On Tuesday, the board of directors with the Raleigh, N.C.-based State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) announced Leigh Brady has been named the credit union’s first female CEO.
The announcement came as Jim Hayes handed in his resignation from the top leadership position after serving less than two years to take the CEO spot at the $2.6 billion State Department Federal Credit Union in Alexandria, Va.
According to SECU, Brady will begin her CEO position on July 1.
Brady has held numerous leadership positions at the $50.7 billion SECU during her 35-year career at the credit union. Most recently, Brady served as COO since 2021.
“No one understands SECU better than Leigh Brady,” Chris Ayers, chair of the board of directors, said. “She has been an integral part of the credit union for more than three decades and uniquely understands our mission and our members. She is well equipped to continue the improvements and advances that are underway at SECU. I am excited about the future of SECU under Leigh’s leadership.”
In a prepared statement, Brady said, “I’ve spent my career focused on enhancing SECU for its members and their families. I’m excited to step into this new role and will work to further strengthen our credit union. That work will be centered on what SECU has always done well — remembering our mission and serving our members.”
According to SECU, Hayes notified SECU’s board of directors of his resignation over the weekend.
Hayes was named president/CEO of SECU in August 2021 after Mike Lord announced his retirement in February 2021.
Concerning the departure of Hayes, Ayers added, “We are grateful for Jim’s strong leadership and the vision he cast for SECU. Jim brought ideas from outside our institution that will continue to help SECU meet our members where they are and improve their experience. His contributions helped strengthen our staff, modernize technology, enhance member products and services, and position SECU for the future.”
In a prepared statement, Hayes said, “I would like to thank the SECU board of directors for their leadership, direction and support during my time here. SECU is well positioned for continued success, and I have complete confidence in Leigh Brady’s leadership of the credit union going forward. She is an outstanding choice.”