Hockley County Credit Union (HCCU) is being led with the dedicated leadership and loyalty of Russell Vest, CEO, who has been at the helm for the past 31 years.
Vest, who went to work for bank straight out of high school, was chosen to replace the credit union manager in 1994 and has seen many changes throughout the years.
“The biggest changes are in technology,” said Vest. “All the paperwork was done by hand, and reports were printed and sent out by mail.”
With the advent of improved technology came advances for HCCU, which has seen several location changes for expansion, increased staff and now a new building to accommodate the growing number of members.
Vest said since the early days, HCCU assets have increased from $8 million to $42 million, and its membership has grown from 1,500 to 3,000 served by a staff of 12 full- time and three part-time employees – all through dedication and hard work.
“We take pride in what we do and helping our members,” said Vest.
According to Vest, HCCU began as the Hockley County School Employees Credit Union in 1954 and was strictly for school employees and immediate families. In 2018, the credit union was opened up to allow city and hospital employees to be members, and last year, opened membership up to the public.
“Many of our members are generational and we have loyal employees who have been here from 10 to 16 years and understand the business and value of providing good service to the community,” said Vest.
Vest stressed the key to HCCU’s success is its loyalty to customers, honesty and transparency – and his 31 years as CEO is proof that it works.
Vest arrived in Levelland from Andrews in 1973 and has been an active member of the community for 52 years.
Vest and his wife Angie, who also works at HCCU in marketing and operations, have three children and five grandchildren (with one the way).
Vest is active in Lion’s Club, the SPC Foundation, Love Levelland, LISD Life Foundation and Chamber of Commerce among other community organizations and has spent time speaking to high school business classes offering them valuable information on personal finance. Vest is a member of the First Baptist Church.