GFA Federal Credit Union

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  • Jul 29, 2024

GFA Announces Retirement of Long-Time Director, Charles P. Bowles

Charles (Chuck) Bowles, a leader in credit unions, is retiring from the GFA Federal Credit Union Board of Directors after 40 years of remarkable service.

His unwavering dedication to the financial industry and the credit union movement has left an indelible impact.

Bowles led GFA Federal Credit Union as the President and Chief Executive Officer from 1984 – 2009 and volunteered as a Board of Director from 2009 – 2024. His strategic planning and management expertise, partnered with his immediate prioritization of community engagement, significantly boosted membership, and created a strong team at GFA. He led the expansion of branches and services, enhancing recognition and meeting individual member and business needs.

“GFA is fortunate to have a Board that is comprised of professionals from a multitude of industries with extensive experience who volunteer their time – some, like Chuck, serving term after term to a mission they truly believe,” said Mark J. Hettinger, President & Chief Executive Officer, “After 40 years of dedicated service and leadership, Chuck Bowles stands, and will remain, as an important figure in the credit union industry, recognized not only for his achievements, but also his commitment to empowering communities through cooperative finance.”

Bowles showed relentless dedication to his community through volunteerism, contributions, and the creation and implementation of free financial literacy programs in schools, equipping individuals of all ages — including grade school, high school, and college students; adult learners; and even GFA employees with valuable financial knowledge and skills. His efforts not only promoted the significance of saving, but also fostered effective money management strategies throughout the community. Chuck’s dedication did not stop in the community. He partnered with Connecticut Online Computer Center (COCC) which introduced, at the time, new technology that made GFA a leader in electronic services with offerings such as debit cards, home banking, and web access.

Over the decades, Chuck has received numerous awards for his work, including being named Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and the CEO of America's #1 Community Credit Union in 2007. His leadership extended beyond GFA, as he served as a Director and Chair of Eastern Corporate FCU (EasCorp) and contributed to the Massachusetts Credit Union League. Chuck’s diverse leadership experiences, both within and outside of GFA, equipped him with insights into strategic management and governance. These experiences not only helped him steer GFA through various challenges but also enabled him to lead in each role by example within the credit union community – since 1984.

“After decades of dedicated service, we bid farewell to Chuck, whose unwavering commitment and visionary leadership have been instrumental in shaping our credit union's success,” said Doug Delay, Chairman of the GFA Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, “his legacy of integrity, wisdom, and compassion will continue to inspire us all as we move forward. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are profoundly grateful for Chuck’s contributions.”

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