Chartway Federal Credit Union’s Chief Executive Officer Announces Retirement

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - March 18, 2015 - PRLog -- Chief executive officer of Chartway Federal Credit Union and its divisions of HeritageWest and SouthWest Community, Ron Burniske, has informed the board of directors that following 31 years of distinguished leadership, he plans to retire on August 1, 2015.

“Although the decision was indescribably difficult, I know in my heart that the time is right,” said Burniske. “Our organization is financially strong, operationally prepared, and strategically well positioned to continue serving members for generations to come. It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside a team of people so driven to make a difference – financially for our members and philanthropically for our neighbors in need. Although I will miss the daily camaraderie and the relationships I have built, I find great comfort in knowing that the strength of our business and the talents of our people will carry this credit union successfully into the future.”

Burniske first joined the organization in 1984, when he was hired as the credit union’s first chief financial officer. Following the retirement of Gene Siebels, Burniske was promoted to chief executive officer in May of 1987. During his respected tenure, he has:

·      Greatly expanded business partnerships and made several strategic acquisitions, enabling the organization to grow its brick and mortar footprint from one brand with nine branches in 1987 to three brands with more than 50 today

·      Transformed operations and the cost structure for long-term growth, increasing its assets from $139 million in 1987 to more than $2 billion today

·      Elevated its philanthropic contributions from $0 in 1987 to more than $7 million through the founding of the credit union’s nationally award winning charitable arm, We Promise Foundation, whose dedication centers around making dreams come true for children struggling with life threatening illnesses or severe hardship

·      Advanced its investment in student members through the Directors’ Memorial Scholarship Program, elevating contributions from $0 in 1987 to nearly $200,000

·      Achieved breakthrough innovations, including the introduction of online, mobile, and telephone banking, electronic bill payment, mobile deposit and more

“Ron has provided our credit union members with a wonderful journey over the past 30 plus years.  He is forward thinking, an inspirational leader, an innovative strategic planner who has decisively positioned Chartway as a high growth, higher value, superb sales and culturally focused credit union,” said Wayne Foshay, chairman of CFCU’s board. “Leading our credit union through challenging times and market fluctuations, Ron has transformed us from a credit union with less than $100 million in assets to a first class sales organization with more than two billion dollars in assets.  He has strengthened our corporate culture, acquired other credit unions, and has made the core changes needed to better serve our members.  Ron has superbly led and operated our efficient, multi-divisional enterprise to exceptional heights, which has earned him an esteemed reputation as a visionary leader who gets things done.  We wish him all the very best in the future!”

In addition to his contributions to the credit union, Burniske has also commendably contributed in a leadership capacity to several organizations (past and present), as follows:

·         Founder, Chartway FCU’s We Promise Foundation

·         Board Member, Make-A-Wish Foundation - Texas Gulf Coast Region and Louisiana Chapter

·         Director, Economics Club of Hampton Roads

·         Board Member, World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads

·         Director, NACHA Electronic Payments Assoc. Director, Navy League

·         Member, Steering Committee, Credit Union On-line Organizational Link

·         Director, EastPay - Chairman of Membership Committee and Former Chairman of Strategic Planning Committee

·         Director, Central Credit Union, Inc.

·         Director, CUES Professional Development Committee

·         Vice Chairman, Credit Union Service Corp of VA - Executive Committee

·         Vice Chairman, Virginia Credit Union League - Budget & Dues Committee and Auditing Committee

·         Director, Card Services for Credit Unions - Former Chairman and Vice Chairman

·         Member, NAFCU Nominating Committee

Mr. Burniske graduated from Massachusetts University in North Adams, Mass., with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and pursued MBA studies at Western New England College in Springfield, Mass. He has also received Executive Management Program certifications from Duke University and Stanford University.

The board of directors will now initiate a process to select Burniske’s successor, considering both internal and external candidates for the position.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Ron Burniske.JPG – Ron Burniske, Chief executive officer of Chartway Federal Credit Union and its divisions of HeritageWest and SouthWest Community, has informed the board of directors that following 31 years of distinguished leadership, he plans to retire on August 1, 2015.

ABOUT THE CHARTWAY FEDERAL FAMILY OF CREDIT UNIONS

Chartway FCU, a not-for-profit financial institution, has been serving members and families since 1959, building a service network that includes more than 50 branches and a full slate of online, mobile, and telephone banking services, including mobile deposit and mobile bill pay. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA, the $2 billion credit union serves nearly 200,000 members.  HeritageWest Credit Union and SouthWest Community Credit Union joined the Chartway family of credit unions in 2010. For more information, visit https://www.chartway.com/about-us,https://www.heritagewestcu.com/about-us, or https://www.southwestfederal.com/about-us.