During Christian Community Credit Union's 60th anniversarycelebration, President/CEO John Walling said last week it's time toretire after 45 years of service to the San Dimas, Calif.-basedcredit union.

Walling will retire July 31. David Estridge, EVP, will serve asinterim CEO effective August 1.

“My 45 years have been an incredibly blessed experience inworking with our outstanding staff and supportive and encouragingboard of directors and supervisory committee,” Walling said in a prepared statement. “The credit union'scontinued success is a collective effort of many people over manyyears. I give thanks to God for placing me in this position and forthe elected officials, management team, and staff as they continueto serve the members of Christian Community Credit Union.”

Walling began as the credit union's assistant manager in June1972 when it was known as the American Baptist Credit Union thatmanaged $7 million in assets and served more than 5,000 members.Since then, the credit union has grown to $643 million in assetsand more than 30,000 members.

In 1980, Walling was promoted to general manager and appointedpresident/CEO in 1984.

The California Credit Union League honored Walling in 2012 withthe “Unsung Hero Award” for his valuable and significantcontributions to the credit union movement within the GoldenState.

The board plans to hire an executive search firm to findWalling's successor, but it will also consider internalcandidates.

“Few CEOs today have the creativity, the passion, and the energyto reach the 20-year mark in a single organization. Yet JohnWalling has served a remarkable 45 years at Christian CommunityCredit Union,” Mike Pate, vice chair of Christian Community's board, said. “The members of our board ofdirectors and supervisory committee have been privileged to servealongside such a capable leader. We salute and congratulate Johnfor his extraordinary leadership – and wish him God's best in hisretirement years.”