Yet another longtime industry leader has decided to retire.

After some 24 years at the helm of United Nations Federal Credit Union, President/CEO Michael J. Connery Jr. will retire effective Jan. 1, 2013.

Under his leadership, the New York-based credit union has increased its membership from 18,000 to more than 95,000 and total assets have grown from $235 million to $3.5 billion.

“It has been an honor and privilege to have been president/CEO of UNFCU, and to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people,” Connery said.

“Through their innovation and dedication, I am confident that they will continue to advance the vision of our board remaining faithful to the responsible financial practices set forth by our founders, the staff of the United Nations. After more than two decades in the role, I believe now is the right time to retire,” he said.

The board said it has implemented its succession plan to search for a new executive.