The $2 billion Sandia Laboratory FCU in Albuquerque, N.M., said Friday that Chris Jillson is retiring next March and will be succeeded by Robert Chavez, its longtime executive vice president/chief operating officer.

Jillson has been president/CEO since 1990 after joining the credit union in 1985. His industry service also includes committee and board work with CUNA, the Credit Union Association of New Mexico, the Thrift Advisory Council to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and the Filene Research Institute.

“During his tenure at SLFCU – longer than any other CEO – Chris has brought SLFCU to the highest levels of respect in the credit union industry,” said Board Chair Joseph Fink.

“Under his management, SLFCU has grown from $200 million to $2 billion in assets, with membership growing to 70,000. The credit union has remained safe and sound through turbulent economic times, largely thanks to his leadership,” Fink said in the SLFCU announcement.

Chavez has been EVP and COO at the New Mexico credit union since 2000.

 “Robert Chavez has proven himself to be a capable and intelligent leader, overseeing most areas of the credit union for the past 13 years. We're confident that he has the experience and vision to guide SLFCU into the future,” Fink said.