A Fond Farewell from CEO Mark Shobe

The Board of Directors of DFCU Financial is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Goldberg to lead our team as President and Chief Executive Officer effective March 28.

It is with mixed emotions that I pass the baton to Ryan’s very capable hands. There are no words that can express how sincerely grateful I am for the privilege of working with you. This organization has been my home for the best years of my professional career.
 
We can all be so proud of what we have accomplished together. This now nearly $7 billion credit union has grown more than 600% in assets and earnings are more than 20 times 2000 results. DFCU Financial is known nationally as one of the most efficiently operated credit unions in the country. Our continued strong financial performance has placed us in the top 10 among peer credit unions nationally in earnings performance for 20 consecutive years.
 
As you know, this outstanding financial performance has allowed us to pay Cash Back awards to members each January since 2006. The payout continued to increase each year, and $36.1 million was paid this January. This is the largest special dividend in the history of the credit union industry. To date, more than $392.8 million has been given back to members.
 
Over the years we have been instrumental in soliciting and acting on member feedback. As a result, we initiated and grew a thriving full-service, advice-based investment services department; launched commercial banking services; platform sales and service programs have been implemented; and a major branch expansion program was undertaken to better and more conveniently serve members. This includes the 2009 merger of CapCom Credit Union and 2010 merger of MidWest Financial Credit Union. These mergers provided DFCU Financial with geographic diversification into the Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Grand Rapids markets. The total number of branch offices has expanded from six to 27 since 2000. Number 28 will open this fall in Rochester Hills.
 
We have created a strong level of pride and satisfaction among employees. This has resulted in DFCU Financial earning a number of distinctions, including being named one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions by Forbes Magazine four years running (the only credit union in Michigan to do so), one of the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For™ in the nation for 10 years, in Metropolitan Detroit for eight years and in West Michigan for the past 10 years, and a Detroit Free Press “Top Workplace” for the last 14 years.
 
Ryan brings 30 years’ experience in retail and commercial banking, wealth management, and retirement services. He comes from Alerus Financial Corporation where he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer. Previously, as Head of Retail Banking for Flagstar, his team led the largest acquisition in the company’s history with the purchase of 52 offices from Wells Fargo doubling its customer base.

As Executive Vice President, Regions Financial Corporation, he ran the Branch Small Business and Priority Banking segments throughout the South, Midwest and Texas.

He has worked and lived in metro Detroit, which will lend to a smooth transition to the greater metro Detroit and Michigan communities. Ryan received his Bachelor of Science in Finance with Cum Laude distinction from Florida State University. He was named Top 40 Under 40 by both Gulfshore Business and the Tampa Bay Business Journal. 

DFCU has a longstanding commitment to our membership and the goals for the future will be continued loan and deposit growth for our members and engagement with the communities we support. 

Sincerely,
Mark Shobe