MARLBOROUGH, Mass.—The $1-billion St. Mary's Credit Union has named longtime executive Jim Petkewich president and CEO as part of a broader leadership transition that comes as the credit union continues work on its planned merger with MetroWest Community Federal Credit Union.
Petkewich, who most recently served as EVP and chief operating officer, succeeds Grace Lee, who will depart July 1 but remain involved through completion of the merger process, the CU said.
Petkewich brings more than 20 years of experience with the Massachusetts-based institution and previously served as interim CEO during an earlier leadership transition. In announcing the move, newly elected board chairman Brian Bouvier said Petkewich’s “deep institutional knowledge” and operational leadership made him the right choice as the organization moves into its next phase of growth. Petkewich said he plans to continue focusing on member service and the credit union’s community mission.
The leadership changes come less than a year after St. Mary’s recruited Lee, formerly an executive with M&T Bank, to become president and CEO following Petkewich’s stint as interim leader. At the same time, the credit union announced a governance transition with Bouvier elected chairman following the retirement of longtime board chair Gerard P. Richer after 31 years in the role. Richer will remain on the board.