Brandon, FL (March 10, 2023) – Florida West Coast Credit Union, a full-service cooperative financial institution, announced the retirement of longtime President/CEO, Mary Ott Wood effective October 27, 2023, after 24 years of service.
Serving others has been the guiding principle throughout Mary Ott Wood’s entire career. She began her dedication to credit unions at the age of 19 while working at Navy Orlando FCU (now Fairwinds CU).
True to her philosophy of ongoing learning, while Mary worked full time at the credit union, her second job waitressing helped her enroll in night college classes at the University of Central Florida beginning in 1978. She is no stranger to endurance since her passion for track and cross-country in high school prepared her for the long-distance challenge of earning her B.S.B.A. finance degree over the next 11 years.
Mary went from part time credit card clerk, to teller, to accounting department manager, then branch manager and finally Assistant VP over 15 years of service at Fairwinds Credit Union. The next five years saw her as Executive VP at Martin FCU during which time she earned the esteemed Certified Credit Union Executive (C.C.U.E.) designation.
Since 1999, Mary has led the Florida West Coast Credit Union (FWCCU) as President/CEO, building a thriving, financially strong credit union that serves over 10,000 members. Since taking the helm, alongside a strong volunteer board of directors and audit committee, she has grown FWCCU from $19 million to its present $128 million status with 5 offices and 30 employees. With dedication to credit union operating principles, Mary leaves a healthy institution with exceptional audits and exams, to the next generation of leaders.
Mary was nationally honored by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) with the prestigious Buck Levins award, alongside her husband, Art Wood, for their dedication to political advocacy on behalf of credit union members. As political advocates supporting consumer legislation, Mary was invited along with 9 other national delegates to the West Wing to represent credit unions to then President Donald Trump. To her good fortune, on the same day, she met President George W. Bush.
“Mary’s success as a leader is built on the credit union philosophy of People Helping People. She exemplifies this value every day by serving county employees and building collaborative relations with everyone she meets. We will miss her inspirational leadership as she embarks on this new chapter in retirement,” said Chris Boles, Chairman of the FWCCU Board.
In standing up for consumers, Mary was sought out frequently as a leader at both state and national associations over 20 years, serving as Chair and board member for the League of Southeastern Credit Unions, Central Florida Chapter of Credit Unions, Florida Council of the Credit Union Executive Society, CUNA’s Advocacy Committee and State Subcommittee. As a board member of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation, Mary also dedicates additional time to serve her local community.
Florida West Coast Credit Union Seeks President/CEO
With the retirement of Mary Ott Wood, Florida West Coast Credit Union is actively searching for a full-time President/CEO. The Board of Directors is seeking candidates with a minimum of 10 years executive level experience in credit unions.
Qualified candidates must possess proven leadership qualities, understanding of credit union philosophy, compliance and regulations impacting credit unions, a thorough understanding of financial management, and the ability to maintain and grow both membership and financial products.
A bachelor’s degree in finance (or related fields) is preferred, although comparable work experience and specialized training will be considered. Candidate must be willing to relocate and work on-site at the main office in Brandon, Florida.
Relationship building skills are a priority as the CEO must confidently relate and easily engage with political and elected leadership since FWCCU serves county government employees and their families.
Please send cover letter and resume, along with salary history and requirements to resume@fwccu.com no later than Friday, April 21, 2023. Florida West Coast CU is an equal opportunity employer.
About Florida West Coast Credit Union (FWCCU)
FWCCU is a full-service financial institution headquartered in Brandon, Florida. Organized in 1942, FWCCU serves Hillsborough and Pasco County employees and their family members. It operates as a not-for-profit cooperative that encourages thrift by providing loans at fair and reasonable rates, paying competitive dividends on savings products and implementing fewer service fees. It is owned by members, with a board of directors and other volunteer committees elected by the membership. For more information about Florida West Coast Credit Union, contact Elizabeth Chavez at 813-643-5572 ext. 119 or email echavez@fwccu.com.
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