SEATTLE–Russell Rosendal, president and CEO of Salal Credit Union, has announced plans to retire at the end of 2025, bringing to an end a 17-year career with the credit union, including 13 years as the CU’s chief executive.
“Under Rosendal’s visionary leadership, Salal Credit Union has grown its assets by nearly $1 billion and now proudly serves more than 60,000 members,” Salal CU said. “His tenure has been marked by transformative achievements that have positioned Salal at the forefront of financial services innovation.”
Key Milestones
According to the credit union, key milestones under Rosendal’s leadership include:
- Pioneering banking services for the legal cannabis industry
- Expanding home improvement and solar lending programs nationwide
- Overseeing the purchase and renovation of Salal’s new headquarters
- Developing an organization-wide EDI strategic plan; and launching the 5% Promise community impact program, which has returned more than $1.5 million to the communities Salal serves.
‘Tireless Advocate’
“Russ has been an extraordinary leader and a tireless advocate for our members, our employees, and the communities we serve,” Board Chair Brian Luong said in a statement. “His strategic vision and deep commitment to innovation have helped shape Salal into the organization it is today. While we will miss his leadership, we are excited to build on the strong foundation he has created.”
A search has been launched by the executive search firm Smith and Wilkinson. Both internal and external candidates will be considered, with a successor expected to be named by fall 2025, the credit union said.
