Harrisburg, PA – April 11, 2024 – PSECU, Pennsylvania's award-winning, digital-first credit union, announces the retirement of Barb Bowker, Chief Member Experience Officer, effective May 3, 2024. After 37 years of impactful leadership at the credit union, Bowker's retirement leaves a legacy of excellence and heralds a new growth opportunity for PSECU, built on the solid foundation of her accomplishments.
Starting her career at PSECU in 1987, Bowker has held many pivotal roles, beginning as a Communications Specialist, ascending to Vice President of Marketing, and culminating as Chief Member Experience Officer for the past three years, a key position on the Executive Leadership Team. Bowker has been a driving force behind numerous transformative initiatives throughout her tenure. Her visionary approach to digital innovation and relentless pursuit of service excellence have significantly enhanced PSECU's offerings and member experiences, earning her state-wide recognition as one of PA Business Central’s Women in Business and one of their Top 100 People in 2023 and 2024, a YWCA of Greater Harrisburg Woman of Excellence, and a spot on City & State’s Impact 50 in 2022.
A hallmark of Bowker's leadership has been her commitment to making digital banking inclusive and intuitive, anticipating members' needs to ensure that all feel confident and cared for. She has been instrumental in developing leading-edge digital solutions, such as PSECU's mobile-first banking platform, which has become a benchmark in the industry for user experience and accessibility. Her efforts in journey mapping and customer engagement strategies have laid the framework that will drive PSECU's full-service, member-first approach for years to come.
Reflecting on her nearly four-decade-long career at PSECU, Bowker shared, "My time at PSECU has been more than just a job; it has been a personal and professional growth journey. Working alongside talented individuals who are equally passionate about serving our members has been an honor. As I step down, I look forward to cheering for PSECU as it continues to innovate and enhance the member experience."
George Rudolph, CEO of PSECU, commented on Bowker's profound impact, "Under Barb's leadership, PSECU has become a leader in digital-first banking, consistently prioritizing and revolutionizing the member experience. Her strategic foresight has set new industry standards and ensured we meet our members' needs creatively and authentically. As we bid her farewell, we are deeply committed to advancing her legacy of innovation and member-centric service."
Outside of PSECU, Bowker has served as Chair of the Capital Region Board of Directors for the American Heart & Stroke Association, Chair of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education Foundation, and Chair of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber as well as a long-standing Board Member. She also served as a Board Member for the PA Chamber of Business & Industry, the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County, the Shippensburg University Alumni Association, the IT Board of Advisors for Harrisburg University, and has volunteered at the Central PA Food Bank, reflecting her belief in the power of community engagement and philanthropy. One of her greatest honors was serving as the winter 2018 commencement speaker at Shippensburg University.
Her retirement plans include pursuing outdoor passions with her family, including hiking, kayaking, and paddle boarding. She also plans to get more involved with Special Olympics PA, a cause she has long supported.
Francis Pudner, Chief Risk Officer & General Counsel, will assume the Chief Member Experience Officer role for the interim as PSECU conducts a comprehensive executive search to find a successor who embodies the same dedication and vision that Bowker exemplified.
About PSECU
Opened in 1934, PSECU was founded by 22 ordinary people who pooled $90 and made an extraordinary commitment to each other: To create a financial institution where collective resources benefit all members. Today, PSECU continues that legacy as Pennsylvania’s digital-first credit union, with $8 billion in assets, an economic impact of over $700 million, more than 590,000 members, and a convenient anytime, anywhere banking model. For more information about PSECU, visit psecu.com. PSECU has been recognized as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes, a Best Credit Union by GOBankingRates, a Best Bank by Money.com, and one of America’s Best Banks by Newsweek. View its Year In Review to learn how PSECU contributes to the greater good.