MARLBOROUGH, Mass.–St. Mary’s Credit Union has named a new president and CEO.
The $1-billion St. Mary’s said it has selected Grace Lee to lead the organization.
Lee joins St. Mary’s Credit Union after serving as Eastern Massachusetts Regional President and Group Lead of New England Government Banking at M&T Bank, where she was responsible for the overall strategic development and growth of the MA market.
In addition, Lee championed the M&T Charitable Foundation’s efforts, which contributed $3.3 million to Massachusetts nonprofits and oversaw 12,600 hours of employee volunteer work in 2023, St. Mary’s reported.
Private & Public Sector Roles
Lee has also held leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, including positions with People’s United, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC, and the State of Massachusetts Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General.
Lee also served as a civil rights attorney for the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, and as chief of the civil rights division for the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.
“Grace brings a rare blend of executive leadership, government insight, community passion, and deep operational expertise,” SMCU Chair Jerry Richer said in a statement. “Her understanding of both systems and people will be an asset leading St. Mary’s Credit Union into its next chapter.”
The credit union said Lee is deeply involved in the community serving on boards and advisory committees, including the Roxbury Community College Foundation, the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, the New England Council, and the New England Legal Foundation. She also serves on the Boards of Directors for the Mass High Tech Council and the South Shore Hospital, and is an active leader in the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
‘Best-in-Class Institution’
“St. Mary’s is a best-in-class institution,” said Lee in a statement. “I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity to lead an organization with such an outstanding reputation, which has outperformed its peers by prioritizing its members.”
A graduate of California State University of Northridge, Calif., Lee also holds a Juris Doctor from New England Law in Boston.
Interim CEO Recognized
St. Mary’s said that as it welcomes its new leader, it also wanted to extend its deepest gratitude to Jim Petkewich, who has served as Interim president and CEO since July 2024 with “exceptional dedication during a time of transition.”
“We are very grateful to Jim for his steady leadership during this transition period,” said Richer. “He is and will continue to be a valued leader on our team.”
“Jim has been an anchor for St. Mary’s Credit Union and the community,” added Lee. “His stewardship has not only sustained the organization—it has strengthened it. I’m honored that Jim will continue to be part of our leadership team as our chief operating officer. Working in lockstep, our complementary strengths will make St. Mary’s a powerhouse for the communities we serve.”
