SEATTLE–Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union said President and CEO Richard Romero will retire effective Mar. 31, and will transition into an advisory role beginning on March 1 to help ensure a smooth handoff of responsibilities, the credit union said.
The $1.1-billion Seattle CU said CFO Michael Cruz will step into the interim CEO role while the board of directors conducts a search for the organization’s next chief executive.
“Serving this credit union and our members has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Romero said in a statement, adding he was drawn to Seattle Credit Union “because of its belief that access, opportunity, and community come first.”
‘Profound Conviction’
Added Board Chair Robin Harmon in a statement, “Under his leadership, Seattle Credit Union strengthened its financial foundation, modernized its systems, and expanded access to communities often overlooked by traditional financial institutions. He also instilled a profound conviction and wholehearted embrace of our mission and vision within Seattle Credit Union.”
The credit union said that under Romero’s tenure it advanced a number of inclusive banking initiatives, including achieving Community Development Financial Institution and low-income designations. The organization also expanded community partnerships aimed at increasing financial opportunity across the region, it said in a statement.
