SODUS, N.Y. — Reliant Credit Union President and CEO Pamela P. Heald will retire in January 2027 after more than 34 years with the New York credit union, which has tripled in size during her nearly two decades as its top executive.
Reliant said its board has hired an executive search firm to conduct a national search for Heald’s successor, with a selection expected later this year.
Heald, who became president and CEO in January 2007, will remain in the position through the transition, according to the credit union.
During Heald’s tenure as CEO, Reliant has grown to approximately $800 million in assets and 10 branches, the credit union said. Reliant currently serves more than 48,000 members.
Nearly 20 Years as CEO
Heald held several positions at Reliant before being named CEO, including vice president of lending and branch services, vice president of branch development, manager of branch development, branch manager and asset recovery supervisor.
Reliant credited Heald with helping guide several significant changes during her tenure, including the institution’s name change from WCTA Federal Credit Union to Reliant Credit Union.
She also oversaw technology and system upgrades and an expansion of digital services, including the introduction of mobile banking.
Reliant said Heald also played a significant role in shaping a culture focused on employees and members.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire organization, we extend our sincere appreciation for Pamela’s invaluable contributions to Reliant Credit Union as well as the communities we serve, and we wish her a happy and healthy retirement,” board Chair Jane Slack said in the announcement.
Active in Community
The credit union noted Heald has also been involved with numerous community organizations.
She served as the American Heart Association’s 2025 Go Red for Women Rochester chair and currently serves on the Wayne County Industrial Development Agency board and Wayne County Civic Facilities Development Corp.
She also serves with the ARC of Wayne Foundation and ARC of Wayne and is a member of the Sodus Pride Lions Club, according to Reliant.
Heald recently received the New York Credit Union Association’s Outstanding Professional Award at the organization’s EXCEL26 Conference.
Reliant said its search for a new president and CEO is already underway.
The member-owned credit union was founded in 1970 and serves people who live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer in Monroe, Ontario and Wayne counties. It operates branches in Brockport, Canandaigua, Farmington, Geneva, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Macedon, Newark, Sodus and Webster.
