John Wakefield, President/CEO of Empower Federal Credit Union has announced his retirement. He has dedicated his professional life for over 23 years to the membership and employees of one the most highly recognized credit unions on a local, regional, and national level.
During his tenure as President/CEO, Empower Federal Credit Union grew from $150 million in assets to its current $3 Billion asset size. The credit union has been named Best Companies to Work for in NYS, Forbes Best-In State, and received the Bauer Financial five-star rating for financial strength and stability.
“John has been a great leader, who was instrumental in the merger of Power and Empire Federal Credit Union in 2007 and many outstanding achievements since that time. The credit union has experienced tremendous growth, which allows us to better serve our members and communities,” said Board Chair Robert Cummings. “We are thankful for his service to the credit union and wish him and his family well as he begins this new chapter.”
The board named Brenda Carhart as interim President/CEO. Carhart has 38 years of credit union experience and prior to this appointment was the Senior Vice President/ Chief Lending Officer of Empower Federal Credit Union.