WESTERLY, R.I.–Stephen J. White, president and CEO of Westerly Community Credit Union, has announced plans to retire by January 2026. The credit union’s board said a successor has been chosen, although it declined to provide a name.
“After 25 incredible years with Westerly Community Credit Union, I am filled with gratitude and pride as I step into retirement,” White said in a statement. “It has been an honor to work with a dedicated board of directors and serve alongside such dedicated colleagues and to witness the positive impact we’ve made in the lives of our members. Together, we have built an organization rooted in trust, integrity, and unwavering support for our members, our team, and the communities we serve.
“As I embark on this new chapter I carry with me the cherished memories and the profound lessons learned. Thank you for the journey, and here’s to the continued success and growth of our beloved credit union,” White added.
In announcing the retirement, the $500-million Westerly Community noted White has more than 45 years of experience in the credit unions, spending the last 25 years as president and CEO. Prior to joining WCCU, he was the chief operating officer at The People’s Credit Union in Middletown R.I.
Industry Accomplishments
White holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island, and is a graduate of CUNA Management School, the Credit Union Executives Society’s (CUES) Executive Operations Institute, and has completed the CUES’ CEO Institute earning him the designation of Certified Chief Executive.
White is also a former chairman of the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island (now a part of the Cooperative Credit Union Association) and currently is on the board of the CCUA.
In 2020, White was the recipient of the Cooperative Credit Union Association’s CEO of the Year Award.
Asset, Branch Growth
During White’s tenure as president & CEO, assets grew from $84 million to $500 million, from two branch offices in Westerly to five throughout southern Rhode Island, and WCCU added a contact center and an operations center in Wakefield.
“Under Steve’s leadership, Westerly Community Credit Union has truly lived up to its mantra #WCCUCares- about you, your financial needs, and our community,” the credit union said in a statement on its website. “Steve led us to create several innovative products to help our members financially succeed, such as #Goals Savings Acct, Flex Equity, eChecking, Cash Back Checking, and more. Free Credit Report Reviews with WCCU staff were started to help find ways members could consolidate debt and save money.
Champion of Financial Literacy
“He championed providing financial literacy for all our members by sponsoring financial literacy programs in local schools, high schools, and URI, as well as providing online financial literacy free to all via our website, westerlyccu.com,” the statement continued. “Steve also championed WCCU branch staff to become Certified Financial Counselors to help those members with complicated financial issues.”
