Hopewell Federal says farewell to longtime CEO and welcomes new
James G. Johnson Set to Retire and Chris Simmons to Join the Team
HEATH/NEWARK/JOHNSTOWN, OH (March 1, 2021) —
Hopewell Federal Credit Union (HFCU) bids farewell to longtime President and Chief Executive Officer, James G. Johnson. At the end of March, after nearly 25 years of service, Johnson will retire from HFCU. His loyalty and admiration for the credit union movement continues and he looks forward to supporting the organization as a loyal member and cooperative advocate.
As Mr. Johnson departs, he is confident in the volunteer leadership including Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee, strong team of employees, as well as the incoming leadership of Chris Simmons. Simmons will replace Johnson as President and Chief Executive Officer. He has comprehensive experience in lending, technology, compliance, and strategic leadership. Most recently, Simmons served as the Vice President of Specialized Lending at CME Federal Credit Union. Prior to that, Simmons was with Kemba Financial Credit Union and served as the Manager of Consumer Lending. In addition to his vast work experience, Mr. Simmons earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
Simmons resides in Blacklick, Ohio with his wife, a teacher with Granville Schools in Granville, Ohio, and his two daughters. As he begins his new journey with Hopewell Federal Credit Union he stated, “I am both humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead Hopewell Federal Credit Union and its tradition of serving the unique needs of our member-owners. The decisions that drive me are rooted in continuing Hopewell’s mission to help its members grow financially. I will continue the long tradition that Hopewell has in supporting the communities we have the privilege of serving.”
James G. Johnson
Chris Simmons
About Hopewell Federal Credit Union
Hopewell Federal Credit Union, a community leader serving Licking, Franklin, and Delaware counties, is a well-established credit union and not-for-profit financial cooperative that is owned by its members. They provide a full range of financial services including savings and checking accounts, loan products, and business accounts. HFCU operates with the mission of helping its members get ahead financially and serves anyone who lives, works or worships in Licking, Franklin, and Delaware Counties.
