Gordon M. Howe was named CEO of the $2.2 billion Western FCU in Hawthorne, Calif. The former Western EVP and COO replaced long-time CEO John Bommarito, who agreed to step down and will remain with the credit union in advisory capacity until his official retirement, according to a release.
Howe's appointment was the result of a long-term succession plan to develop him as Bommarito's successor, the credit union said.
"With advancements in technology and rising member expectations, we recognize the importance of having strong continuity of leadership to support an exceptional member experience across all channels," said Chairman Lloyd Mistele. "We are confident in Gordon's vision and strategy for sustainable growth, as well as his ability to develop and inspire an exceptional team. His passion for innovation, proven leadership skills, and commitment to providing superior member service make him the perfect candidate to take Western to the next level."
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Howe joined Western after serving as CEO of the $62 million Santa Ana FCU leading the IT division at the $11 billion SchoolsFirst FCU. Recruited to Western in 2005 by Bommarito, Howe was appointed president of the 185,000-member cooperative in 2013.
"I look forward to this amazing opportunity and expanding upon the foundation which John Bommarito has built," Howe said. "Whether we are utilizing our resources to create more value-added products and services or building our organizational capabilities to better serve members nationwide, every decision made will be in the hopes of exceeding our members' service expectations, saving them money and improving their lives."
Bommarito began his credit union career with the legacy TRW Systems Credit Union in 1980 as accounting supervisor. Rising through the ranks, in 1994 he was appointed President/CEO. In 2003, he spearheaded the largest merger of equals in credit union history when TRWSFCU and Western joined forces, amassing more than $1 billion in assets.
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