TEMPLE, Texas–Gary L. Janacek, CEO of Scott and White Employees CU here and who at one point in his career served as CUNA’s chairman, has announced his retirement effective April 1, 2017. Named to succeed Janacek as CEO of the $42-million CU has been Celeste Boyd Kaylor.
Janacek's financial services career has spanned more than 46 years, 39 of which was as CEO of SWECU.
“I congratulate Gary on his upcoming retirement,” said Board Chair C. Jean Thorp in a statement published by the Cornerstone CU League. “He’s had a distinguished career and is an outstanding leader who has led our organization and the credit union movement to new and greater heights. Thirty-nine years ago we made the right decision in hiring him, at the age of 26, to lead us into the future. It’s been a marvelous pleasure working with him.”
In 2015, Credit Union House and the Cornerstone Credit Union League inducted Janacek into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders.
"Gary Janacek has proven to be an exceptional leader in the credit union movement," said Cornerstone President/CEO Dick Ensweiler in a statement published by the league. "Whether it be at the chapter level, league level, national level, or the Credit Union Commission for the State of Texas, Gary has not only served well, but has risen through the ranks and been selected to chair those organizations."
The CCUL noted that Texas Gov. Rick Perry appointed Janacek to serve on the Texas Credit Union Commission in September 2003. He was appointed chairman in January 2004 and received a second appointment as chairman in May 2009.
"We are so pleased that Celeste has accepted the CEO position," said Thorp in a statement. "Ms. Kaylor is a Temple native, having graduated from Temple High School and Temple College, and she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of North Texas. Over the past 14 years, Ms. Kaylor has held a number of management positions in the financial services industry, most recently with Bank of America. Celeste has a great work ethic, is dedicated to helping people, and is enthusiastic about the future. We have every confidence that she will lead SWECU honorably as we continue the legacy of providing personalized professional service to our members and community we serve.”