Sept. 24, 2019, (Olympia, WA) – WSECU today announced that Gary Swindler has been selected by the Board of Directors as the next president and CEO of the credit union effective October 1. Swindler will succeed Kevin Foster-Keddie, who has led the credit union for 20 years and who will officially retire in early 2020 following a transition period.

The CEO role is the last available promotion for Swindler, who has had an impressive 30-year career with WSECU. Starting two years out of college as a loan officer in 1989, his professional path exposed him to nearly every member-facing area of the credit union. Over the years, Swindler was tapped for positions of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as a Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

“Gary is the right person to lead the credit union in our next chapter,” said Doug Mah, Board Chair. “His experience of coming up through the organization gives him a perspective and background that’s unmatchable. The Board was impressed by his dedication to member service, his empathy and compassion for our employees, and his leadership around innovation and change, which is critical in today’s landscape.”

Swindler said he is ready to lead the 700-employee team at WSECU.

“I’m humbled and honored by the Board’s confidence in me,” said Swindler. “They set the vision for our commitment to supporting members. I get to work with our amazing staff to bring that vision to life and keep evolving to deliver what members need from us.”

The Board of Directors has been planning for the leadership transition for the last two years, after Foster-Keddie announced his intention to retire. During Foster-Keddie’s tenure, WSECU grew from $668 million in assets to now more than $3 billion. In 1999, the credit union had 105,000 members, a number that is now at 270,000. Foster-Keddie helped to guide the credit union through major initiatives over the last two decades including opening up membership eligibility to include anyone who lives in Washington State; the construction of two large office buildings in Olympia and Seattle; and a major expansion of investments in branches, staff training, technology and digital services to better meet the needs of today’s members.

“The Board appreciates Kevin’s incredible contributions to WSECU these past 20 years,” Mah added. “His leadership has set us up well for continued success. At the same time, we are ready for Gary to lead the credit union into the future.”

Swindler is a graduate of Washington State University. He and his wife, Carrie, have two adult children and make their home in Tumwater.

Founded by a small group of state employees in 1957 seeking fairer financial services, WSECU has grown to 270,000 members, 21 branches, 700 employees and more than $3 billion in assets. The credit union combines outstanding member service with innovation to support members’ financial well-being. Membership is open to all residents of the state of Washington.

About WSECU
WSECU is an Olympia-based, not-for-profit credit union open to all Washington residents with a special emphasis on serving those who embrace the values of giving, sharing and supporting their communities. WSECU has 260,000 members, 21 branches, and $3 billion in assets. It commits 4 percent of its annual net income to invest back into the communities it serves through partnerships with education and other nonprofit institutions.