Gary Easterling, president/CEO of the $1.8 billion United Federal Credit Union  in St. Joseph, Mich., said Thursday he plans to retire in late 2015. He is shown at left.

In addition, UFCU Board Chair J.B. Hoyt announced he will retire on June 30.

In a career that spans 32 years, Easterling joined UFCU as president/CEO in 2007. He will remain at the credit union helm until his successor is announced.

“UFCU's board is extremely grateful to Gary for the leadership he has provided to the credit union,” Vice Chair Mike Hildebrand said. “Under his leadership, the credit union has made great strides in bringing new services to our members and in achieving the kind of growth that will ensure the company's stability and soundness for years to come.”

Before he joined UFCU, Easterling served as president/CEO of the $355 million Century Federal Credit Union in Cleveland.  He also worked in a variety of leadership positions at the $3 billion Wright-Patt Credit Union in Beavercreek, Ohio.

UFCU retained executive recruitment firm DDJ Myers in Phoenix to assist in the search process for Easterling's replacement.

Hoyt, shown a left, served for 28 years on the credit union's board of directors.

During his tenure as a board member and his nearly six years as chair, Hoyt helped lead the Michigan cooperative grow from $90 million in assets to $1.8 billion in assets today.  Additionally, UFCU expanded from four branches to nearly 30 branches today located in six states.