BATON ROUGE — After more than 34 years at the credit union, Neighbors FCU President and CEO Kathi Gill has announced that she will retire on December 31, 2015.
Gill's announcement is one of a slew of recent retirement announcements from credit union CEOs planning to step down at the end of 2015 or in early 2016.
Gill rose through the ranks at Neighbors, serving as a teller, branch manager and EVP, before being appointed CEO in 2008. Since her appointment, Neighbors has doubled in assets to more than $735 million, along with moving through three mergers, adding six branches, two in-school branches, and adding mobile technology, more products and services for members and undergoing a core conversion.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve our members and community for 34 plus years," Gill said in a statement. "I have been blessed to work with dedicated volunteer board directors and an extremely talented team as we strive to live our mission of helping our members improve their financial wellbeing. I thank each of them for their contribution, collaboration, and alliance. Neighbors is financially sound and well positioned for its next stage of growth and promising future."
Grady Hazel, chair of the board at Neighbors FCU, credited Gill's leadership, calling her a role model for the entire CU's team and the community at large.
"Her years of service and dedication have guided the credit union through remarkable growth and market transition," said Hazel. "With this foundation, Neighbors will continue to move forward, embracing technology and innovation in financial services."
Stepping in for Gill will be Steve Webb, who will take the helm as president and CEO effective Dec. 1. Gill has served as COO at Neighbors since 2008, overseeing business, lending and mortgage services, and managing all operational processes.
With Webb at the top, said Gill, "the executive leadership team has never been stronger."
"It is an honor to be selected as the next President/CEO of such an outstanding organization as Neighbors Federal Credit Union," Webb said. "I cannot fathom a more talented and amazing team of professionals other than the team already assembled at Neighbors and I look forward to the opportunities that await us."
