The $347 million, 39,000-memberHeritage Family Credit Union in Rutland, Vt., announced Tuesdaythat President/CEO Ron Hance is planning to retire this fall after36 years of service.

Hance took over the $2 million credit union with its threeemployees at one branch in 1978 after serving as a volunteer boardmember beginning in 1967, HFCU said in its announcement. It now hasmore than 145 employees at nine branches, as well as two student credit unions and the RonHance Operations Center.

Hance has also been a leader in his local and the global creditunion communities, including on the board of the World Council of Credit Unions, the Vermont Credit Union Leagueand CUNA. He also has been active with the NCUF and is in CUES Hallof Fame, and has been a trustee with both College of St. Joseph'sand the Rutland Regional Medical Center.

A search committee has been formed to seek his successor and heplans to stay on until the process is completed, expected thisfall, the board said.

“The growth and accomplishments comes as a result of thetalented staff, Board of Directors, other committee members andmostly the membership itself,” Hance said in the announcement. “Ilook forward to retirement and leave confident of the continuedsuccess that the organization will have.”

“Ron Hance has been, for many years, the symbol of the creditunion movement of people helping people,” said Thomas O'Brien, HFCUboard chairman.

Hance said his retirement plans include more traveling with hiswife, Marsha.