LOWELL - After serving 41 years on the Board of Directors at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Richard P. Viau, Chairman of the Board, has announced his retirement.
A member of the CU since he was a child, Mr. Viau was elected onto the Board on January 14, 1975 and served 12 years before becoming chairman on February 10, 1987. In those four decades, he has attended more than 500 meetings, volunteered an estimated 2,000 hours and has dedicated himself to his fellow board members, Jeanne D’Arc employees and the thousands of Credit Union members.
“It has been amazing to see just how committed Mr. Viau has been to the credit union,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “He has never failed to understand the importance of the work we do and the positive influence it has on our community. His time here will always be appreciated.”.
Mr. Viau began his journey onto the Board while working for his father’s plumbing business. He knew what Jeanne D’Arc stood for and what it did to help the people of the community where he lived. As just a young man, he had no hesitation when the opportunity he was hoping for came along.
“I knew a close business partner who was a member of the Board of Directors and eventually his son was elected to the Board. I knew I wanted to be part of the organization too, so when my father’s business partner decided to retire from the Board, he asked if I’d like to get involved. I was thrilled.”
An excited Mr. Viau was elected to the Board of Directors, and unbeknownst to him, he would go on to dedicate most of his future to the organization he grew up with.
“When I went to the first meeting, to me it was the biggest thrill. Since then, Jeanne D’Arc has become a second home to me,” said Mr. Viau.
At the time of his election, the Credit Union had approximately $104 million in assets, 18,000 members and only one branch. Today, it has grown tremendously, with $1.2 billion in assets, over 75,000 members and nine, soon-to-be 10, branches.
He attributes the success of Jeanne D’Arc to the attitudes and efforts of its employees and supporters.
“We have always worked together as a team to help the Credit Union achieve its mission,” said Mr. Viau. “It makes me happy to know that the time I’ve spent on the Board at Jeanne D’Arc has allowed us to give so much to the communities around us,” he added.
“Mr. Viau holds a very special place in the heart of the Credit Union. We are so thankful for his dedication and passion over the past 40 years. He will always be a valuable part of Jeanne D’Arc’s past, present and future,” said Mr. Cochran.
George C. Eliades, Jr., Board Member since 1988, will succeed Mr. Viau as Chairman.
“It has been a privilege to have served my entire time [on the board] under the chairmanship of Richard Viau. He is a successful Lowell businessman who gave his time and effort to the growth and success of the Credit Union,” said Mr. Eliades.
Mr. Eliades has served on the Board for 28 years, six of those years as Vice Chairman. He has also practiced general law at his law firm, Law Offices of George C. Eliades Jr., for 46 years.
“My primary emphasis is on helping the Credit Union continue its important role in the community and bettering the lives of our members,” he said. “I hope to continue to educate people that credit unions, like Jeanne D’Arc, are owned by members, not shareholders.”
Born and raised in Lowell, Mr. Eliades has been involved with many organizations over the years, including as Chairman of Lowell National Historical Park and Lowell Regional Transportation Authority, Board Member of Lowell Housing Authority and Lowell Civic Stadium and Arena Commission, as well as former President of Greater Lowell Alzheimer’s Association.
His parents always encouraged participating actively within the community. His father, George C. Eliades, was Mayor of Lowell in 1951. Mr. Eliades’ time spent volunteering for various organizations, including on the Board of Directors of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, pays tribute to the values instilled by his parents.
“It is an honor and a privilege to have been chosen as Chairman,” said Mr. Eliades. “The Credit Union is very fortunate to have a strong, experienced and dedicated group of Directors,” he added.
“We are pleased to have George Eliades as our new Chairman. He, like Mr. Viau, has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort to Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union and has played a huge role in accomplishing our mission,” said Mr. Cochran.
Mr. Viau’s retirement was effective on February 29, 2016. Mr. Eliades was officially installed as Chairman of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s Board of Directors on March 23, 2016.