Island Federal Credit Union has named vice president/CFO BretSears as its new president/CEO.

Sears succeeds Robert Dethlefsen, who retired at the end ofNovember after 34 years of service to the Hauppauge, N.Y., creditunion.

Sears has been on the executive team at the $778 million creditunion since 2004 and brings more than two decades of financialexperience to his new post, Island FCU said.

Prior to joining Island, Sears was senior vice president/CFO atAdirondack Bank in Utica, N.Y. He has also held high-levelfinancial positions at Skaneateles Savings Bank in Skaneateles,N.Y., and OnBank & Trust Co. in Syracuse, N.Y., the creditunion said.

A certified public accountant, Sears began his career in theSyracuse office of KPMG and graduated from Le Moyne College inSyracuse, N.Y., where he earned a bachelor's of science degree inaccounting.

“My fellow directors and I are confident that Bret is the rightperson to build on the success and strong foundation that Bob Dethlefsen established,” said Shirley Watson, board chair.“The board and I look forward to Island's bright future underBret's leadership.”