After more than four decades in the financial world—three of them spent at First Financial Federal Credit Union—CEO Eric Church is hanging up his calculator.
His last day is October 5, 2026, and he’s leaving behind some seriously impressive numbers at the $1.4 billion credit union.
Church’s journey reads like a classic “start from the bottom, now we’re here” story. Back in 1983, fresh out of college, he joined Stegman & Company as a CPA. Credit unions became his specialty, and eventually one of his clients—First Financial—decided they needed him on the inside. In 1994, they brought him on as VP of Finance and IT, which in hindsight looks like one of the smartest hiring decisions they ever made.
For the next 20 years, Church ran the money side of things: finance, accounting, and technology. He wasn’t just crunching numbers in a back office, though. He worked hand-in-hand with the Board of Directors to map out where the credit union should go next.
The CEO Years: Growth, Mergers, and Big Moves
When Church stepped into the President/CEO role in 2015, First Financial was already successful. But under his watch? Things really took off. Assets jumped by $485 million. Loans grew by $686 million. Shares increased by $431 million. The credit union welcomed more than 21,000 new members and added over 100 employees to the team.
Church also orchestrated three credit union mergers—no small feat in the financial world—which expanded First Financial’s footprint across the region and brought in more than 4,000 additional members. Oh, and he oversaw the purchase of the credit union’s headquarters in Sparks, Maryland, relocating operations from Lutherville in the process.
Not bad for a Baltimore County kid who graduated from UMBC with a BA in Economics and certificates in Accounting and Finance.
What Church Has to Say
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve First Financial and our membership for over three decades,” Church said. “When I first joined this credit union, I saw a mission-driven organization committed to helping people build a stronger financial future together. I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished over the years, and as I begin the next chapter, I know First Financial is in great hands with James Wheeler and the talented employees who will continue building on our success and moving the credit union forward.”
Translation: He’s confident he’s leaving the place better than he found it, and he trusts the next generation to keep the momentum going.
Enter James Wheeler
Speaking of that next generation: James Wheeler, who’s been serving as President since October 2025, will step into the dual role of President and CEO when Church retires. The credit union isn’t skipping a beat here—Wheeler brings serious leadership chops and a solid understanding of First Financial’s mission.
Board Chairperson Bob Brenneman had nothing but praise for the outgoing CEO: “Eric has been a cornerstone of First Financial’s strength and stability for more than three decades. Throughout his career, he has led with integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to our members and employees. Eric’s impact extends far beyond any single accomplishment, and we are deeply grateful for the leadership and dedication he has provided to First Financial over the years.”
As for Church himself? He’s looking forward to spending more time with his wife Alison, their two kids, and four grandchildren. After 42 years of balance sheets and strategic planning, that sounds like a pretty solid retirement plan.