In the bustling heart of the General Employees Co-operative Credit Union Limited (GECCU), a new chapter was about to unfold. It was June 13, 2024, a date that marked a significant milestone in the history of the Credit Union. The Board of Directors, after months of diligent search and scrutiny, was finally ready to announce the appointment of their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The journey to this decision had been long and arduous. The Board had enlisted the help of esteemed local Human Resource consultants, MA HR Solutions and Joachim and Associates, to aid in the recruitment process. Candidates from local, regional, and international backgrounds had been considered, each bringing their unique strengths and visions to the table. However, one name stood out among the rest—Mrs. Maxine Richards-Johnney, as the release stated.
Maxine’s story with GECCU began over two decades earlier, in November 2002, when she joined the team as an Accountant. From the very start, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Credit Union’s mission and values. Her expertise and dedication quickly became evident as she played a pivotal role in the organization’s growth and development. Over the years, she not only managed the Credit Union’s finances with precision but also contributed significantly to its strategic direction, as the release stated.
Her professional journey was underpinned by a solid educational foundation. Maxine held a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the prestigious London School of Business and Finance. Additionally, she was a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (FCCA), a testament to her expertise and dedication to her field, as the release stated.
As the Credit Union faced various challenges, including the 2008/2009 financial crisis and the more recent COVID-19 health crisis, Maxine’s leadership shone brightly. She was instrumental in developing and executing a capital restoration plan and a stress-testing tool to combat the adverse effects of these economic shocks. Her strategic guidance also facilitated the establishment of new offices, the amalgamation of three Credit Unions, the change in operational software, and the introduction of the ATM service, among other achievements, as the release stated.
But it wasn’t just her professional acumen that set her apart. Maxine was known for her unique set of personal qualities that inspired her leadership style. Her passion for helping people, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strong belief in the cooperative principles of Credit Unions endeared her to both colleagues and members alike. Her leadership was not just about managing an organization; it was about fostering a community, as the release stated.
Throughout her tenure, Maxine had often stepped into the role of acting CEO, managing the day-to-day administration of the Credit Union and its employees with grace and competence. Her most recent stint as acting CEO, lasting eleven and a half months, had been particularly noteworthy, paving the way for her eventual appointment, as the release stated.
As the Board of Directors made the official announcement, there was a palpable sense of excitement and optimism within the GECCU family. They extended their warmest congratulations to Mrs. Richards-Johnney, confident in her ability to lead the Credit Union into a future filled with promise and potential. Her journey from Accountant to CEO was a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Credit Union’s mission, as the release stated.
And so, as the new CEO of GECCU, Mrs. Maxine Richards-Johnney embarked on this next chapter with the full support and trust of her colleagues and the Board. Together, they looked forward to continuing to advance the mission and vision of their beloved Credit Union, guided by a leader whose journey had truly been an inspiration, as the release stated.
