KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Educational Community Credit Union (ECCU) has named Julie Blitchok as its new president and chief executive officer, effective March 2, succeeding CEO Charles Cornelius, who is retiring after 36 years of service.
Blitchok joins the $415-million, Kalamazoo-based institution following 23 years of credit union executive and leadership experience. ECCU noted that for the past 13 years, she has served as senior vice president of retail operations for Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU), a $3.5-billion entity based in Grand Rapids, Mich.
At LMCU, Blitchok was responsible for 37 branches, the call center, and community relations.
"I am both excited and honored to join ECCU as CEO," Blitchok said in a statement. "I look forward to building on ECCU's strength, financial performance, and exceptional member service. I'm privileged to bring what I've learned to ECCU so we can continue to expand and serve more people in our community. The reputation and brand of ECCU are well-known throughout our state as well as nationally."
David Aubry, ECCU board chairman, said that Blitchok's "extensive retail expertise, combined with previous CEO experience," will help position ECCU to leverage its community charter.
"Julie's strong sense of corporate culture will build on our culture of service," he said. "Her vision of expanding retail services also fits perfectly with our strategic plan to boost the retail experience for members."
Blitchok earned her MBA from Grand Valley State University and holds a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan.
"We're thrilled to have Julie join our executive team and lead the credit union," Aubry added. "With ECCU's commitment to its members and a workplace that is both professional and caring, it is a win-win combination for our membership and staff."
