Gary Tuma inducted into the Cornerstone Hall of Fame

Gary Tuma began his credit union career in 1976 as a branch manager at Bergstrom Federal Credit Union in Austin, Texas. In 1979, he moved to University Federal Credit Union as vice president of operations and next accepted the position of president/CEO at Corpus Christi Telco Credit Union in 1987. In 1990, he become the president/CEO at Smart Financial Credit Union in Houston and remained there until his retirement in 2015.

Even during retirement, he continues to be a leader, serving on the Smart Financial Foundation Board, chairing the Smart Financial Nominating Committee, and serving on numerous nonprofit boards that serve Sugar Land, Texas, and the surrounding communities.

Tuma has also dedicated much of his time to local credit union chapters and associations, including the Credit Union Service Corporation; the Houston, Corpus Christi, and Austin Chapters of Credit Unions; Texas Chapter President Association, and the Southwest Educators Credit Union Association. In addition, he worked with the credit union industry on the regional, state, and national levels, serving on the Texas Credit Union Commission, Texas Credit Union League, Texas Institute of Certified Credit Union Executives, Southwest CUNA Management School Alumni Association, Filene Research Institute, and the National Endowment for Financial Education.

On presenting the award, Cornerstone’s Past Chairman Kenny Harrington, president/CEO of MemberSource Credit Union, said, “this year's Hall of Fame recipient is an amazing leader, mentor, and friend. He has dedicated his career to serving the credit union industry, the board, staff, and members of the credit unions he has led, and the communities they serve.”

Lonnie Nicholson, EECU president & CEO, said in his letter of recommendation, “The best way I can describe him is the phrase 'like a rock.' I have had the pleasure to collaborate with him as a fellow CEO and to serve alongside him as a board of director of Town North Bank. In all my endeavors with him, when challenges would arise he was always the calm and steady voice of reason. His professionalism and demeanor were like a rock, never wavering and always providing a true example of leadership.”

Cornerstone congratulates Gary Tuma for his genuine care and compassion for people, and for his vision, influence, and guidance in the credit union movement.