Vermont Business Magazine John Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer of EastRise Credit Union, based in Williston, 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,” said 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.
About EastRise Credit Union:
With Vermont roots going back over 77 years, EastRise Credit Union is a local, member-owned financial institution with more than 450 employees serving 170,000 members primarily in Vermont. The $3.1 billion financial cooperative is a people-first, community-driven, and values-based credit union poised as a leader in mortgage lending, green and sustainable lending, state of the art digital and member experience services, and community impact.
Williston, Vermont, January 6, 2026: EASTRISE.COM
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