San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/07/2014 -- After a 42 year career spanning from teller to CEO, the President and CEO of California Coast Credit Union has announced she will be retiring in early 2015.
Marla Shepard began her career as a teller with Santel Federal Credit Union in 1972. Quickly moving up the ranks, she became CEO just ten years later. Shepard led the credit union through five different mergers and a name change in 2001 to First Future Credit Union. In 2008, she orchestrated what was the largest credit union merger in the U. S., uniting First Future and California Coast. Under her leadership, California Coast has increased its capital to over $200 million which significantly exceeds the level considered by regulators to be well capitalized.
An ardent advocate for credit unions, in the 1990's Shepard led a political effort to get all five of San Diego County's congressmen to co-sponsor H.R. 1151, a bill allowing credit unions to expand their fields of membership. They all signed, making San Diego the only county to have every congressman on the bill.
Shepard was the first female and first credit union representative to serve on the Board of Directors of Jack Henry and Associates. She currently serves on the California Credit Union League Board of Directors and has served on various industry boards, including her present role on the Executive Committee of the Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction which benefits Children’s Hospitals throughout California.
"Marla has been a leader in the industry affecting positive legislative change and advancing the credit union movement, said Diana Dykstra, CCUL President and CEO. “She has also been passionate about ensuring the continued growth and financial strength of her credit union and exceptional member service for the membership."
During her remarkable career, Shepard garnered numerous awards including recognition by the California Credit Union League in 1998 and 2006, with the Advocate of the Year award. She was honored with the CCUL Distinguished Service Award in 2006, and recognized by the San Diego Daily Transcript as one of San Diego's Top Influencers in 2009.
Todd Lane, California Coast's Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Shepard. He has been named President in the interim with Shepard continuing as CEO until her retirement. Lane has nearly 30 years’ experience in the credit union industry, primarily in senior leadership positions. He joined California Coast in 2009, after previously working at Western Corporate Federal Credit Union and Cabrillo Federal Credit Union. A San Diego native, he is a graduate of Clairemont High, with a B.S. in Finance from San Diego State University and an MBA from Pepperdine University. He currently serves as President of the Clairemont High Academy of Business and Technology Foundation and Vice Chairman of the RMJ Foundation, organizations that focus on providing financial education for youth.
"It has been a great honor to serve as President and CEO of this tremendous organization with such talented individuals," said Shepard. "The dedication and exceptional member service by the employees and the loyalty of our members have made California Coast what it is today. With their continued support, the Board and senior management's leadership, and Todd at the helm, I know Cal Coast's future is in good hands."
About California Coast Credit Union
What you'll love about California Coast Credit Union are our great rates, free services and friendly staff! Since we're not-for-profit, we see you as a person and not a number. Anyone in San Diego or Riverside Counties can open an account with us. Wherever you live, work or travel, you'll have access to your accounts through online and mobile banking, 20 branch locations, a network of nearly 60 shared branch locations and 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. With over $1.7 billion in assets, we're proud to be the credit union of choice for over 118,000 members in San Diego and Riverside Counties.