Mike Newman, president and CEO of $188 million Monroe County Community Credit Union, Monroe, Mich., passed away suddenly earlier this week.
According to local media reports Newman, 59, died of an apparent heart attack Monday night while shoveling snow at his home.
The Michigan Credit Union League posted a news item on its website lamenting Newman’s death. It noted Newman served on MCUL's board for many years as an alternate director. He was vice chairman of the MCUL Government and Political Affairs Committee and the League’s political action committees, MCULAF/MCULLAF and A Stronger Financial Michigan. Newman also served as chairman of the Downriver Chapter.
“Mike always gave of himself and his time so unselfishly and with a commitment toward the service credo of credit unions,” the League said in a statement.
Dave Adams, CEO of the Michigan CU League, said, “I feel fortunate that I was able to share a dinner with Mike and his chairman, Barry Kinsey, just a few weeks ago in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the CUNA GAC. Like with all of our friends and colleagues who pass away too soon and too quickly, my recent interactions with Mike reminded me of the importance of expressing gratitude to those whom we respect and care about before it’s too late. Life can be too short and sometimes abrupt in how it ends, stealing from us the opportunities we would have liked to have had for goodbyes and expressions of sincere appreciation and respect. Such was the case with Mike Newman. May we honor him today and in the future with memories of all that he contributed to making so many lives breathe easier because of the manner in which he lived and served.”
Local media reports noted Newman joined the credit union in 1983. He was named president and chief executive officer on April 1, 2011, taking over for Paul Assenmacher. The same report said the board had a succession plan in place and soon would name an interim president.
The MCUL offered its “sincere condolences to Mike, his family, his credit union family and all the many friends and colleagues who knew Mike, worked with him and loved life together with him.”
He is survived by his wife, Debbie and grown children Chad and Jennifer.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, the MCUL said.
