Back to Press Room

EastRise Credit Union Announces Retirement of CEO John Dwyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 6, 2026

John Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer of EastRise Credit Union, has formally announced his intention to retire effective June 5, 2026, concluding an exceptional 38-year tenure with the organization as President and COO and serving as CEO for the last 15 years.

Williston, Vermont, January 6, 2026: John Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer of EastRise Credit Union, has formally announced his intention to retire effective June 5, 2026, concluding an exceptional 38-year tenure with the organization as President and COO and serving as CEO for the last 15 years.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dwyer demonstrated purpose-driven leadership, achieving significant milestones in membership growth, community impact, accountability, and organizational development.

“John’s unwavering dedication to the credit union movement amid decades of transformation, challenge, innovation, and disruption is deeply appreciated,” stated Art Woolf, Chair of the EastRise Board of Directors. “His authentic leadership exemplifies how a clear organizational purpose can be aligned with a broader mission, ultimately creating value for both individuals and communities.”

Among his many achievements, Dwyer positioned the credit union as a leader in mortgage lending, advanced investments in technology and infrastructure, and broadened service offerings to include comprehensive, innovative banking solutions. He fostered partnerships and initiatives targeting critical needs such as Vermont’s housing shortage, food insecurity, financial inclusion, environmental sustainability, and overall community well-being. In addition, he serves as a long-standing Trustee and Finance Committee Chair for the University of Vermont Health, further demonstrating his commitment to purposeful financial stewardship.

“John is widely respected as a key figure in Vermont’s business landscape, influencing affordable housing strategies and sustainable development with a commitment to vision and partnership. He challenged us to think boldly about what a credit union can be, and his legacy is the strong foundation he leaves behind. We extend our deepest gratitude to John,” said Spencer Newman, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. “Nonetheless, we are eager to advance the forward-thinking strategic framework John established under new leadership to reach the next horizon of growth, impact and member value.”

Newman is leading a Board of Directors search committee in collaboration with Korn Ferry, a global executive recruiting firm, to conduct a nationwide search for a successor CEO, with a selection anticipated by May 2026.

EastRise Badge
Email: info@eastrise.com Call: 800.400.8790

With Vermont roots going back 75 years, EastRise Credit Union is a true local partner for our 170,000 members in Vermont and beyond. We go out of our way to provide the financial tools and guidance that help our members and communities build stronger and more sustainable financial futures. From trusted digital banking and a relationship-first approach to affordable home ownership and green lending, EastRise is committed to doing better and raising the bar for everyone.