SAN ANTONIO—Leon Ewing, CEO of Firstmark Credit Union, announced he will retire at the end of the year.
Since Ewing took the helm in 1984, the credit union’s assets have grown from $54 million to $951 million today, while membership increased from 25,000 to more than 96,000. The organization increased from one location with 34 employees to 15 branches with more than 300 employees.
“Leon has been instrumental in guiding this credit union over the past thirty years. His leadership strategies have allowed us to keep pace with the changing needs of our membership while preserving our core values of excellent service,” Donald Pinson, chairman of the board, told PR Rocket.
After graduating from Abilene Christian University with a bachelor of science degree in economics, Ewing began his CU career in 1972 as an examiner, and later became senior examiner, with the Texas Credit Union Department. Beginning in 1975, he held key leadership positions with several Houston-area credit unions before joining Firstmark in 1981 as vice-president of operations.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve our members and community for so many years. Knowing that the credit union is financially sound and well positioned for its next stage of growth, I am confident about the credit union’s promising future,” stated Ewing. “I will be able to truly enjoy my retirement.”
During his career, Ewing has served as director on multiple financial industry boards, some of which include the Credit Union Legislative Coalition of Texas, the Texas Business Lending Group, Cornerstone Credit Union League, and Southwest Corporate Federal Credit Union. He served as a council/committee member, as well as chair for numerous subcommittees at CUNA, the Texas Credit Union Department, and CUES, where he also served as nominating committee chairman. Ewing was also appointed by the governor in 1992 to serve as a member of the Texas Credit Union Commission.