Jane G. Watkins, president and chief executive officer of Virginia Credit Union, a $2.7-billion institution based in North Chesterfield, Va., said she plans to retire on March 31, 2016, after serving 33 years in various capacities.
"Announcing my retirement plans in advance gives our board time to ensure a smooth transition," she said in a statement. "I have truly loved my job working on behalf of our members and I have always considered it a privilege to serve them. Our employees continue to focus on providing great service, value and convenience to meet members' needs."
Under Watkins' stewardship, the largest state-chartered CU in Viginia invested in online and mobile services for members. For example, in 2012, Virginia CU became the first locally-based financial institution in the Richmond area to offer mobile deposit, enabling members to deposit checks to their accounts from their smartphones.
In addition, since Watkins took the helm at Virginia CU in January 2000, its membership almost doubled from 125,000 to more than 240,000. Total assets of the credit union have more than quadrupled from $629 million to $2.7 billion, while the number of branches expanded from 9 to 17.
D. B. Smit, chairman of the credit union's board of directors, said: "Jane has been a tremendous leader for Virginia Credit Union. She and her team have continued to innovate and expand the use of technology. Her focus is always on improving service to our members, and we are grateful for all that she has done on their behalf."
Meanwhile, the board of directors has a CEO transition committee in place, and Watkins will be involved in the search for her successor.
