SAN DIMAS, Calif. – The search is on to replace a legendary leader in the credit union industry, and at the same time to fill a very high-profile position in the corporate network. During WesCorp's recent annual planning session, WesCorp President/CEO Dick Johnson told the WesCorp Board that he would be retiring this year after 25 years with the corporate. The annual planning session was an opportune time for the news to break, so the board could do what it was there to do – plan. The board has formed three committees as part of the corporate's succession plan. There is now a search committee, transition committee and retirement and recognition committee working on issues related to the departure of Johnson and finding his replacement. Johnson's position is clearly one of the most coveted in the corporate CU network as WesCorp is the largest corporate at $17 billion; operates in 31 states; has a cutting-edge investment program; and also happens to serve the state with the largest CU asset concentration in the country, California. Safe CU CEO Henry Wirz will chair the search committee. There are other search committee members, and Johnson himself will play a role in the search process. "We are following what's in the succession plan," said WesCorp Board Chairman and Travis CU President/CEO Bob Siravo. "Our next step is to send out Request for Proposals to search firms and indentify which firm to use in our search." The Board said confidentiality will be one of its highest priorities throughout the process. Johnson will stay on as CEO until his successor is named. After that he will serve as special advisor and an emeritus official. He told Credit Union Times he had no one in mind to succeed him, and that the decision is for the board to make. [email protected]