• Gehris brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the credit union industry
  • To assume CEO role on November 2, 2026, succeeding Debbie Cook
  • Gehris most recently served as EVP, Chief Strategy and Experience Officer at Securityplus Federal Credit Union 

Sun East Federal Credit Union has selected Jeff Gehris, CCE, to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer, beginning November 2, 2026. He succeeds Debbie Cook, CCE, who will remain with the credit union, serving in an advisory role as President, until her retirement on December 31, 2026.

“Throughout our search process, Jeff stood out not only for his experience and vision, but also for his genuine passion for people and his appreciation for the values and culture that make Sun East such a special organization,” said Joel Romaine, Sun East Board of Directors Chairman. “The Board would also like to thank Debbie Cook for her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to Sun East, its members, and its employees. Throughout her tenure, Debbie has remained focused on improving the lives of our members while fostering a strong, people-centered culture for employees. Her contributions have helped position the credit union for continued success, and we are deeply grateful for her service.”

Gehris brings 30 years of credit union experience to his new role. He began his career as a teller and progressed through a range of operational and executive leadership roles, giving him a firsthand understanding of both the member experience and the important role credit unions play in the communities they serve. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Experience Officer for Securityplus Federal Credit Union, in Baltimore, Maryland.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Sun East Federal Credit Union. I look forward to building on Sun East’s strong foundation and bringing my passion for people, innovation, and growth to this role. My commitment is to empower our employees, deliver exceptional experiences for our members, strengthen the communities we serve, and position Sun East for continued success. I am grateful for the Board’s confidence and excited to work alongside the talented Sun East team as we shape the credit union’s next chapter,” said Gehris.

A lifelong learner, he earned both his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Saint Leo University. In addition, he earned the Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation from CUES and is actively engaged in the credit union movement through America’s Credit Unions and in community service through the United Way of Central Maryland.

Outside of his professional activities, he enjoys spending time with his husband, son and daughter-in-law, and his three grandsons. Gehris is an avid runner who loves cooking and gardening, along with visiting Ocean City, New Jersey, his annual vacation spot for more than 25 years.

About Sun East:

Sun East Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1949 as the result of Sun Oil Company employees banding together to assist each other with their financial needs. Sun East is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution serving more than 48,700 members throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. Sun East manages over $905 million in assets and provides convenient access through branches across the Tri-State area, a nationwide ATM network, and robust online and mobile banking services.