KENNEWICK, Wash.—Doug Wadsworth, president and CEO of Tri-CU Credit Union, said he plans to retire from the $74-million credit union in early 2027, with current Vice President of Lending Trevor Galey selected by the board to succeed him.
Wadsworth said he will spend the remainder of this year preparing Galey for the transition to help ensure continuity at the credit union. In announcing the succession plan, Wadsworth described Galey as bringing “passion, skill and energy” that will help the credit union “thrive and evolve.”
The Tri-CU board has also asked Wadsworth to remain involved with the institution in a volunteer capacity following his retirement, an offer he said he has accepted.
Wadsworth added that he plans to continue leading the Endangered Small Credit Union Defense (ESCUD), a nonprofit advocacy effort launched in late July that focuses on the survival and sustainability of small credit unions through regulatory relief efforts. Structured as a nonprofit social welfare organization rather than a traditional trade association, ESCUD seeks endorsements from small credit unions instead of dues-paying memberships in an effort to build collective advocacy leverage for smaller institutions.
Outside of the credit union movement, Wadsworth said he also plans to return to his family’s commercial fishing business in Alaska, taking over operations as a Bristol Bay tender captain from his 80-year-old father. Wadsworth said the move will allow him to work seasonally for roughly three months each year.