BRATTLEBORO — After 10 years at the helm as CEO of Members 1st Credit Union, Judith “Judy” Wisell has decided to retire. Succeeding Wisell is Richard “Rick” Chapin.
Under Wisell's leadership. the credit union has more than doubled its assets, from $5 million to $11 million. Membership also doubled during Wisell's years as the CEO and is now at 2,118 members.
In 2007, she managed the construction of an addition to the credit union's office on Browne Court, and added a second floor, which created more office space for future growth. The staff has grown from five employees to eight. She always remained close to the employees and members of the credit union.
Before joining Members 1st, Wisell was employed by Bakers Inc. for 40 years, leaving there as General Manager. During that time, she and her husband Gordon also ran the Central Street Market. Five years ago, Wisell and two of her sisters bought Avenue Grocery on Western Avenue. She has also been involved with many local organizations, fundraisers and First United Methodist Church's many ongoing projects.
She has been actively involved with the Vermont Credit Union Association, where she has served on several committees.
Bill Harvey, chair of the Members 1st Board of Directors, said that Wisell “was always patient, supportive and constructively involved with the board. Her positive outlook on life and her wonderful sense of humor will be missed.”
Chapin was born in Brattleboro and grew up in the surrounding towns of Marlboro, Dummerston, and Newfane. He went to Brattleboro Union High School and after graduation worked in various departments at American Optical Corp. for 15 years. In 1983, he and his wife, Catherine Fournier, and their two children, Eric and Sarah, moved to Guilford.
Chapin began work with TECCO, Inc. as their field manager in charge of the daily operations of the fire sprinkler crew. After 10 years with TECCO, Rick accepted a job with Metropolitan Life, where he specialized in investments and annuities. In 1997, he began a 14-year career with Chittenden Bank. He started as a financial service representative, was promoted to market manager at the Putney office in 2000, and was later promoted to vice president.
Through the years, Chapin has been very active in the community, serving in many different roles, among them Cub Scout and Webelos leader in Guilford. He has volunteered his time to many organizations such as the Reformer Christmas Stocking, the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Clambakes, March of Dimes, Gathering Place, Yellow Barn Music and Festival, Square and Round Dance Convention, and the Brattleboro Fourth of July parade. He is currently active with Strolling of the Heifers Parade and Valley Cares, Inc.
Wisell said she is looking forward to continuing her volunteer work with local organizations, and also to spend some more time with her husband, Gordon, and her mother Doris, 94, who lives with them.