Firstmark Credit Union Announces Retirement of President/CEO, Leon Ewing
San Antonio, Texas (PRWEB) April 14, 2015 -- Firstmark Credit Union announced today that President/CEO Leon Ewing will retire December 31, 2015, concluding a distinguished career in the credit union industry spanning more than four decades.
After graduating from Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, Ewing began his career in 1972 as an examiner, and later senior examiner, with the Texas Credit Union Department. Beginning in 1975, he held key leadership positions with several Houston-area credit unions before joining Firstmark Credit Union in 1981 as vice-president of operations. He became president in 1984.
“Leon has been instrumental in guiding this credit union over the past thirty years. His leadership strategies have allowed us to keep pace with the changing needs of our membership while preserving our core values of excellent service,” said Donald Pinson, Chairman of the Board.
Under Ewing’s leadership, the credit union’s assets have grown from $54 million to $951 million, while membership increased from 25,000 to more than 96,000. The organization increased from one location with 34 employees to 15 branches with more than 300 employees today.
Ewing’s influence has reached well beyond the operational oversight and strategic vision of Firstmark Credit Union. Active in key roles in numerous civic and community endeavors, he has built a reputation as a staunch advocate for the San Antonio-area community and credit union industry.
During his career, he has served as director on multiple financial industry boards, some of which include the Credit Union Legislative Coalition of Texas, the Texas Business Lending Group, Cornerstone Credit Union League, and Southwest Corporate Federal Credit Union. He served as a council/committee member, as well as chair for numerous subcommittees, on the Credit Union National Association, the Texas Credit Union Department, and the Credit Union Executive Society, where he also served as Nominating Committee Chairman. One particularly notable accomplishment was his appointment by the governor in 1992 to serve as a member of the Texas Credit Union Commission.
Additionally, Ewing has dedicated much of his time to supporting local community efforts, including board and specialized committee seats for the San Antonio Greater Chamber of Commerce, Foundation board member and audit committee chair for the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, and program chair, advisory committee and steering committee member for Credit Union for Kids, a non-profit organization established by San Antonio-area credit unions that supports children's hospitals and medical research through their partnership with the Children's Miracle Network.
“His dedication to the betterment of our community and industry is surpassed only by his dedication to our members. Leon has consistently demonstrated a selfless integrity in leadership, an infallible conservancy of our culture, and a firm commitment to the best interest and long-term soundness of the credit union, our members, and our employees,” stated Pinson. “His passion and commitment will be his lasting legacy.”
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve our members and community for so many years. Knowing that the credit union is financially sound and well positioned for its next stage of growth, I am confident about the credit union’s promising future,” stated Ewing. “I will be able to truly enjoy my retirement.”
To find a successor for Mr. Ewing, the board has engaged the firm of O’Rourke & Associates, who will be conducting a nation-wide executive search.
About Firstmark Credit Union
Firstmark Credit Union provides financial services to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Bexar County, as well as education-related employees in Bexar County and the 12 surrounding counties; and their relatives. Established in 1932, the Credit Union serves over 96,000 members and manages more than $900 million in assets. For more information, go to firstmarkcu.org.
Fred Hagerman, Firstmark Credit Union, http://www.firstmarkcu.org, +1 (210) 308-7852, [email protected]
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