Arizona’s TruWest Credit Union Names Chris Kearney President

Chris Kearney has been named president of the $1.5 billion TruWest Credit Union in Tempe, Ariz.

This promotion was part of the credit union’s leadership succession plan as the organization prepares for the September 2024 retirement of its current President/CEO Alan Althouse.

“After 20 years of service to TruWest, including eight as president and CEO, it is time to pass the baton to the next generation,” Althouse said in a prepared statement. “Chris and I will work closely together over the coming year to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Upon my retirement, I have confidence in Chris’ ability to lead TruWest to even greater growth, achieved with our culture of caring for our employees, members and community.”

Kearney began his professional career at Accenture in 1998, providing consulting services to clients.

He joined the credit union movement in 2003 when he was hired as assistant vice president of IT at the $8.5 billion Desert Financial Credit Union in Phoenix.

In 2012, he joined TruWest as its SVP and chief information officer. Kearney’s responsibilities expanded to include support services and strategy before he was promoted to EVP in 2021.

“Chris has proven himself to be an exceptional leader,” Althouse said. “His teams have a high level of engagement and deliver superior service to members and employees. Chris also has the technology expertise to lead financial innovation in this digital age.”

Kearney led many of TruWest’s most important strategic initiatives, including streamlining internal processes to save members time and lower operating costs, establishing fintech partnerships and introducing artificial intelligence, the credit union said.

TruWest’s 276 employees operate 11 locations, eight in metro Phoenix and three in Austin, Texas, which serve more than 90,000 members.

Deposits.com ranks TruWest as the sixth largest credit union by assets in Arizona.