LYNCHBURG, Va.–Virginia CU League President Richard “Rick” Pillow has announced plans to retire on June 30, 2021, after more than 40 years in credit unions.
Pillow’s career in credit unions began in 1978, when he was hired by the league to serve as a consultant to credit unions, the league said. For the next two decades, Pillow served in various positions with the league, its corporate credit union, and with Martinsville DuPont Employees Credit Union (now ValleyStar Credit Union), the league reported.
In 1997, Pillow was promoted to executive vice president of the league and succeeded Eugene H. Farley Jr. as league president on Jan. 1, 2000.
“Anyone who has worked with Rick knows his passion for credit unions,” said Patsy Stuard, CEO of Fort Lee FCU and chairman of the Virginia Credit Union League board, in a statement. “His leadership and vision helped us position the league as the voice, champion and premier resource for Virginia’s credit unions. Rick’s guidance, his knowledge of the system, and his enthusiasm will be missed, but he leaves a legacy of contribution and accomplishment that helped forge the league into the strong, stable, mission-focused organization it is today.”
‘Long, Distinguished Career’
In a statement, the league said, “His long, distinguished career as league president saw the establishment of the Credit Union House of Virginia in downtown Richmond as a lobbying and operations hub; the evolution of the league’s advocacy infrastructure to better facilitate credit unions’ grassroots efforts, political fundraising and regulatory advocacy; the launch of a host of new products and services within the league and its service corporation; formation of the league’s charitable foundation, and recently, the creation of TRGroup, a multi-league organization offering products, services and professional development opportunities to more than 700 credit unions.”
The league said it is now proceeding with seeking a successor.
“I’ve been honored to serve Virginia’s credit union system in one capacity or another for 42 years come next June,” said Pillow. “What a privilege it’s been to have known and to have worked with so many wonderful people over those four decades, and I’m grateful and humbled by the difference they made in my life on both a personal and professional level.
“I’m also incredibly proud of the many accomplishments of our league and our credit unions, and the work we’ve done together to advance Virginia’s credit union system,” Pillow continued. “That success is a testament to our extraordinary staff, to the tremendous support of our credit unions and to the passion of the many credit union volunteers who have given of their time and talents in service to the league and their fellow credit unions.”
Other Career Accomplishments
During his career Pillow has also served on the CUNA board, U.S. Central Credit Union’s Credit Committee, the American Association of Credit Union League’s board (including chairman), and the inaugural board of Credit Union House.
“I appreciate the confidence the league board has shown in my leadership these past two decades,” said Pillow. “From hard-fought battles in Richmond and Washington, to major fundraising campaigns for the Credit Union House of Virginia, it’s been a remarkable experience. As we move forward together over the next 10 months to ensure a smooth leadership transition, credit unions can rest assured their elected league board and our dedicated staff remain committed to our mission to protect, promote and unify Virginia’s credit union system.”