The Democracy Federal Credit Union (Democracy FCU) family is saddened by the death of retired President/CEO Kathleen O'Hara Geary on February 17, 2023, in The Villages, Florida. She was 62 years old.
Mrs. Geary's career spans nearly four decades in the credit union industry, retiring as President/CEO in December 2018. She held a number of positions while at Democracy FCU before becoming President/CEO in 1998, including Assistant Vice President, Senior Accountant, and Regulatory Compliance Administrator. She also led Marketing, Member Services, and Investment Strategy.
During her tenure as President/CEO, she fulfilled a number of company firsts and milestones. In 2001, Democracy FCU (formerly HEWFCU) surpassed the $100 million mark in assets. She believed wholeheartedly in the credit union philosophy of "people helping people" resulting in the expansion of the Credit Union's field of membership to encompass those who live, work, worship, and go to school in the DC metropolitan area. Under her leadership, branch locations were opened in Silver Hill (District Heights, MD), Philadelphia Public Ledger Branch (Philadelphia, PA), Alexandria Branch in Old Town Alexandria (VA), and 550 C Street, S.W. (DC). In keeping with Democracy's expanded services, she led the name change from HEWFCU to Democracy FCU in 2015. Her energy and commitment led to countless awards and industry recognition for Democracy FCU.
Mrs. Geary held a number of volunteer positions in the credit union industry. She served as Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors for the Credit Union Mortgage Association and its Audit Committee. She served on the Board of the MD/DC Credit Union Association as well as President of the DC Chapter and Chair of the Advocacy Committee. She was a Trustee for the Credit Union Legislative Action Committee (CUNA's PAC). CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conferences were opportunities high in her priorities, supporting and advocating for credit union successes. She was active in the Don't Tax My Credit Union Campaign initiatives, an advocacy effort conducted in conjunction with leagues, CUNA, and credit unions nationwide to protect credit unions' tax status as part of US House of Representatives tax reform efforts.
Mrs. Geary's dedication, love and passion for the credit union movement is unmatched, and her legacy will be forever intertwined with Democracy FCU. We are grateful for her service.
