Westmark Credit Union Announces Retirement of Distinguished Leaders

January 5, 2024

Westmark Credit Union, based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, announced the retirement of President and CEO Rich Leonardson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Gil Birdsong, Senior Vice President of Operations Administrator Paula Stone, and legal counsel Craig Simpson, four leaders who have played pivotal roles in shaping the company and guiding it to success.

Their dedicated service and commitment to the company have been instrumental in Westmark’s growth and achievements. Westmark will ensure a seamless transition and maintain their momentum of growth as the company moves to its next phase of leadership. The Board of Directors has selected Chief Lending Officer Mike Schenck as the next CEO. Schenck began his career at Westmark in 1992, working in various leadership positions.

Outgoing CEO Rich Leonardson stated, “Mike’s successful tenure at Westmark, experience in lending and branch administration, operations, technology, and staff management make him well-qualified to serve as CEO and help Westmark remain modern, appealing and ready to meet the future needs of Westmark members.” The company looks forward to a future of continued success driven by the dedicated and hard work of the new Westmark leadership.

“Rich and our retiring executive team members created a legacy at Westmark in over three decades of faithful service to our members and local communities,” Schenck said. “Under Rich’s leadership, Westmark grew from a $91 million financial cooperative to become a successful financial institution with $1.3 billion in assets and 15 branch locations serving nearly 75,000 members. The new executive leadership team is honored to continue this legacy and fulfill the credit union’s purpose of providing the best place for members to achieve their financial goals and dreams, the best place to work, and remaining a financially strong and enduring institution.”

Posted in Idaho, Regional Member News.