Rochester, NH — Holy Rosary Credit Union has announced that President and CEO Brian Hughes will retire on December 31, 2026, after more than a 45-year career in financial services and 22 years of visionary leadership at the Rochester, NH based credit union.
Since 2004, Hughes guided HRCU by strengthening its commitment to providing excellent member service, expanding the branch network, implementing modern digital technologies and engaging with the community. Most recently, Hughes spearheaded the establishment of an innovative new branch in Greenland, NH, a community that had been without a local financial institution for 20 years.
“Leading HRCU has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Hughes. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with an outstanding team dedicated to our members and communities. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together and I look forward to seeing the credit union continue to grow. I am appreciative for the support and leadership of our Board of Directors and volunteers over the years and very grateful for the many friends I have made along the way.”
Hughes began his career at Shawmut Bank in 1981, but since 1985 his heart has been in the credit union movement when he took a position as an internal auditor at his hometown credit union in Brockton, MA. As a staunch advocate for credit unions, he has served on several credit union-related committees and boards, such as the Cooperative Credit Union Association and Tricorp Federal Credit Union Board of Directors.
His commitment to giving back didn’t stop there, as he became involved at the leadership level of many local and regional not-for-profit organizations, including Chairman of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and member of the Rochester Rotary Club, with a passion of giving back to the community. This past December, Hughes was also inducted into the Make-A-Wish New Hampshire Legends Through Time Hall of Fame for his work collaborating statewide with New Hampshire credit unions.
“Brian’s leadership, integrity and deep commitment to the credit union mission and our communities have helped position HRCU for long-term success,” said Dana R. Flanders, chairman of the Board of Directors. “His mission-driven leadership and dedication to HRCU and the communities we serve are truly appreciated. On behalf of the Board and our members, we thank Brian for his outstanding service and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.”
The HRCU Board of Directors has retained the executive search firm Smith & Wilkinson to conduct a nationwide search for the credit union’s next President and CEO. A successor is expected to be announced later in 2026. Hughes will remain in his role through year-end to support the smooth transition and maintain the organization’s continued momentum.
