Caltech Employees FCU’s Longest-Serving CEO Set to Retire in April
Over 38 years, Rich Harris grew CEFCU’s assets from $92 million to $1.9 billion.
As the longest-serving president/CEO in Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union’s 74-year history, Rich Harris’ last day on the job will be April 1, the board of directors said Tuesday.
During his 38-year CEO tenure, the La Canada, Calif.-based credit union grew assets from $92 million in 1986 to its current assets of $1.9 billion.
Harris will be succeeded by John Meeker on April 2, which CEFCU announced in January.
“Rich’s vision and foresight guided CEFCU through historic challenges and great opportunities over the years. His invaluable contributions have had a transformative impact on CEFCU’s growth, enabling us to reach new heights while staying true to our core values,” CEFCU Board Chair Steve Proia said in a prepared statement. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his leadership, vision and tireless efforts, which have guided our organization toward the success it enjoys today.”
Harris implemented operational and financial improvements for the organization’s sustainability and stability, which included opening new office locations and diversifying the credit union offerings in products and services. Additionally, his pioneering initiative “Massive Action” set the standard for exceeding member service excellence, CEFCU said.
Within the industry, he devoted his time and expertise to the former NAFCU, being elected to serve as a board member three times by NAFCU member credit unions from the Western United States from 2010 to 2019. He served as NAFCU’s board chair in 2017 and 2018, steering the organization through a progressive and positive period in both the organization and the industry, according to CEFCU.
Locally, Harris served in volunteer leadership positions with the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital and the Crescenta Valley (Los Angeles County) Sheriff’s Support Group, earning him the recognition of the Kiwanis Club’s prestigious “La Cañadan of the Year” award. He also supported several Caltech initiatives, including the Caltech Y, The Caltech Associates, Caltech Public Events and TEDxCaltech: The Brain.
CEFCU’s 75 employees run four locations and serve nearly 35,000 members.