OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington State Employees Credit Union has named Harry Zhu as its next president and CEO, succeeding longtime executive Gary Swindler, who is retiring after 37 years with the credit union.
Zhu will join the $5.1 billion-asset WSECU on Sept. 21.
Most recently, Zhu served as CEO of USAlliance Federal Credit Union in Rye, N.Y. He previously spent 13 years as a senior executive at Alliant Credit Union, where his positions included chief retail lending officer, chief financial officer and chief risk officer.
WSECU said Zhu helped lead transformation initiatives at Alliant as the digital credit union grew from $7 billion to $18 billion in assets and more than doubled its membership.
Building on Success
“We are excited for Harry to build on our past success and elevate WSECU to the next level of member service and organizational growth,” WSECU Board Chair Vikki Smith said in a statement. “With his depth of executive experience, people-focused leadership and success in helping institutions evolve in a fast-changing landscape, we know Harry is the right leader at the right time.”
Zhu will take over as WSECU approaches its 70th anniversary in 2027. The credit union said his priorities will include increasing value for members, strengthening financial performance and building engaged teams.
‘Uncompromising Focus’
“I am honored to be joining the team at WSECU,” Zhu said in a statement. “What drew me to this opportunity was the credit union’s uncompromising focus on members’ needs, its appetite for innovation, reputation as a community partner and the exceptional employees who bring their best to serving members every day.”
Zhu holds master’s degrees in business administration and engineering from the University of Michigan and also has Fortune 500 leadership and strategic consulting experience. He will live and work in the Olympia area, where WSECU is headquartered.
Long Career Recognized
Swindler began his WSECU career as a loan officer and eventually rose to the credit union’s top executive position. Smith credited him with overseeing improvements to digital services, expansion of the branch network and workplace changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We can’t thank Gary enough for his contributions over 37 years — starting as a loan officer and rising to the executive office,” Smith said.
Zhu and Swindler will work together during the leadership transition, WSECU said.
Founded in 1957 by a group of Washington state employees, WSECU now serves more than 315,000 members through 25 branches. Membership is open to Washington residents.
