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After nearly a quarter of a century with the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent, Jeff Gray (pictured above), Senior VP, officially retires at the close of business on Friday, April 1. "It's been a great ride working with great people, watching the industry change and being a part of the growth of these organizations," Gray said as he reflected just before his last day.
Jeff began his nearly twenty-four year career with Synergent in 1992 as Vice President of Direct Marketing Services. In his current capacity as Senior Vice President, he has lead the organization's Direct Marketing Services, Business Development and Corporate Marketing divisions.
John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League, praised Gray for his "dedication and enthusiasm for helping credit unions, and for his many contributions to our organization. Jeff has made numerous contributions to the organization and the credit unions we serve during his successful career with Synergent and he has never lost focus on providing credit unions with quality products supported through a high level of service."
Among his many accomplishments during his time with Synergent and the League, he helped develop youth marketing programs for Maine credit unions including the popular Monty Moose Youth Savers Program; brought the idea of a Financial Fitness Fair to Maine CUs; and was a founding member of the Maine Credit Union League Marketing Council.
"I have developed so many wonderful friendships and relationships over the years, so that will be quite an adjustment not having the daily and regular interaction with employees and credit unions. I have been fortunate to truly enjoy what I do, so I've enjoyed coming to work. I will miss the people the most," he added.
Murphy said that Succession Planning became one of the organization's top priorities "four years ago and, since that time, we have been actively planning to meet the needs of the organization when retirements occur. Nick Chasse, who was recently promoted to Vice President of Business Development, will assume the leadership of Synergent's Business Development activities and Doug MacDonald, Vice President of Direct Marketing Services, will lead that Division. Both Nick and Doug will report to Gary Glenn, Synergent's Executive Vice President. Deb Trautman, who serves as Vice President of Corporate Marketing and who recently joined the organization's Senior Leadership Team, will report directly to me."
Gray expressed his appreciation to all of the people who "he had the opportunity to work with over the years. This is a great industry, and the future is bright." For Gray, though, that future will now be focused on spending more time with his wife, Crickette, traveling to visit his grandchildren and a number of other activities. He leaves with best wishes from everyone!