Lake Michigan Credit Union CEO Sandy Jelinski Plans March Retirement

The Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) board of directors announced Tuesday that its President/CEO Sandy Jelinski plans to retire in March.

The board also said Julie Leonard (formerly Renderos) will be Jelinski’s successor. Leonard will begin her role as president/CEO on March 4.

During Jelinski’s 23-year tenure, LMCU increased assets from $289 million in March 2000 to its current assets of $12.9 billion, while loans grew from $222 million to $11.3 billion and membership expanded from 49,886 to nearly 600,000 members, according to NCUA Call Reports and LMCU. The credit union noted in its prepared statement that it manages more than $16 billion in portfolio and serviced mortgages.

“Her vision to transform the credit union into one of the leading financial institutions in the country, including expanding operations in Michigan and Florida, has positively shaped the last several decades,” LMCU’s Board Chair Gretchen Tellman said in a prepared statement. “We wish Sandy all the best in her well-deserved retirement and are so very grateful for the leadership she has provided to LMCU, as well as the unwavering commitment she has had to serving our members, staff and local communities.”

Based in Caledonia, LMCU is Michigan’s largest credit union by assets, according to DepositAccounts.com.

“LMCU has been my professional home, and so much more, so the decision to retire is certainly bittersweet,” Jelinski said. “Working alongside our Michigan and Florida teams, who are more than 1,650 strong, it has been a true privilege to help our members realize their financial dreams and goals. LMCU is blessed to have one of the absolute best management teams and board of directors, whose combined experience, talent and drive will benefit my successor as they work together to drive the credit union to new heights and execute our long-term growth strategies.”

Leonard currently serves as EVP/CFO for the $17 billion Suncoast Credit Union in Tampa, Fla. She holds more than 25 years of financial services experience with CPA, CCUE and CUDE credentials.

At Suncoast, Leonard was responsible for strategic planning, accounting, finance, technology, facilities, payment services, contact center, ITM tellers and collection functions.

“The board is excited and pleased to welcome Julie to the LMCU team. She has clearly demonstrated that she is a charismatic, capable and experienced leader, as well as a great team builder who is deeply engaged with the community,” Tellman said. “Julie brings a great depth of experience in financial services, and a keen understanding of the Florida market, as well as being a Michigan native. We are confident she will continue LMCU’s remarkable growth trajectory and solid commitment to always doing what is right for our members.”

With more than 1,650 employees. LMCU operates 69 branches, including 21 locations across Central and Southwest Florida, the credit union said.