Richard Romero will step down in March 2026 as the $1.1 billion-asset institution prepares for leadership transition.

Richard Romero, who has led Seattle Credit Union for more than a decade, said he will retire as president and chief executive on March 31, 2026, concluding a tenure marked by growth and deepened community partnerships.

Romero, who joined the $1.1 billion-asset credit union in 2012, announced his decision in a Wednesday post on LinkedIn. He will move into an advisory role beginning March 1, 2026, to support a leadership transition. Michael Cruz, the credit union’s chief financial officer, will serve as interim chief executive while the board conducts a search for a permanent successor.

“After a great deal of reflection, I’ve decided to retire as President and CEO of Seattle Credit Union, effective March 31, 2026,” Romero wrote.

Reflecting on his tenure, he added: “When I joined Seattle Credit Union in 2012, I could not have imagined how meaningful this work, and these relationships, would become. So much of what we’ve accomplished over the years has been possible because of you.”

Seattle Credit Union, based in Seattle and serving 48,000 members with seven branches, reported earnings of $3.3 million in 2025, double compared with $1.6 million in net income in 2024.

Story continued below…

Romero joined the institution after serving more than seven years as chief operations officer of Firefighters First Credit Union in California. In his message, he described his decision as rooted in both gratitude and readiness after nearly four decades in financial services.

“This decision to retire comes from a place of gratitude and readiness,” he wrote. “After nearly forty years in financial services, I’m looking forward to being more present with my family and investing time in my own growth and interests. I step away knowing Seattle Credit Union is strong, values-driven, and deeply committed to continuing this work.”

Cruz, who joined Seattle Credit Union as chief financial officer in July 2024, previously served as senior vice president of risk management for Credit Union of Southern California in Anaheim. In his announcement, Romero expressed confidence in his successor.

“Michael understands our mission and the importance of community partnership, and I have full confidence in both his leadership and the team that will carry this work forward,” he wrote.

Emphasizing continuity, Romero said his departure would not alter the credit union’s focus.

“Please know that my departure does not change Seattle Credit Union’s commitment to you or to the communities we serve together,” he wrote. “The relationships we’ve built matter, and the work ahead remains just as important as ever.”

He concluded: “It has been one of the greatest privileges of my career to work alongside you. I will always be proud of what we’ve done together.”

“The relationships we’ve built matter, and the work ahead remains just as important as ever.”

– Richard Romero
President & CEO
Seattle Credit Union