After 46 years with LBS Financial Credit Union and 21 years as President & CEO, I will be retiring this August. Retiring is such a tough decision to make for most, especially figuring out the right time. I will be leaving a job I have truly loved the past four decades. It was a pleasure working with so many wonderful and caring fellow LBS Financial employees, Board of Directors, and Members over the years. Some of my deciding factors included the opportunity to spend more time with my family and five grandchildren and the ability to travel with my wife and friends while still in good health. It was also critical to me that I leave LBS Financial in strong financial shape and in good hands as I care so much about the Credit Union, our Members and employees. Fortunately, we have my successor right here at LBS Financial, and he will be ready to take over when I leave.
Sean Hardeman, LBS Financial’s current Executive Vice President/Chief Lending Officer (EVP/CLO) was unanimously selected by our Board of Directors to be the Credit Union’s next President & CEO. Sean has worked for the Credit Union for over 12 years and was originally hired as Senior Vice President of Member Services before he was promoted to EVP/CLO in 2015. Prior to working for LBS Financial, Sean worked for one of the largest credit unions in the country for over 17 years in various management positions with increased responsibilities. Ensuring our Members receive exceptional service has always been a focus for Sean and he has led the charge to implement many new services and enhancements over the years.
Part of the stability of LBS Financial is the leadership and the consistency of the people serving you. Sean will be the fourth President & CEO in 87 years since the Credit Union’s charter was approved in 1935. I personally learned the value of a strong service culture from our first President & CEO, Morris Hayter and second President & CEO, Frank Reed. Their legacies continued through me and now on to our future President & CEO, Sean Hardeman.
Back in 1977 when I started working at LBS Financial as a part time teller while going to college, the Credit Union was only $50 million in assets/deposits with one branch. In 2002, when I became President & CEO, the Credit Union’s assets/deposits had grown to $674 million. I am truly proud to be a part of the amazing growth we’ve experienced with the Credit Union tripling in size to over $2 billion in assets/deposits today with eight branches.
I am confident the Credit Union will grow and remain strong under Sean’s leadership, which makes saying goodbye just a little bit easier. It’s been an absolute honor and privilege serving this Credit Union as your President & CEO. Thanks for giving us the opportunity over the years to serve your financial needs.
Together ahead,
Jeffrey A. Napper
President & CEO
