CHEYENNE, Wyo.–The CEOs of two credit unions have announced retirement plans. In both cases, successors have been named.
In Wyoming, Kim Withers, president and CEO of Meridian Trust FCU, said she will retire effective Jan. 12, 2024.
Withers has been with Meridian Trust for 32 years and over that time has overseen asset growth to $667-million from $95 million, along with growth to 12 branches to serve more than 41,000 members across three states.
During her tenure, Meridian Trust was named "Credit Union of the Year" by the Mountain West Credit Union Association and "Best Credit Union in the state of Wyoming" by Forbes magazine.
Other Accomplishments
In addition, during her career Withers was also:
- Named the first place winner of the Wyoming Business Report’s “Wyoming Women of Influence Award” in 2013
- “Executive/CEO of the Year” in 2007 by CUES
- Inducted in 2008 as the first person from Wyoming to be inducted into the “CUES Hall of Fame.”
Successor Named
Meridian Trust FCU has named Bryan Thomas to succeed Withers. Thomas has served as EVP at MTFCU since 2018, overseeing various strategic initiatives, including mergers, branch expansion, and robust digital solutions for its members, according to the credit union.
Thomas is a 23-year veteran of the credit union industry, with 16 years in executive leadership. He received his Bachelor of Science and MBA from Colorado State University, and is a graduate of CUNA Finance School and the CUES CEO Institute.
Praise From Chairman
“Kim has always been an incredible visionary, whether it’s building new branches to serve members in more areas, or expanding the digital offerings to allow members to conduct their financial transactions from anywhere,” said Chairman Dean Fausset. “She has a history of always doing the right thing, whether it’s for credit union members, the community, or the 100 plus employees. She does it all with intelligence, foresight, and a contagious and optimistic can-do spirit. She’s created an environment of engagement, where good ideas grow and thrive. While we will miss her greatly, we also have the utmost confidence in Bryan Thomas to take Meridian Trust to the next level. We’re excited about our future.”
Schwartz to Retire
Meanwhile, in San Diego, after nearly 17 years of leadership with Mission Federal Credit Union, President & Chief Executive Officer Debra Schwartz has announced plans to retire March 1, 2024.
Schwartz joined Mission Fed in 2007 as executive vice president. After serving as interim CEO in 2008, she was officially named president and CEO that year and has since grown Mission Fed from $1.8 billion to $6 billion in assets. The credit union’s membership has expanded from 127,000 to more than 300,000 members in the same timeframe, Mission Fed reported.
‘Doing the Job You Love’
“My decision to retire did not come lightly, but I believe true leadership is about knowing when it's time to pass the torch,” said Schwartz. “Success is doing a job you love with people you enjoy, and by any measure, I’ve achieved that. It’s been an honor and privilege to work with our team and the San Diego community – and our shared values at Mission Fed will continue to drive success for our members and the community at large.”
Schwartz added that Mission Fed, “is strong, resilient, safe and supportive of our members – and we will keep the momentum going.”
Significant Contributions
According to Mission Federal, under Schwartz’s leadership, the credit union has contributed over $1 million annually to the community for several years.
“While the list of community support is long, Mission Fed’s support during the pandemic was a highlight for Schwartz,” Mission Fed said.
“Mission Fed focused on supporting employees, as well as San Diegans who were most in need during that time,” it said. “With the generosity of its members and the San Diego community, and in less than 60 days, Mission Fed raised and donated a total of $680,342 for local nonprofit organizations caring for the most vulnerable community members in 2020. Schwartz coined this endeavor as the proudest moment of her career.”
Additional Accomplishments
In addition, Mission Fed said that under Schwartz’s leadership the credit union:
- Has been named a Top Workplace in both San Diego and nationwide for several years running
- Was included in Forbes Best-in-State Credit Unions list
- Was listed as a top U.S. credit union by Consumer Reports
- Became the first San Diego-based credit union to receive the “Juntos Avanzamos” designation, honoring its commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic/Latinx consumers.
Community Work
Mission Federal said during her career Schwartz has served in a number of voluntary capacities, including:
- Board chair for Junior Achievement of San Diego County.
- Board member at NAFCU, including as chair
- Vice chair for the San Diego American Heart Association (AHA)
- Fostered partnerships with organizations like Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, Girl Scouts San Diego, San Diego Padres, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Humane Society and the San Diego Symphony for Mission Fed.
Successor Named
Mission FCU has named CFO Doug Wright as Schwartz’s successor. Wright has served as CFO since 2016 and brings more than 25 years of experience in commercial and community banking.
“We applaud Debra on her retirement and have immense gratitude for her dedication and service to Mission Fed and to our community,” said Chairman Don Shelton. “The legacy she is leaving and the culture she has built is unmatched in the industry. We have full confidence that Doug is the right person to lead Mission Fed into this next chapter and we know members, employees and the community will continue to be supported by Mission Fed for generations to come.”
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