GCU Announces Incoming President and CEO
A letter from Guardian Credit Union Chairman of the Board, Bob Jelinek
Fellow GCU Members and Community,
Following the retirement announcement of Kevin Nitka earlier this year, the GCU Board of Directors initiated a comprehensive search for his successor. To ensure a thoughtful and strategic selection process, I appointed a special CEO Search Committee to work in collaboration with our Human Resources team and the external executive search firm MRA.
Led by Rose Bartkowiak, Chair of the HR Committee, and supported by Darci Middaugh, Chair of the Supervisory Committee, and John Bosbous, Vice-Chair of the Board, the committee conducted an extensive evaluation of both internal and external candidates. Their recommendations were presented at a recent special Board of Directors meeting where a unanimous decision was reached.
We are pleased to announce that Steve Heiderer has accepted the offer to serve as GCU’s next President and CEO. Effective immediately, Steve will assume the interim role of Incoming President and CEO and will officially step into the position on February 1, 2026.
Steve brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this role, having held several executive positions throughout his 17 year career at GCU. We are confident in his ability to lead GCU’s continued growth, innovation, and additional member engagement offerings in the future.
Please join us in congratulating Steve on his appointment.
Sincerely,
Bob Jelinek
Chairman