As Bill Cheney's days as president and CEO of Xerox Federal Credit Union wind down, and he prepares to take over as president and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, the credit union executive is working to balance two different transitions.
Between preparing Xerox FCU for his departure and preparing himself for his new job as league president, Bill Cheney's calendar is pretty full. Despite a seemingly endless series of meetings and conference calls as he gears up to take over from credit union legend Dave Chatfield while also helping to choose his successor at the credit union, Cheney was in good spirits when The Credit Union Journal caught up with him.
"The transition is going very well," he said. "I have some time, since I don't start with the league until March 1, but people have been universally supportive and positive."
Cheney had the unexpected benefit of an impromptu succession discussion with Chatfield when both men were at the recent Western States Summit Roundtable in Hawaii. Cheney said the two exchanged their preliminary thoughts on the transition and synchronized their calendars.
Chatfield will serve as an advisor to Cheney for the month of March to ensure a smooth transition.
Cheney said he has met briefly with the league's senior management but has not yet met with the staff.
Cheney recently sat down with Xerox FCU's executive committee and said early succession preparations "went well."
He said the executive committee will speak with the full board of directors at a board meeting later this month before any decision is made regarding choosing a replacement.
Because of the CU movement's emphasis on advocacy, Cheney knows he will have to hit the ground running.
"When I start, the first thing is the GAC in Washington, D.C.," he said. "I am very excited and pleased it is working out. But, I've still got a credit union to run, and I can only do so much."
