After 41 years in the credit union industry, Kevin Lukey is ready to retire.
Lukey is stepping down from his Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position with Cornerstone Credit Union and entering the world of retirement. He has held the position for 26 years.
“It was time for me to move on,” he said.
Lukey’s long tenure with the company will come to a close on Oct. 20. He will pass the CEO reins to Doug Jones, who will begin his new role on Oct. 23.
“It’s a privilege and an honour,” Jones said. “I’m very excited.”
Lukey informed Cornerstone about his intentions to retire over a year ago. The company conducted a rigorous recruiting process, finally settling on Jones.
Larry Malinowski, Board of Directors President for Cornerstone, pointed to Jones’ knowledge and skillset as to why he was chosen.
“[Jones] has worked his way up from the bottom,” he said.
“[Jones] has the background experience,” Lukey said.
Jones wants to help Cornerstone continue to grow by focusing on its members.
“Our members are our owners,” he said. “That’s our number-one priority.”
Lukey has been helping Jones transition into his new role.
“[Lukey’s] had tremendous success,” Jones said.
Lukey’s career began forty-one years ago, when he entered the credit union industry right out of high school in 1976. He worked around Saskatchewan for decades before being offered the Cornerstone CEO position in Yorkton in 1996.
“I had the experience they were looking for,” he said.
Lukey is proud of his tenure with the company. He’s watched it grow into the fifth-largest credit union in the province with over $1 billion in assets. But he’s most pleased with his relationship with his employees.
“Making our culture a great place to work,” he said. “I’m most proud of that.
“[Co-workers] have been like family.”
“[Lukey] surrounded himself with strong people,” Malinowski said. “[He’s] well respected.”
Lukey is leaving his job, but he’s staying in his adopted home.
“We aren’t planning on leaving Yorkton,” he said. “We love the community.”
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