Guretzky Looking Forward to Retirement, Recalls Heady H.R. 1151 Days During NAFCU Chairman Stint

OMAHA, Neb. – When Jim Guretzky was appointed the acting CEO in June 1984, SAC Federal Credit Union was mired in a litany of messy loans and shoddy performance that almost led to its demise. Guretzky, 59, has actually been with the credit union since 1981 as its chief financial officer and became the permanent president/CEO in October 1984. After 25 years of service, the West Point, Nebraska native has announced his plans to retire in January 2007. Gail DeBoer, executive vice president, has been named to succeed Guretzky. She’s been with SAC FCU since May 1988. Guretzky is also widely known as having served as chairman of NAFCU during the heady Credit Union Campaign for Consumer Choice days. He, along with a number of influential people in the movement, helped to get the landmark Credit Union Membership Access Act enacted.

Retirement could not have come at a better time with SAC FCU being in an “outstanding” position, Guretzky said. “This decision wasn’t a snap decision. It was made some time ago,” he said. “I wanted to get out when I was at the top of my game, so to speak.”