After three decades, West Virginia credit union CEO steps aside.
Mike Tucker retires after overseeing years of rapid growth, handing leadership of the Parkersburg institution to longtime executive Cindy Turner.
After more than three decades leading one of West Virginia‘s largest credit unions, Mike Tucker has retired as president and chief executive of West Virginia Central Federal Credit Union, closing a chapter that transformed the institution from a small local cooperative into a regional financial player.
Tucker, who joined the Parkersburg-based credit union as CEO in 1994, retired after 33 years with the organization. His retirement was celebrated during an event at the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center in nearby Vienna, according to the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, which first reported on the gathering.
West Virginia Central Federal Credit Union now serves 23,842 members and manages approximately $337 million in assets, according to federal regulatory data. The credit union earned $1.5 million during the first quarter of 2026, up from $1.1 million during the same period a year earlier.
“My heart is filled with the joy of remembering the many friends and family who attended my retirement reception,” Tucker said in a statement released by the credit union. “It was truly wonderful to see the faces of those who mean so much to me. I want to express my gratitude to the members, volunteers, and staff of WV Central for making the evening so special.”
Tucker’s career in the credit union movement began in 1983 with the West Virginia Credit Union League, where he eventually became vice president for education and training before leading the Bureau of the Public Debt Credit Union. He took the helm at West Virginia Central in November 1994.
In a farewell message published in the credit union’s member newsletter, Tucker reflected on nearly 32 years leading the institution and credited members, employees and volunteers for its success.
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“When I started with Central in November 1994, I could not have imagined all the wonderful things we would accomplish together,” he wrote.
He highlighted the development of products designed to reward member participation while emphasizing community service, particularly efforts benefiting children, older adults and veterans.
Board members praised Tucker not only for the credit union’s financial growth but also for his broader influence within the state’s credit union movement.
“Mike’s impact has reached well beyond his work at Central,” Board Treasurer Ken Watts said in the release. He noted that Tucker had been active in the Parkersburg Chapter of Credit Unions and represented the chapter on the board of the West Virginia Credit Union League for more than 25 years, serving in every leadership position, including chairman multiple times.
Board Chairman Doug Reeder credited Tucker with guiding the institution through decades of change.
“Mike possesses a unique, rare mix of humbleness combined with confidence and excellence,” Reeder said. “He is second to none in his care and consideration of the credit union member. He has brought great decision-making and the ability to guide and navigate through troubling times and adversity.”
Leadership has now passed to Cindy Turner, who spent the past 11 years as the credit union’s senior vice president and has worked alongside Tucker since 1995. She brings 38 years of banking and financial services experience to the role.
In a message to members, Turner sought to reassure customers that the transition would not alter the institution’s direction.
“As the new CEO of West Virginia Central Credit Federal Union, I want to assure our members that there will be no significant changes in how we operate,” she wrote. “Our commitment to providing world-class member service will remain our top priority, and we will continue supporting our communities just as we have throughout our history.”
Turner said the credit union would continue pursuing growth while investing in technology that enhances security and improves members’ financial well-being.
“I am honored to continue building on the strong foundation that has been established and look forward to leading West Virginia Central Credit Federal Union into the future,” she said.
Tucker, for his part, expressed confidence that the institution would continue to thrive under its new leadership.
“I am proud to see Cindy Turner move into the CEO role, as she will excel.”
– Mike Tucker
retiring President & CEO
West Virginia Central FCU
Ken McCarthy is manager of marketing communications at Tyfone, where he monitors the credit union industry and contributes to conversations shaping its future. He previously covered credit unions and community banking for American Banker and S&P Global Market Intelligence. He holds a journalism degree from Point Park University and has more than 15 years of experience covering financial services. He is also the author of three literary fiction novels.
