25 Over Fifty-Five 2019 Award Winner
GARY E. FURTADO | CEO and president, Navigant Credit Union
GARY E. FURTADO IS a firm believer in leading by example.
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“Surround yourself with good people and then get out of the way,” said Furtado, CEO and president of Navigant Credit Union. “Our challenge to all of our employees – from the senior management team, to team leaders and entry-level employees – is to treat our members, our co-workers and the members of the communities we serve like they’re family. That means making sure everyone within the organization knows that you’re in their corner. It means no matter your title, take action and be an example. If we can do that, we know we’ll always find success.”
After graduating from Bryant University in 1978, Furtado landed an entry-level role with Credit Union Central Falls (now Navigant). He never left and was appointed CEO and president in 1987. Under his leadership, 104-year-old Navigant has grown from a small credit union on Broad Street in Central Falls into one of the largest credit unions in the state, boasting 18 branches, $2.3 billion in assets and more than 95,000 members.
Navigant has experienced tremendous growth over the past three years, fueled by the opening of branches in Warwick, East Greenwich and South Kingstown. In addition to placing a stronger emphasis on the institution’s digital strategy and cybersecurity efforts, Navigant has furthered its commitment to helping its employees find success and better serve members by creating the new role of vice president of learning and organization development.
Furtado said it’s easy for him to remain passionate about his job because he feels his work matters.
“By doing business with us, our members are trusting us with their hard-earned money,” Furtado said. “They’re leaning on us for guidance and expertise as they plan out their entire financial lives. That’s a huge responsibility and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”
