Leslie Ellis will retire at the end of the year after 30 years as president/CEO of the $857 million Credit Union 1 in Anchorage, Alaska.

She will be succeeded by Tom Newins, currently chief operating officer at the 74,100-member Credit Union 1.

“Under Leslie’s leadership, Credit Union 1 has merged several credit unions to form what is now one of the strongest credit unions in the country. Through economic ups and downs, she’s managed to grow the credit union at a steady pace in all areas,” said Roger Aldrich, the credit union’s board chairman.

Ellis, who joined the credit union in 1981 and became CEO in 1983, will continue on as consultant to the board, Credit Union 1 said in its announcement this week.

Newins has more than 21 years of experience at Credit Union 1 and graduated this summer from the Western CUNA Management School, the credit union said.

 “Tom’s leadership skills, in-house experience, and commitment to Credit Union 1’s culture, members and employees make him a great fit for moving Credit Union 1 forward,” Aldrich said.