2020 Awards of Excellence-Richard Wright

 

Richard Wright's Nomination Letter reads:

"Richard Wright has served as Treasurer and CEO of RTN Federal Credit Union since 1993. He first joined RTN in 1987 as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. When Richard began as CEO, RTN’s asset size was $207 million and there were fewer than 50 employees. With Richard’s steady hand and financial acumen guiding RTN for more than a third of the Credit Union’s 75-year history, RTN has grown into one of the largest credit unions in Massachusetts, with nearly $1 billion in assets.

Richard has overseen RTN’s tremendous growth with his unique combination of financial savvy, solid management style and dry wit, and has directed RTN to adapt to ongoing change. During his tenure, RTN’s organizational structure was expanded to support the continuous growth, and products and services were added to serve the evolving needs of members. Richard has overseen the advancement of RTN’s technology infrastructure to ensure members have the convenience of 24/7 access to their accounts while maintaining compliance and online security. This includes implementation of the latest digital delivery channels, such as a current initiative to replace several ATMs with ITMs to enhance the member experience. Richard has established CUSO relationships such as RTN Realty Advisors LLC to bring new services to members. RTN’s member base and branch network have expanded through several mergers that Richard has brokered and managed.  

Throughout the organization’s growth, the corporate culture under Richard’s leadership has continued to reflect a family sensibility. Richard remains remarkably accessible to members and regularly counsels individual members who have questions about how to manage their finances.  

During his distinguished career, Richard has been an influential figure in the Massachusetts credit union industry. Richard has been a mentor to many credit union professionals, generously sharing his knowledge and wise counsel. Richard has extensive experience serving on the Board of Directors of corporate credit unions and credit union-related organizations. These include Central Credit Union Fund, Credit Union Retirement Association, and Credit Union Online. Richard currently serves as a Director on the Board of Eastern Corporate Federal Credit Union (EasCorp).

True to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, Richard has shepherded RTN’s ongoing and deep commitment to charitable efforts, social responsibility and financial education. RTN consistently meets the CCUA’s annual PAC fundraising goals thanks to Richard’s spearheading of RTN’s employee engagement and his own personal contributions. RTN has been a long-time participating credit union and sponsor of EasCorp’s Credit Unions Kids at Heart® fundraising programs, supporting their mission of helping children lead healthy and happy lives. RTN regularly holds financial education seminars on a variety of topics that help members learn how to purchase their first home and meet their financial goals.

One of the many honors the Credit Union has garnered during Richard’s tenure was being named the winner of the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) 2016 Award of Excellence in Social Responsibility for Massachusetts credit unions. RTN’s annual Walk Home fundraiser has raised and donated more than $180,000 to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and its A Bed for Every Child Program. RTN regularly supports a wide range of local non-profits and organizations that serve those in need, particularly in the communities where RTN has branch locations.

This year’s COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be perhaps the biggest challenge that any CEO could face and Richard has led RTN with an unwavering commitment to ensure the safety and health of staff and members. As the crisis unfolded, Richard calmly and tirelessly worked with senior staff to develop a response plan to ensure that RTN maintains business continuity to serve members, many of whom are themselves on the front lines of patient care and public safety as RTN is the Credit Union for many of the major hospitals and essential services in the region. As the pandemic is the reality for all of us for the foreseeable future, Richard continues to be a voice of reason and calm for staff and members.

Richard is a native of Hudson, MA. He earned a BS in Accounting from Bentley College, and an MBA from Nichols College. He currently resides in Marlborough."