After a decade at Symitar, Kathy Hooker Burress plans to retire as division president at the end of the year, according to parent company Jack Henry & Associates.
Hooker Burress will be succeeded by Ted Bilke, who currently is general manager of operations and development for the Symitar Episys core processing platform.
Bilke will become division president on Oct. 1, and Hooker Burress will serve in an advisory capacity until Dec. 31 when she will retire with nearly 30 years of credit union industry experience, according to Monett, Mo.-based Jack Henry.
Hooker Burress joined Symitar in 2000 as manager of national sales and became president in 2005, succeeding Bruce Cormode.
During Hooker Burress' tenure, the San Diego-based Symitar operation grew its client list to more than 700 credit unions, landed dozens of billion-dollar clients and inspired a cottage industry of consultancies specializing in developing Episys add-ons.
"When I joined the Symitar team in 2000, my goal was to become an agent of positive change and I believe we've done that. However, I've also had a long-term goal of retiring while my husband and I still have plenty of time to enjoy our families and explore life," Hooker Burress said.
"I know I'm leaving the company in good hands considering Ted has been instrumental in implementing numerous process changes at Symitar-changes that have ultimately led to an unprecedented level of customer satisfaction," she said.
Jack Henry CEO Jack Prim said, "As much as we'll miss Kathy's leadership and industry savvy, we're confident in Ted's ability to take Symitar to the next level. We truly appreciate the 10 years of outstanding service Kathy has given our company and Symitar's clients, and wish her the very best in the future."
