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GNC Community Federal Credit Union celebrates CEO Dianna Cecchini’s incredible career as she retires

NEW CASTLE, PENNSYLVANIA (February 2, 2023) — Dianna Cecchini, CEO of GNC Community Federal Credit Union in New Castle, Pennsylvania has officially retired as of January 31, 2023. Her career spans four decades, as she worked her way from teller to bookkeeper, loan officer, and finally, CEO.

Dianna began her career in 1984 as a teller at Credit Union One in North Jackson, Ohio, the local credit union for General Motors. Her ambitious, hard-working attitude quickly propelled her from one position to the next until she was settled at the top as the CEO.

Six short years after she started working as a teller, she left her CEO position at Credit Union One and assumed the CEO role at Youngstown State University Credit Union. During this time, and not too far away, the Oklahoma City Credit Union was bombed and destroyed, killing 18 employees, and wounding many others.

Dianna asked the staff, board and members of Youngstown State University Credit Union to write heartfelt wishes to honor those who were lost. Those notes were ultimately displayed at the memorial that was constructed where the building once stood.

Just before the turn of the century, in 1999, Dianna moved to the Pennsylvania area, and she assumed the CEO position at GNC Community Federal Credit Union in New Castle. When she took her place, GNC’s assets amounted to $24,206,862; their capital was 15.83% and they served 5,400 members. She quickly got to work fine-tuning operations to position GNC for future growth and success.

Throughout her tenure at GNC, Dianna continually embedded the credit union into the Lawrence County community, and she was an active participant in local events. She was a member and treasurer of the New Castle Lions Club, a member and president of New Castle Business Professional Women, a board member of Shenango Valley Chapter of Credit Unions, treasurer of Business Networking Industry, and served on the Salvation Army Board of Directors. She regularly attended conferences, conventions, and leadership seminars hosted by CrossState Credit Union Association.

Giving back to the community was a pillar of Dianna’s career. She organized a credit union Annual Blanket Drive, Santa Clause and Easter Bunny visits for children, a women’s health fair, and Community Day – an event that highlighted local vendors, merchants, and restaurants while celebrating the benefits and value the credit union provides to its members.

Dianna also helped GNC make significant strides in innovation to make banking within the community more convenient. She purchased ATMs, so the credit union would not be dependent on third-party machines, implemented new electronic services, such as home banking, e-statements, remote deposit, a mobile app, credit union texting, and e-signature apps. She also initiated Saturday and late evening operating hours, and she revised the VISA Rewards Points Program to better serve GNC members. She continually tried to make it easier for members to access and manage their money.

Her efforts helped GNC win the New Castle News “Best of the Best” contest in the Credit Union category for over 20 years.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to help the Lawrence County community with their financial needs over the years,” said Dianna Cecchini. “Everyone has their own story, and I’m proud that I’ve been able to help our members solve their money problems, build up their savings accounts, buy their new cars, and eliminate their credit card debt. Whatever our members needed, we always try to provide a solution. I’m proud to have helped make GNC Community Federal Credit Union a valued resource throughout our community,” she added.

Dianna was a regular monthly guest on The Ken Hlebovy Show on WKST AM Radio. She continually shared information about money issues, credit cards, loans, mortgages, consumer debt and overall concerns that many listeners had about their finances. On occasion, callers would ask specific questions and Dianna was able to share some insight for people to make good decisions about their family finances.

With Dianna’s expertise and tenacity, GNC expanded its reach, and therefore its influence, in the local area. She coordinated two mergers that allowed St. Francis Federal Credit Union and Ellwood City Schools Federal Credit Union to join GNC, resulting in more product and service availability to those credit union members.

Another significant milestone was the addition of a branch. While GNC operated as a single-location credit union since its existence, Dianna recognized an underserved part of the community needed more financial resources. She spearheaded and oversaw the land purchase, architecture, and construction of GNC’s Wilmington Road location.

Her strategic vision, commitment to service, and leadership skills allowed the credit union to continuously grow assets, launch new products and services, as well as serve more members.

At the end of the 2022 fiscal year nearing Dianna’s retirement, GNC’s assets were $81,341,940; capital was 13.86% and they now serve 12,376 members. It’s quite a distinguished track record for this stellar CEO.

Perhaps most astonishing of all, Dianna is a fierce breast cancer survivor. She continued to work and keep the credit union moving forward through the initial stages of her cancer battle and came out on top in every aspect.

After almost forty years of stellar work, Dianna is now preparing for retirement. Julia Gee has been named the new CEO of GNC Community FCU, and Dianna will settle into a temporary part-time position for the next few months as she helps Julia get acclimated and transitioned into the CEO role.

We wish Dianna a well-earned retirement as she enters her next life adventure. Her legacy will be celebrated as GNC continues to grow and meet the financial needs of those throughout Lawrence County.