WARNER ROBINS, Ga.. -- After 37 years serving the credit union industry, Robins Federal Credit Union President/CEO John Ruffin will retire, effective Dec. 31, 2008.
Under Ruffin's leadership Robins Federal has more than doubled in assets to itscurrent $1.1 billion. The credit union converted to a community charter in 2000 and has since added eight additional branches to serve its nearly 130,000 members.
Ruffin came to Robins Federal as the executive vice president in 1997 and served in that capacity until December 2003, when he became CEO. Prior to joining the credit union, he retired from the NCUA after 26 years of service. At the time of his retirement from the NCUA, he was regional director in Austin, Texas.
Ruffin found that coming from a regulatory environment to a service-oriented work place presented some challenges for him.
"Now, it is all about what's good for the members, but we still keep a sharp eye on safety and soundness aspects of the operation," he said.
For two consecutive years, readers of The Macon Telegraph have voted Robins Federal the best financial institution in Middle Georgia in its annual best of the best awards.
John and his wife of 51 years, Frances, have five children and twelve grandchildren and will be dedicating more of their time to family after his retirement.
Stepping in on Jan. 1, 2009 as the new president/CEO is current Robins Federal Executive Vice President John Rhea, who has 30 years of experience in the financial industry and has been with the credit union since 1996.
--mdigiovanni@cutimes.com
