BOULDER, Colo. — After experiencing a series of senior executive changes at Altura Credit Union over the past year, Gerry Agnes has left the financial institution to become president/CEO of the $850 million Elevations Credit Union.
Scheduled to start at Elevations the week of Aug. 18, Agnes succeeds Bill Sterner, who died from a heart attack on March 31.
Agnes had been on the senior team at the $936 million Altura for nearly six years. During that time, he transitioned between several roles. In March 2007, Agnes was promoted from executive vice president/chief operating officer to president of Altura. Mark Hawkins had held the posts of both president/CEO at Altura prior to the title split. Then in June, citing the need for the credit union to be in a prime position to respond to marketplace changes, Agnes was renamed chief operating officer of Altura. Hawkins again became president/CEO.
With more than 22 years in the financial services industry, Agnes also served as president and on the board of several of Altura's CUSOs. Under his strategic leadership, Altura increased assets, loans, members, deposits, equity and branches, according to Elevations. He also directed the turn around of Altura's insurance agency, while creating the mortgage and escrow subsidiaries.
It was his experience that made him an ideal fit for Elevations, said Eric Jones, chairman of Elevations. Agnes was selected out of more than 200 candidates from across the country because of his "extensive background of creating winning companies in the credit union and banking industry."
"Gerry's financial experience coupled with his leadership skills, vision and strategic mind were what elevated him to the top of the candidate pool," Jones said.
Hawkins said everyone at Altura wishes Agnes well.
"We're real proud of him. That's a good catch for him. Elevations is a great credit union. He's been a southern California guy all of his life, so this is a big move for him and his family," Hawkins said, adding Agnes was always focused on taking the helm of a credit union.
"He was always very clear about wanting the CEO position," Hawkins said. "I think it was a question of whether he would wait it out here [at Altura] or look for other things."
Altura is looking in-house for Agnes' successor, Hawkins said.
At the time of the June staff change at Altura, Agnes said he was open to the idea of the senior team move to help the credit union shore up challenges currently permeating throughout the industry. With his new role at Elevations, he said he hopes to continue his track record of building on strong foundations.
"I look forward to working with this experienced, high-performing team at Elevations Credit Union and working to strengthen our reputation for community involvement and superior member service," Agnes said.
–msamaad@cutimes.com
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