In Memoriam: Irene Oberbauer
Retired CEO Irene Oberbauer, who passed away, was known for her "rare and inspirational leadership style."
Irene Oberbauer, former president/CEO of San Diego County Credit Union, had a “rare and inspirational leadership style, one of inclusion, fairness and unwavering support, never looking for accolades,” the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues said in their tribute to the retired executive who died at her home on Nov. 21 surrounded by her family.
She was 64.
“She was quick to recognize achievements while inspiring her team to reach for the next big goal both professionally and personally,” the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues said in a prepared statement this week. “Her philosophies in life were very clear: Work hard and efficiently, care for people who work for you or with you, be fair in every decision you make, provide tokens and reminders that you care, and above all, get things done.”
During her life, Oberbauer certainly got things done.
Under her executive leadership, which began during the Great Recession in 2007, SDCCU continued to grow from $3.8 billion in assets and 185,000 members to $4.9 billion in assets and more than 212,000 members in 2010 when she retired.
She joined the credit union in 1995 to head up business development. She served in a number of capacities at the credit union for 12 years — including as COO — before succeeding Rod Calvao, who retired after serving as CEO for 15 years.
Oberbauer became the credit union’s first woman president/CEO.
“I had the pleasure of working with Irene at SDCCU for 15 years,” Lisa Paul-Hill, president/CEO of the $361 million Wheelhouse Credit Union in San Diego, said. “Irene was an incredible leader, passionate about the credit union movement and local philanthropy. A true visionary, many could argue the success of SDCCU was due largely in part to Irene’s strategic vision, tireless dedication, and tenacity. Irene left a lasting and immeasurable impact on the lives of those she mentored and will be greatly missed.”
After retiring from the credit union, Oberbauer continued to support non-profits including Susan G. Komen and Make-A-Wish in San Diego. For Komen, she raised $280,000, and for more than 15 years she served as board member and chair and a wish granting volunteer, and donor.
Oberbauer is survived by her husband of 38 years, Tom, and their adult sons, Paul (along with his wife Lauren and daughter Gwen) and Sean.
To carry on her philanthropic spirit, donations in her name may be made to Make-A-Wish San Diego or at Susan G. Komen San Diego.