He also launched a host of new products and services within the league and its service corporation, as well as formed the league's charitable foundation; and initiated the TRGroup, a multi-league organization offering products, services and professional development opportunities to more than 700 credit unions, according to VCUL.

"I'm also incredibly proud of the many accomplishments of our league and our credit unions, and the work we've done together to advance Virginia's credit union system," Pillow said in a prepared statement. "That success is a testament to our extraordinary staff, to the tremendous support of our credit unions and to the passion of the many credit union volunteers who have given of their time and talents in service to the league and their fellow credit unions."

Pillow's career began in 1978 when he was hired by VCUL as a consultant for credit unions. For the next two decades, he served in various positions with the league's corporate credit union, and with the $536 million ValleyStar Credit Union in Martinsville, Va.

In 1997, he was promoted to EVP and succeeded Eugene H. Farley Jr. as VCUL president on Jan. 1, 2000.

Pillow also served on CUNA's board of directors, U.S. Central's Credit Committee, and on the boards of directors for the American Association of Credit Union Leagues and the Credit Union House.

"Anyone who has worked with Rick knows his passion for credit unions," Patsy Stuard, VCUL board chair and president/CEO of the $214 million Fort Lee Federal Credit Union in Prince George, Va., said. "His leadership and vision helped us position the league as the voice, champion and premier resource for Virginia's credit unions. Rick's guidance, his knowledge of the system and his enthusiasm will be missed, but he leaves a legacy of contribution and accomplishment that helped forge the league into the strong, stable, mission-focused organization it is today."