Months After John Pembroke’s Death, CUES Begins Search for Next CEO

Three months after the Credit Union Executives Society’s (CUES) President/CEO John Pembroke died, the organization announced Thursday it has formally launched a nationwide search for his successor.

In a statement, CUES officials said they have retained the services of executive search and leadership development firm DDJ Myers to conduct the exploration of the next person to lead the Madison, Wis.-based organization.

“Our dear friend and colleague John Pembroke created a solid foundation and trajectory for the organization by tripling CUES membership, launching new and innovative offerings and positioning the organization as a thought leader in talent development and DEIB,” Kelly Marshall, CUES board chair and CEO of Summerland Credit Union in Canada, said. “Our next CEO will have the opportunity to carry that strong legacy forward and further develop and expand how CUES can benefit the credit union industry as a whole.”

A celebrated leader in the credit union industry, Pembroke led CUES for more than seven years as CEO. Prior to that, he was the organization’s COO for just over two years after starting with CUES in 2013. Pembroke died on Nov. 21, 2022.

In a statement from CUES, the “next CEO will be the face of this industry-leading organization and should be a sought-after thought leader who actively seeks out and embraces opportunities to take center stage to drive credit unions forward.”

DDJ Myers Founder and CEO Deedee Myers said, “This is such an important role, not just for CUES but for the entire credit union industry it serves. In our role as facilitator, we’ll be working closely with the board to find the best fit possible, thoroughly evaluating both internal and external candidates.”