Gardner-based GFA Federal Credit Union has appointed a new member to its board of directors as Charles Bowles has announced his retirement following a 40-year tenure with GFA.
Bowles served as president and CEO of the credit union from 1984 to 2009 before transitioning to his role on the board, according to a Thursday press release from GFA.
Throughout his employment with GFA, Bowles spearheaded branch expansions of what is today the eighth-largest credit union in Central Massachusetts when ranked by assets by the WBJ Research Department.
In addition to his professional career, Bowles helped implement free financial literacy school programs for students and GFA employees alike.
“After decades of dedicated service, we bid farewell to Chuck, whose unwavering commitment and visionary leadership have been instrumental in shaping our credit union’s success,” Doug Delay, chairman of the board, said in the release, “his legacy of integrity, wisdom, and compassion will continue to inspire us all as we move forward. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are profoundly grateful for Chuck’s contributions.”
Replacing Bowles is Brooke Czasnowski, who previously served on the credit union’s supervisory committee.
Czasnowski is the assistant general manager at electric utility company Ashburnham Municipal Light Plant. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from West Virginia Wesleyan College and her master’s in business administration from Fitchburg State University.
“We look forward to Brooke joining the Board of Directors. Her leadership and expertise with financial reporting and organizational management strengthen our Board,” Delay said in the release. “I am confident that her contributions will continue to propel GFA towards even greater achievements in our mission to earn the trusted position as a financial solutions partner, for all life’s occasions – while remaining invested in our communities.”
Founded in 1938, GFA had accumulated $693.3 million in assets as of March 31, with 96 employees throughout 10 locations, according to the WBJ Research Department.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
