News

Dear Members,

After more than four decades in the financial services industry, I will turn the page and begin a new chapter in my life. Effective June 30, 2023, I retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Harvest Credit Union. 

When I began my career in the banking industry as an internal auditor, the Rubik’s Cube had just debuted in toy stores, the average Dow Jones closing price was 891.14, and the median household income in the United States was about $17,710. As time progressed, so did my career in the banking industry, and in 2015, I was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of your credit union, and in 2018, I was privileged to be offered the opportunity to lead as President and Chief Executive Officer.

One of the qualities that initially attracted me to First Harvest is its connection and commitment to the community. I have worked to keep that tradition alive, to fund donations, sponsorships, and scholarships, and to encourage our leadership and staff to share their time and talents with non-profits throughout the region.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how exceptional the leadership and staff are. I have had the pleasure of working with some of the kindest, most devoted, and most professional people here at First Harvest, and I’m truly grateful for their support, dedication, and friendship. Together, we prevailed through the challenges of COVID-19 while launching a new brand and implementing computer enhancements. As a team, we kept the organization operationally strong and financially sound for you.

I value the loyalty of each credit union member, and I want you to know that every decision I have made over the past eight years was based on finding a way to continually offer products, services, and rates that would help each of you reach your financial goals.

In the words of Sir Robert-Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement, I have always tried to leave this world a little better than I found it. I hope this holds true based on the advancements made at First Harvest under my leadership. I believe there is still more work to be done, and I look forward to watching the staff, leadership, and Board of Directors achieve even greater success in years to come.

I know I will be leaving you in good hands. The Board of Directors has appointed Michael Dinneen as the next President and Chief Executive Officer, and I am confident that the credit union will continue to thrive under his leadership.

With my sincere gratitude for serving you,

Ernest D. Huggard, CPA

President & Chief Executive Officer