Hero Award" for his "valuable and significant contributions ‘above and beyond’ to the credit union movement within the state of California."
"My 45 years have been an incredibly blessed experience in working with our outstanding staff and supportive and encouraging board of directors and supervisory committee,” said Walling in a statement. “The credit union’s continued success is a collective effort of many people over many years. I give thanks to God for placing me in this position and for the elected officials, management team, and staff as they continue to serve the members of Christian Community Credit Union."