LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y.–United Nations FCU has announced the retirement of its CEO effective Jan. 1,2021, as well as a successor.
The $6.7-billion UNFCU said John Lewis, Esq., will lead the organization effective with the new year, succeeding William Predmore, who has led the credit union since 2013. Lewis currently serves as UNFCU senior vice president of corporate affairs and general counsel. Predmore joined UNFCU in 1989 and has overseen asset growth from $3.7 billion since taking the top position seven years ago. Membership increased from 100,000 to more than 155,000 globally.
UNFCU said that other key initiatives launched during Predmore’s tenure have included:
- Opening of new branch in Washington and a new representative office in Entebbe, Uganda
- Successful core conversion and the digital transformation of the member self-service platform, significantly expanding tools for wire transfers and card management
- Expansion of member loan eligibility to almost every country around the world
- Significant expansion of U.S. mortgage production capabilities
- Commitment to social responsibility with launch of UNFCU Foundation, as well as the UNFCU Global Sustainability, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programs
‘Outstanding Commitment’
“We thank Bill for his outstanding commitment and dedication to serve our members’ unique needs over three decades, particularly in navigating these uncertain times,” said Chairperson Kumiko Matsuura-Mueller. “UNFCU enters its next chapter in a new world, where we will have the strength of continuity through John’s expertise. In selecting him as the next president/CEO, the board wanted to build on UNFCU’s long history of success.”
Added Predmore, “I am proud to have been part of UNFCU’s tremendous growth. Through John’s leadership and the collaborative energy of our board, management, and staff, I fully expect that UNFCU will continue to thrive.”
Lewis joined UNFCU in 2001 as its first in-house legal counsel. In 2008, he was promoted to senior vice president of corporate affairs and general counsel. Since joining UNFCU, his role has expanded greatly to include managing government affairs, compliance, and the human resources team, according to UNFCU.
The credit union said Lewis established the Office of Strategic Planning, serves as UNFCU’s Ethics Officer, is an executive sponsor of UNFCU’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program, and chairs UNFCU’s Post Pandemic Planning Committee. He earned a J.D. degree from Brooklyn Law School and an MBA from Columbia Business School, Columbia University, New York.
‘Peace of Mind’
“Providing peace of mind to the global UN community is at the core of our strategy,” said Lewis. “It is an honor to lead such a purpose-driven organization and seek new opportunities to serve the people who serve the world. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Bill has established. I would also like to thank our board of directors for their trust and confidence in me. I believe that trust and confidence extend to every one of our employees at UNFCU.”