Richard Romero will retire from his role as president/CEO of Seattle Credit Union on March 31, 2026 following 14 years at the helm of the $1.1 billion credit union, Seattle CU announced Wednesday.
Romero will move into an advisory role on March 1 to support a smooth transition in leadership to Michael Cruz, CFO for Seattle CU, who will serve as interim CEO until a permanent successor is named.
Romero was named president/CEO of Seattle CU in 2012. He previously served as COO for Los Angeles Firemen's Credit Union (now the $2.4 billion, Pasadena, Calif.-based Firefighters First Credit Union). During his tenure at Seattle CU, the credit union expanded community partnerships and advanced inclusive banking initiatives, including Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Low-Income Designations. These efforts broadened access to fair, affordable financial services and reinforced the credit union's long-term sustainability and member-owned mission, according to the credit union's announcement.
In 2018, he was named the winner of CU Times' Trailblazer Award for CEO of the Year.
"Serving this credit union and our members has been one of the greatest honors of my career," Romero said in a prepared statement. "I was drawn to Seattle Credit Union because of its belief that access, opportunity and community come first. As I step into retirement, I have full confidence in our leadership team and in the credit union's enduring commitment to its mission and members."
Robin Harmon, chair of the Seattle CU Board of Directors, thanked Romero for his years of service in a prepared statement: "Richard's leadership has been grounded in purpose. Under his leadership, Seattle Credit Union strengthened its financial foundation, modernized its systems and expanded access to communities often overlooked by traditional financial institutions. He also instilled a profound conviction and wholehearted embrace of our mission and vision within Seattle Credit Union."
She also emphasized that operations will continue without interruption throughout the leadership transition.
"We have a strong leadership team, a well-defined strategy and a mission that continues to guide every decision," Harmon said. "Seattle Credit Union is exceptionally well positioned to enter its next chapter with strength and clarity of purpose."
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