Jim Sessa will step down as president and CEO of Coast Central Credit Union in Eureka, California, on Sept. 18.

Sessa has been with the $2 billion-asset organization for 43 years, and served as its chief executive for the past seven.

He will be replaced by Fred Moore, who  has been with Coast Central for six years, serving most recently as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

“When I first started at CCCU, personal computers were just making their way into our offices.  Then was the advent of the Internet, the rise of smartphones, and now, the integration of AI. It has been a privilege to be part of this technological evolution that has enhanced our ability to continually serve members better,” Sessa said in a press release.

Sessa started his career with Coast Central as a teller in 1981. As CEO, he navigated the credit union through major technological advancements, including the introduction of online banking, mobile applications, and digital payment systems, ensuring that Coast Central always remained at the forefront of modern banking solutions.

Moore has 35 years of finance experience in Coast Central’s markets, including a 14-year stint as CFO of Redwood Capital Bank.

“My commitment to earning the trust of our board, employees and membership each day is unwavering. I will continue Jim’s legacy and with our outstanding team, ensure that our members remain central to everything we do,” Moore said in the release.

Coast Central has 77,800 members and operates 11 branches throughout Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties.

The credit union earned $6 million in the first half of 2024, a 7% decrease compared with a year earlier, according to call report data from the National Credit Union Administration.

“I am confident that Fred will continue to uphold our values and lead the organization to even greater heights. I leave knowing that Coast Central will be in very good hands.”

 – Jim Sessa
President and CEO
Coast Central Credit Union