Island Federal Credit Union has named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bret W. Sears president/CEO.

Sears succeeds longtime President/CEO Robert J. Dethlefsen, who retired at the end of last November after 34 years of service to the Hauppage, N.Y.-based credit union.

Sears has been an integral part of the executive team at the $778 million credit union since 2004. He brings more than two decades of financial experience to his new post. Prior to joining Island, Sears was senior vice president and chief financial officer at Adirondack Bank in Utica, N.Y. He has also held high-level financial positions at Skaneateles Savings Bank in Skaneateles, N.Y., and OnBank & Trust Co. in Syracuse, N.Y. A certified public accountant, Sears began his career in the Syracuse office of KPMG and graduated from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

“My fellow directors and I are confident that Bret is the right person to build on the success and strong foundation that Bob Dethlefsen established,” said Shirley R. Watson, board chair. “The board and I look forward to Island’s bright future under Bret’s leadership.”