March 18, 2021 3:45 a.m.

In the KQEN Business Spotlight:

Rogue Credit Union has announced that the organization’s long-time President and Chief Executive Officer Gene Pelham, is planning to retire in the spring of 2022.

Pelham has spent more than 18 years with Rogue.

A release said with over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, Pelham spent the majority of his career as part of the not-for-profit credit union movement. Rogue Credit Union Board Chair Philip Smith said, “Under Gene’s leadership, Rogue Credit Union has thrived and become a movement leader”. Smith said Pelham’s strategic vision, dedication to developing leaders, commitment to community and dedication to doing what’s right for members “…are lasting legacies”.

The release said Pelham joined the credit union in 2003 and has served as its fourth President/CEO since 2007. Under his leadership, Rogue grew from serving 39,400 members with $503 million in assets to serving over 166,000 members with over $2.50 billion in assets today.

The release said Pelham successfully led Rogue through the Great Recession, the purchase and assumption of Chetco Federal Credit Union and most recently, the merger with Malheur Federal Credit Union. During his tenure, Rogue expanded from seven branches to a network of twenty-seven locations, employing over 550 team members.

In light of Pelham’s pending retirement, Rogue’s Board of Directors has named current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Matt Stephenson the new president. Pelham will retain the position of CEO until retirement.