Tom Welch Ends 33-Year Career at Piedmont CU

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Tom Welch, who guided Piedmont Aviation CU through the takeover of its sole sponsor, then the bankruptcy of its major sponsor, US Airways, retired January 1, after 33 years in the pilot’s seat. Welch, who worked in financial services for 47 years, will be succeeded by Judy Tharp, vice president of strategy and solution development at CUNA Mutual Group. Welch, who became president and CEO of the credit union for the tiny airline in 1973, grew the credit union from $5 million in assets and 3,500 members to more than $225 million and 87,000 members. During that time the credit union has expanded its market from Piedmont Aviation, then US Airways, to encompass 79 select groups, helping it to weather the financial difficulties in the aviation industry.