St. Mary’s Credit Union Names Grace Lee as New President and CEO
St. Mary’s Credit Union announces the appointment of Grace Lee as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Grace Lee brings a deep and diverse background in finance, banking, as well as private and public sector service to St. Mary's Credit Union and has officially assumed the role effective Monday, August 18, 2025.
“Congratulations to Grace Lee on being named President and CEO of St. Mary’s Credit Union,” said Ron McLean, President/CEO, CCUA. “Grace’s impressive leadership experience, commitment to community impact, and passion for serving others will be a tremendous asset to St. Mary’s Credit Union as it continues to grow and evolve. We also commend Jim Petkewich for his strong guidance during this transition and continued dedication to the credit union movement.”
A Proven Leader with Deep Roots in Public and Community Service
Lee joins St. Mary's Credit Union after serving as Eastern Massachusetts Regional President and Group Lead of New England Government Banking at M&T Bank, where she was responsible for the overall strategic development and growth of the MA market. In addition, Lee championed the M&T Charitable Foundation's efforts, which contributed $3.3 million to Massachusetts nonprofits and oversaw 12,600 hours of employee volunteer work in 2023.
She has held leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, including positions with People's United, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC, and the State of Massachusetts Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General. Lee also served as a civil rights attorney for the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, and as chief of the civil rights division for the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office.
“Grace brings a rare blend of executive leadership, government insight, community passion, and deep operational expertise,” said Jerry Richer, Chair of the St. Mary's Credit Union Board of Directors. “Her understanding of both systems and people will be an asset leading St. Mary's Credit Union into its next chapter.”
Lee is deeply involved in the community, serving on boards and advisory committees, including the Roxbury Community College Foundation, the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, the New England Council, and the New England Legal Foundation. She also serves on the Boards of Directors for the Mass High Tech Council and the South Shore Hospital, and is an active leader in the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Lee’s background and commitment to community impact will serve as a powerful asset in St. Mary's Credit Union’s work across MetroWest’s growing communities. Her community-driven values align with St. Mary’s mission and culture, and she looks forward to immersing herself in and building upon the credit union’s legacy.
“St. Mary’s is a best-in-class institution,” said Lee. “I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity to lead an organization with such an outstanding reputation, which has outperformed its peers by prioritizing its members.”
A graduate of California State University of Northridge, CA, Lee also holds a Juris Doctor from New England Law in Boston, MA.
Honoring the Stewardship of Jim Petkewich
As St. Mary's Credit Union welcomes a new leader, the organization also extends its deepest gratitude to Jim Petkewich, who has served as Interim President and CEO since July 2024 with exceptional dedication during a time of transition.
“We are very grateful to Jim for his steady leadership during this transition period,” said Richer. “He is and will continue to be a valued leader on our team.”
“Jim has been an anchor for St. Mary's Credit Union and the community,” said Lee. “His stewardship has not only sustained the organization—it has strengthened it. I’m honored that Jim will continue to be part of our leadership team as our Chief Operating Officer. Working in lockstep, our complementary strengths will make St. Mary’s a powerhouse for the communities we serve.”
