LANSING, Mich. — The $600-million LAFCU here has named a new CEO to replace the retiring Robin Frucci. The credit union has named Patrick Spyke as CEO effective April 1.
Spyke, executive vice president at LAFCU since 2013, has 35 years of financial industry experience, 25 of which are in the credit union community. His career has included work in many different functions including operations, regulatory compliance and government relations, sales and service, marketing, and as CEO at Parkside Credit Union in Livonia, Mich.
“Pat is the epitome of a great leader,” said Harold Foster, chairman of LAFCU’s board of directors. “His positive perspective and natural ability to build consensus and camaraderie among employees and local communities are assets for LAFCU and for mid-Michigan. His laser-like focus on improving member services will continue to strengthen LAFCU and the communities it serves.”
Among Spyke’s many achievements at LAFCU are the recent technology overhaul to improve the online banking experience and the implementation of interactive teller machines, a cutting-edge innovation in the credit union industry.
Foster said that Spyke is a visionary with staff, advocating mentoring and empowering employees to be problem-solvers and to build on their strengths. Similarly, he is a strong proponent of taking an active role in building strong communities through relationships and donating time and funds to community causes and organizations.
“I look forward to continuing LAFCU’s legacy of providing innovative, state-of-the-art member services and advocating for stronger communities through our philosophy of ‘people helping people,’” Spyke said.
Spyke has a long history of volunteerism in which he has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable causes and worked to harness credit union industry resources to help build a stronger community and industry. He is a board member for the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Lansing; and credit union service organizations Member First Mortgage, Grand Rapids; Member Driven Technologies, Farmington Hills; and Commercial Alliance, Troy. He also is a former volunteer for Financial Health Credit Union, now Option 1 Credit Union, Grand Rapids.
Frucci’s credit union career spans more than 30 years. During Frucci’s 11 years as CEO, LAFCU assets increased 34%, equity grew 54% and membership grew 11% to nearly 60,000.