Matthew Gehman ‘09 (left) has been appointed to lead Everence Federal Credit Union. He succeeds W. Kent Hartzler ‘94, who served as the credit union’s president and chief executive officer since 2007. (Courtesy photos)

Everence Federal Credit Union leadership transition involves alumni

by EMU communications

 

Matthew Gehman ‘09 has been appointed to lead Everence Federal Credit Union. He succeeds W. Kent Hartzler ‘94, who served as the credit union’s president and chief executive officer since 2007. 

The transition, which will occur April 1, 2021, was announced in a March press release.

Gehman first joined Everence in 2015, most recently serving as the chief lending officer. In making this transition, Gehman will also serve as a member of the Everence Senior Leadership Team.

His skills, capabilities and leadership qualities were affirmed in by Shirley Hochstetler, chair of the Everence Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, and Ken Hochstetler, president and CEO of Everence Financial (no relation to Shirley Hochstetler). 

“Our credit union services are key to achieving our vision to building stronger relationships with our increasingly diverse member base,” said Ken Hochstetler. “We look forward to Matt’s additional contribution as a member of our Senior Leadership Team, as we further align efforts and resources to help members integrate their faith and finances.”

Hartzler is stepping down to become a lead consultant with the North Group in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

“Under Kent’s leadership, our banking services have grown to the largest they’ve ever been, surpassing $285 million in assets in 2020 with record deposit growth and business loan production and expanded to include 20,000 members in all 50 states and more than 25 countries,” added Ken Hochstetler. “We wish him well in his transition and thank Kent for his dedicated service to Everence over the years.”

Prior to Everence, Gehman served in various regional banking roles, including credit analyst and commercial relationship manager. Gehman lives in Lancaster with his wife, Samantha, and two children.

Previously known as Mennonite Financial Federal Credit Union, the organization affiliated and rebranded alongside MMA (Mennonite Mutual Aid) to become Everence in 2010 – bringing together their collective, comprehensive faith-based financial stewardship services for individuals, organizations and churches. The rebranding symbolized the company’s desire and intent to become a new organization for future generations, putting faith into action to walk alongside members regardless of racial, ethnic, gender or socio-economic backgrounds.