BluPeak Credit Union President/CEO Jim Harris Announces Retirement

press release

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2021) – BluPeak Credit Union (BluPeak Credit Union) President and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Harris, has announced his retirement following a 15-year career at the helm of the credit union. Mr. Harris will remain involved with the credit union to ensure a smooth transition during the final stages of the succession plan.

The Board of Directors of BluPeak Credit Union has appointed Todd Tharp, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Tharp offers more than two decades of experience across various financial and business practices, including his current responsibilities for a number of the credit union’s operational business units.

“The Board would like to thank Jim for his leadership over the past 15 years,” said Josh Lawrence, BluPeak Credit Union Board Chair. “With his guidance, Jim has helped the credit union’s asset size grow to $1.3 billion, and he’s helped foster a people-focused culture that continues to align with the credit union’s purpose and mission. We thank Jim for his commitment to BluPeak Credit Union, and we wish him all the best in his much-deserved retirement.”

Harris has worked in the credit union industry for more than 45 years, serving in every facet of credit union operations. Throughout his career, Harris played key roles in the creation of several credit union initiatives, including in part a shared ATM network (CU 24/Money Center 24), a mortgage company (CU Mortgage/CUNA Mutual Mortgage), and an indirect auto financing company (Credit Union Direct Lending). Harris first joined BluPeak Credit Union in 2004, and was promoted from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer to President and Chief Executive Officer in 2006. Under his leadership, BluPeak Credit Union was consistently recognized by its employees as a top workplace and among the best-of-the-best in multiple employee surveys. He also supported a variety of organizations to expand BluPeak Credit Union’s purpose, mission and vision throughout the community.

“I’m proud to have been part of this diverse and inclusive company,” said Harris. “It’s been an honor and privilege to connect with the BluPeak Credit Union team, our members and the local community. I look forward to the continued success of this credit union and the growth of this amazing team.”

The Board of Directors maintains a strategic focus for BluPeak Credit Union and is actively recruiting for a new Chief Executive Officer.

About BluPeak Credit Union

Founded in 1936, University & State Employees Credit Union (BluPeak Credit Union) empowers nearly 60,000 members to achieve financial wellness through a full range of financial products and services, including checking and savings options, credit cards, loans, mortgages and more. BluPeak Credit Union now has more than $1.3 billion in assets and offers accessibility to its members through eight branches in California, nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs across the nation and 24/7 Online and Mobile Banking access.

BluPeak Credit Union membership is open to all California university employees and students as well as California state employees, including California Department of Motor Vehicles, California Highway Patrol, CalPERS and CalTrans, along with others who live, work or worship in Alameda County, Sacramento County, San Diego County, Santa Clara County and Yolo County. As a not-for-profit community leader, BluPeak Credit Union partners with causes, events and organizations that reflect a commitment to health, wellness and inclusiveness. Learn more at www.blupeak.com.

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