After 23 years, Fred Johnson, president and CEO of the Credit Union Executives Society will retire effective Dec. 31, 2012.

In a letter to members, Johnson stated that his target age for retirement had always been when he reached 70 years old.

"After I retired from the Army following 37 years as an enlisted man, cadet and officer, I never imagined I would find a career at CUES that would be filled with as much satisfaction and emotional highs," Johnson said. "I am proud beyond words at what we have been able to accomplish since I came to CUES in 1989. As the credit union system has grown and prospered over the years, CUES has been growing and prospering right there with it. Our membership numbers have doubled and our revenues have tripled. And, in accomplishing this, we have remained true to our mission to educate and develop credit union CEOs, directors and future leaders."