The Board of Directors of Leominster Credit Union has appointed John J. O’Brien President and CEO. O’Brien will assume the role from Carol A. Southworth who has served as interim President and CEO since January.
O’Brien joined LCU in 2007 as Senior Vice President of Lending where he was responsible for the credit union’s real estate, consumer, and indirect lending programs, as well as its loan servicing and collections operations. O’Brien has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and previously worked in operations, sales and planning capacities at Household International, and HSBC after it acquired Household.
“The Board is extremely pleased with the appointment of John O’Brien as President and CEO,” said Anthony A. Gasbarro, Chairman of the Board. “By selecting a candidate of John’s caliber from inside the Credit Union, not only did we find someone with great leadership and management skills, but one who knows the organization very well and who, as a member of the Executive Team, has helped establish its goals and strategic direction throughout the past five years.”
“I am truly honored to have been named as President and CEO of such a great institution as Leominster Credit Union,” said O’Brien. “Over the past 5 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with an outstanding team who is truly dedicated to making the Credit Union the best it can be. I believe that because of this talented and committed staff, my transition to President and CEO will be virtually seamless to the members and communities we serve.”
“One of LCU’s most important goals is to give back to the community,” said Gasbarro. “The Directors wanted a President who is active in our local area and who will help the Credit Union continue to uphold this value. John has been active in his local community where he currently serves on the Parks Facilities Committee and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectman. He previously served on the Zoning Board of Appeal.”
In addition to his service to his hometown, O’Brien has also been a member of the North Central and Worcester Chambers of Commerce, North Central Chamber Golf Scholarship Fundraising Committee and the Steering Committee of the New England Credit Union League Lending Council.
O’Brien served for four years in the United States Air Force, and attended the University of Maryland, Holyoke Community College and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He and his wife reside in West Boylston, and are the parents of two adult children.
Carol Southworth, Senior Vice President of Retail filled the President/CEO role on an interim basis since January. “The Board is grateful to Carol for the excellent job she did during the interim period,” said Gasbarro. “Carol’s leadership skills kept the credit union’s performance and strategic initiatives moving forward while we conducted our search to fill the position.”
President and CEO, Leominster Credit Union