COLUMBUS, Ohio. — Paula Edwards, CEO of the $523 million Nationwide Federal Credit Union, which was recently acquired by Nationwide Bank, has announced she will step down in early 2007.
Edwards has worked in the credit union industry for 30 years. Edwards and Nationwide's leadership urged members to vote to approve the sale to Nationwide Bank, a new bank that the CU's sponsor, Nationwide Insurance, founded.
"While I'm sad to be leaving the credit union, I feel blessed to have worked with such wonderful professionals and built such a rewarding career with a great employer like Nationwide," said Edwards. "Although I will miss my staff dearly, after 30 years, it's time for me to pursue other personal passions.
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"It has been my great privilege and pleasure to serve the 44,000 members of this credit union. It has been an honor to get up and go to work every day, knowing that I am contributing something meaningful to each of them.
"Credit union leaders are a special group of people. To all of those with whom I've developed a professional relationship over the years, I hope that I have contributed to their careers and lives as they have contributed to mine."
Having served on the board of NAFCU, Corporate One, the Filene Research Council, and PSCU Financial Services Strategic Advisory Group, Edwards has been a passionate ambassador for credit unions and their members. She has made financial literacy efforts a high priority, volunteering on the board of Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the Midwest for the past six years.
In praising Edwards for her years of service, current NFCU Board Chairman Bob Oakley said, "I regard Paula as a consummate professional and a great friend. I know that the NFCU members, the NFCU Board of Directors, and the state and national credit union community will join me in supporting Paula's decision and celebrating her career." Over the years, Edwards has served in several different capacities at Nationwide and the credit union. She began her career in 1972 in Nationwide's Office of Government Relations before joining the credit union as its operations manager in 1975. Edwards served as manager of Shareholder Services at Nationwide Investing Foundation from 1983-1988 and volunteered on the CU's board during those years. In 1989, she returned to the credit union as president/CEO. During Edwards' tenure, assets have grown from $19 million to $570 million. –[email protected]
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