Your financial journey is uniquely yours. No matter where you are in life, Gulf Winds is here to help you keep moving forward with convenient products and friendly service. We have come a long way since our founding in 1954, but our focus on members and being a dependable financial partner will never change. In October, my journey at Gulf Winds will be coming to an end, as I will be retiring after more than 20 years as the President and CEO.

Leading our Credit Union has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’m proud of our growth, humbled by my team, and gratified by our accomplishments. Of course, the Credit Union has been planning for my retirement and is prepared to make a seamless transition. The Board of Directors will select a qualified candidate, with proven experience in financial services. More importantly, the next leader of Gulf Winds will embody the values of our Credit Union, put our members first and care for our community.

Our Credit Union has always been about community and supporting each other through our shared strength. The Gulf Winds Cares Foundation was established in 2021 to formalize the longstanding charitable efforts of Gulf Winds. Donations are granted to key community partners in four focus areas — elder services, youth services, basic needs and financial education. We provide contributions that can be depended on year-after-year, to help create sustainable results. Our donation strategy is much like our Credit Union’s philosophy — we are committed to the longterm success of our partners, through both the good times and bad.

The Foundation also manages the Gulf Winds Scholarship Program. You can read about this year’s outstanding scholarship winners on the back of this newsletter. Next year, we will be adding a fifth scholarship for future medical professionals in honor of Micah Williams, the great-grandson of a long-time board member. Micah passed away due to a heart condition at just eight months of age. My family is proud to have endowed this scholarship to encourage motivated students into the medical profession to help people like Micah.

The Foundation represents the success of our Credit Union and is something we can all be proud of. I encourage you to learn more at GoGulfWinds.com/Foundation.

Thank you for your loyal membership. It has been an honor to serve you.

Chris J. Rutledge,
President & CEO