N.H. Credit Union CEO Announces Retirement

Members First Credit Union President/CEO Bruce Leighton announced Tuesday that he will retire from the credit union in September.

Leighton has been with the Manchester, N.H.-based Members First ($257 million in assets, 12,478 members) since 2012 when he came to the credit union as its CFO and became president/CEO in 2013.

In a statement, Leighton said, “It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as president and CEO of Members First Credit Union for the past 10 years. The focus of the team has been serving the membership and the community.”

He added, “I believe the stronger and safer the community, the better for our members who live, work and play here. We recognize that the problems of a community cannot be solved by any one entity or organization, but each of us can do our part. I am very proud that Members First Credit Union was the only credit union in the country to donate 100% of the dividend we received from the NCUA Share Insurance Fund to causes that deeply impact Greater Manchester: Homelessness, drug misuse and youth at risk.”

According to the credit union’s statement, Leighton oversaw smaller membership expansions within New Hampshire during his tenure. In 2019 though, he led successful efforts for the credit union’s largest expansion by changing Members First’s charter to include anyone who lives, works or attends school in the entire state.

“The Members First board is grateful for Bruce’s years of service to the credit union. His integrity, leadership and dedication have been instrumental in our growth,” Members First Board Chair Paul Beaudoin said. “Working with Bruce has been a pleasure, and we wish him an enjoyable retirement. He will be missed.”

According to Tuesday’s statement, Members First will release more details concerning the leadership transition and the credit union’s search for its next leader in the coming weeks. Leighton will stay on through Sept. 23, 2022.