Kirk Kordeleski, the well-respected CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, has stepped down due to health concerns, the nonprofit financial cooperative announced Wednesday.
The credit union’s board of directors immediately named Wayne Grosse, the longtime chief operating officer at Bethpage FCU, interim CEO.
“Wayne has been a leader in the Long Island financial community for over 30 years,” the board of directors said in a statement. “He has been at Bethpage for 15 years and has served as Bethpage COO for the past seven. The appointment provides continuity of leadership and reinforces our commitment to the financial strength, integrity and reliability of Bethpage Federal Credit Union.”
In a statement, Grosse said he’s proud of Bethpage FCU’s growth during his time there, and is looking forward to his new role.
Kordeleski issued a statement on Facebook, saying he made changes in his life “for my health and the good of our families (mine and Bethpage).”
“I love Bethpage and while some things may be slightly different under the great Wayne Grosse the general approach to supporting LI financial needs and to be fair to everyone, and commitment to a successful future for all LI[er]s will never change,” he added. “That is what is different between credit unions and banks. Wayne is a great man, leading a world class team. Support him and the company. To all my friends thank you for [your] generosity and support. I will see [you] in the near future.”
Kordeleski, who will also reportedly step down as chairman of the Long Island Association, did not say what has been ailing him.
” Kirk is one of Long Island’s finest individuals,” said Kevin Law, president and chief executive officer of the Long Island Association, a business lobbying group. “He passionately cares about our region and has touched the lives of so many of us. He is a champion of economic development and is also one the most philanthropic CEO’s who cares deeply about those not making it in this new economy. While I will miss him as my chairman, he will never stop being my friend.”
Kordeleski joined Bethpage in 1992. He was named CEO in 2002 and has been a force in the Long Island business community ever since. During his tenure, Bethpage has gained a respected reputation and now boasts more than 220,000 members, the majority of whom live on Long Island. The credit union has close to $5.7 billion in assets.
During his tenure at Bethpage, Kordeleski has been a public supporter of arts and culture in our area, from WFUV-FM, the nonprofit station at Fordham, to Arts Alive LI, the nonprofit community arts program.
