Holy Rosary Credit Union’s CEO to retire after more than two decades of leadership.
Brian Hughes plans to step down at the end of 2026 after guiding the New Hampshire institution through expansion, digital modernization and community investment.
Holy Rosary Credit Union said its longtime president and chief executive, Brian Hughes, will retire at the end of 2026, concluding a career that has spanned more than four decades in financial services and more than 20 years leading the Rochester, New Hampshire-based institution.
Hughes, who has led the $487 million-asset credit union since 2004, is expected to remain in his role through Dec. 31, 2026, as the organization conducts a national search for his successor.
During his tenure, the credit union expanded its branch network, invested in digital banking capabilities and deepened its ties to the communities it serves. Most recently, Hughes led the opening of a branch in Greenland, N.H., bringing financial services back to a town that had gone without a local institution for two decades.
“Leading HRCU has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Hughes said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with an outstanding team dedicated to our members and communities.”
Holy Rosary Credit Union reported $4.6 million in earnings in 2025, up from $3.8 million the previous year, and serves more than 25,000 members, according to NCUA call report data. The credit union’s membership is open to people who live, work, go to school or worship in New Hampshire or York County, Maine.
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Hughes began his career at Shawmut Bank in 1981 before moving into the credit union sector in 1985 as an internal auditor at a hometown institution in Brockton, Mass. Over the years, he became an active advocate for the industry, serving on boards and committees including the Cooperative Credit Union Association and Tricorp Federal Credit Union.
Beyond the financial sector, Hughes has also been involved in a range of civic and nonprofit efforts. He has served as chairman of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Rochester Rotary Club. In December, he was inducted into the Make-A-Wish New Hampshire Legends Through Time Hall of Fame for his work supporting statewide credit union initiatives.
“Brian’s leadership, integrity and deep commitment to the credit union mission and our communities have helped position HRCU for long-term success,” Dana Flanders, chairman of the board, said in a statement.
The board has engaged the executive search firm Smith & Wilkinson to identify the next chief executive. A successor is expected to be named later in 2026.
Hughes said he intends to remain focused on ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining the credit union’s momentum through the end of his tenure.
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished together and I look forward to seeing the credit union continue to grow.”
– Brian Hughes
President & CEO
Holy Rosary 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.
