The Board of Directors of North Island Credit Union announced the hiring of seasoned credit union executive John Tippets as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. Tippets will begin work at the credit union this Thursday, November 5th. Tippets will replace Michael Maslak who retired from the credit union in January.

"John Tippets has a distinguished credit union career, including leading one of the country's largest credit unions for seventeen years, which makes him an excellent choice," stated Jack Lewis, Chairman of the Board.

Tippets is the former CEO of The American Airlines Federal Credit Union in Dallas, Texas, which is now $5.4 billion in assets and is the 9th largest credit union in the country. He retired from American Airlines in June 2008 after 42 years in the airline industry, with the last 17 as CEO of the credit union. Given the unprecedented economy and the challenges it poses to the credit union system, Tippets is excited to return to a leadership role within the industry and share his talent and expertise in guiding the future of North Island Credit Union.

"I am excited to be joining the North Island Credit Union team and coming to San Diego. I have visited this credit union in the past and I know of its great history and its exceptional loyal member-owners. I have a love for credit unions and their work to improve the financial welfare of those they serve," stated Tippets. "My dad was in the US Navy in the 1930's, he trained at San Diego and served on board the USS Saratoga and subsequently on the USS San Francisco. I have personally done business in San Diego on many occasions over the years, have friends here and I really look forward to living here."

The announcement of Tippets as CEO is viewed as a very positive move for North Island Credit Union and the local credit union community.

"North Island Financial Credit Union has long been recognized for its strength and innovation in providing high quality financial services to consumers and businesses in San Diego," said Bill Cheney, President/CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. "John Tippets is a highly regarded national credit union leader who will continue that tradition, and his selection as the new CEO is a welcome addition to the California credit union community."