Larissa Thurston first woman to hold position
MARLBOROUGH – The Board of Directors of St. Mary’s Credit Union recently announced the appointment of Larissa C. Thurston as St. Mary’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2021.
She succeeds James C. Garvey, who announced his retirement following eight years serving as President and CEO of the credit union, and 40 years in the financial services industry.
Thurston “brings a wealth of experience to this role” and is the first woman to lead St. Mary’s Credit Union as President and CEO since the organization’s founding in 1913.
Thurston joined St. Mary’s Credit Union as Chief Financial Officer in 2014 and has more than twenty years of “progressive banking experience.” Most recently, she served as St. Mary’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, where she provided vision, leadership, planning and management for technology, marketing, human resources, deposit operations, compliance, and finance plans and programs.
“Larissa has demonstrated extraordinary leadership over the years, and the Board is impressed with her dedication to our mission of being here for our members,” said Board of Directors Chair Gerard P. Richer, Esq. “Her years of experience in financial services and her commitment to make our communities a better place for all will serve St. Mary’s Credit Union well in the years ahead.”
As the credit union transitions to welcome Thurston as its new President and CEO, Richer also praised the work of Garvey.
“We also express our deepest gratitude to Jim Garvey for his years of exemplary service and dedication to the credit union,” he said. “Under his outstanding leadership, St. Mary’s Credit Union experienced extraordinary growth, achieved its highest member satisfaction survey results, reinvigorated our brand in the marketplace, and oversaw the development of several new branches in our service area. We wish Jim the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
St. Mary’s Credit Union is a $975 million credit union serving members from all walks of life. St. Mary’s is headquartered in Marlborough but now serves clients in communities across Eastern and Central Massachusetts.
