SAC FCU CEO Guretzky to Retire; Served As NAFCU Chairman During Push for H.R. 1151 Passage

OMAHA, Neb. - After nearly 22 years at the helm, Jim Guretzky recently announced his plans to retire as president/CEO of SAC Federal Credit Union. Guretzky, 59, said he will retire in January 2007. Under his tenure, the CU grew to serve nearly 50,000 members and more than $283 million in assets. He's been with SAC FCU for more than 24 years and says its growth came from a strong value system in the organization; a plan to always take the CU forward; strong, committed staff; and sticking to doing what the CU does best. "Although it is sad to say goodbye to the many members, board of directors, and other volunteers, management, and staff that I have had the opportunity to work with for almost 25 years, I am also very excited to begin a new phase in my life," Guretzky said. "I have decided that the time is right for me to focus more on my family and leisure activities." Guretzky said the timing could not be better given the CU is in "its best financial condition ever while continuing to provide the highest quality service to our members." The board has already formed a search committee with plans to have a successor in place by July 2006. Guretzky said he will stay on until his retirement to help the new president/CEO with the transition. Guertzky has been active in many capacities throughout his credit union career. He served as board chairman of NAFCU (during the push to pass H.R. 1151, Nebraska Credit Union League and Affiliates, and Nebraska Corporate Central Federal Credit Union. He also served as treasurer of NAFCU Services, as a national director at CUNA, as president of the Midwest Defense Credit Union Sub-Council, and on several NAFCU and CUNA committees. Guertzky is a former member of the Thrift Institution Advisory Committee of the Kansas City Federal Reserve. The West Point, Nebraska native is also active outside of credit union land, having served on boards at more than 10 organizations. -msamaad@cutimes.com