CEO changes mark a new chapter for two credit unions.
USF Credit Union and Sun East Federal Credit Union have turned to experienced insiders to lead their next chapter as both institutions report stronger earnings.
Two regional credit unions — one in Florida and one in Pennsylvania — have named new chief executives, opting for experienced leaders as they prepare for their next phase of growth.
USF Credit Union in Temple Terrace, Fla., promoted Richard Sellwood to president and chief executive after a unanimous vote by its board, while Sun East Federal Credit Union in Aston, Pa., hired industry veteran Jeff Gehris as its next CEO, with longtime leader Debbie Cook remaining through the end of the year to help with the transition.
The appointments come as both institutions posted improved earnings in the first half of 2026, underscoring a broader trend of credit unions pairing leadership succession with continued operational growth.
At USF Credit Union, Sellwood succeeds Rick Skaggs after previously serving as senior vice president and chief operating officer. The $1.4 billion institution has 80,247 members and earned $2.5 million during the first six months of 2026, up from nearly $2 million in the same period a year earlier, according to NCUA call report data.
Sellwood said he plans to build on the credit union’s existing foundation while strengthening relationships with the University of South Florida and community partners.
“I am honored and grateful for the confidence the Board has placed in me,” Sellwood said. “USF Credit Union has an incredible team of talented and dedicated employees who truly care about our members.”
Board Chairman Dr. Rick Will said the board’s decision reflected confidence in Sellwood’s familiarity with the organization and its culture.
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“Our mission remains unchanged, and our commitment to our members and employees remains as strong as ever,” Will said.
The board also thanked Skaggs for his years of leadership and service to the credit union and its members.
At Sun East Federal Credit Union, Gehris will become chief executive on Nov. 2, succeeding Cook, who will remain as president in an advisory role until retiring Dec. 31.
Sun East has 48,363 members, $909 million in assets and earned $2.7 million in the first half of 2026, compared with $1.8 million a year earlier.
Gehris brings more than 30 years of credit union experience, including his most recent role as executive vice president and chief strategy and experience officer at Securityplus Federal Credit Union in Baltimore. His career began as a teller before progressing through operational and executive leadership positions.
“Throughout our search process, Jeff stood out not only for his experience and vision, but also for his genuine passion for people and his appreciation for the values and culture that make Sun East such a special organization,” said Joel Romaine, chairman of Sun East’s board.
Gehris said he intends to focus on employee development, member service and community engagement.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Sun East Federal Credit Union,” Gehris said. “My commitment is to empower our employees, deliver exceptional experiences for our members, strengthen the communities we serve, and position Sun East for continued success.”
Though the transitions differ, both institutions have emphasized continuity alongside fresh leadership. USF elevated a longtime executive who already knows the organization’s operations, while Sun East paired an outside hire with an extended transition designed to preserve institutional knowledge.
For both credit unions, the leadership changes come as they enter 2027 with stronger financial results and new executives tasked with building on established foundations rather than starting from scratch.
“My commitment is to empower our employees, deliver exceptional experiences for our members, strengthen the communities we serve, and position Sun East for continued success.”
Jeff Gehris
New CEO
Sun East Federal Credit Union
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.
