St. Mary’s Credit Union (SMCU) announced a leadership transition, naming Brenda Diepold as its next President and Chief Executive Officer effective Oct. 5, 2026. SMCU also announced that longtime executive Jim Petkewich will be retiring in February 2027 and remain with the institution as a Special Advisor to the CEO and Board as SMCU completes their current merger conversion with MetroWest Community Federal Credit Union.
“I want to thank Jim Petkewich for his more than 20 years of exceptional leadership and service to not only St. Mary’s Credit Union but to the entire MetroWest community,” said Brian Bouvier, Board Chair of St. Mary’s Credit Union. “Jim’s leadership and deep knowledge of this organization was critical to successfully completing our merger with MetroWest this past summer. As we looked towards SMCU’s future, our priority was finding a proven leader to provide long-term stability and guide St. Mary’s Credit Union through its next chapter of growth. We found that leader in Brenda. Her experience, vision and deep understanding of community banking make her exceptionally well suited to lead St. Mary’s Credit Union forward.”
Diepold brings 32 years of experience to SMCU, including the last eight in senior leadership roles for HarborOne Bank in Brockton, Massachusetts. Most recently, she has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of the $5.7 billion institution for the last three years. Prior to her time with HarborOne Bank, Diepold held leadership positions at Fleet Bank, Sovereign Bank, Santander Bank, and Century Bank, building extensive experience in strategic growth, organizational transformation and customer-focused financial services.
The Dedham, Massachusetts resident and University of Rhode Island alumna will lead SMCU into its next chapter of growth, with a focus on strengthening the Credit Union’s longstanding commitment to its members, employees and the MetroWest communities it serves.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead St. Mary’s Credit Union and join an organization with such a strong history of serving its members and the MetroWest community,” said Diepold. “Brian, Jim and the entire SMCU team have built a strong foundation rooted in service, trust, and financial strength. I’m looking forward to working alongside our employees to build on that legacy and ensure St. Mary’s continues to grow for generations to come.”
Petkewich, a more than 20-year veteran of St. Mary’s Credit Union who has spent 44 years in banking, assumed the role of President and CEO in May, despite having previously planned to retire, to provide experienced leadership and continuity during an important period for the organization. Under his leadership, SMCU successfully completed its merger with MetroWest Community Federal Credit Union in July. With the merger complete and the Credit Union positioned for its next phase of growth, Petkewich will help ensure a seamless transition to Diepold before retiring in February.
“It has been my absolute honor to be part of St. Mary’s Credit Union and serve the MetroWest community for more than 20 years, and I am incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished during that time,” said Petkewich. “SMCU is a special place deeply rooted in community and helping people reach their personal and financial goals. I believe that the institution will continue to best serve people throughout the region under the leadership of Brian and Brenda and the countless others who make up the fabric of SMCU.”