Lowell – Jeanne D’Arc President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark S. Cochran, has announced his plans to retire later this summer. At the time of his retirement, Cochran will have served for 17 years at the helm of the Credit Union.
Cochran’s accomplishments at the Credit Union are countless. Since becoming CEO, he has increased staffing by 48%, more than doubled the membership base, and has increased assets from $600 million to $2.1 billion. In 2022 he was named CEO of the Year by the Cooperative Credit Union Association.
Cochran has continued the commitment to staying true to Jeanne D’Arc’s roots through his efforts to maintain and grow the organization’s presence in The Acre neighborhood of Lowell. Along with the existing Lowell Branch, in 2009 he opened the company’s headquarters and is gearing up to open, Acre Crossing, a new company operations center in partnership with adjacent affordable housing units in the spring.
Under Cochran’s leadership, four of the eight branches were added; Dracut – Bridge Street, Westford, Nashua, and Methuen, and investing in the renovations of the four existing branches. He is also credited with adding two of the organization’s three high school branches during his time.
Having a “heart to serve” is a core value for the Credit Union, and Mark shares this value through practice. In 2011 he established the We Share A Common Thread Foundation and since the non-profit organization has donated more than $4 million directly to non-profit organizations in the Greater Lowell, Lawrence, and Southern New Hampshire communities.
Mark also spends hours volunteering his time and is involved with the following nonprofit organizations: Lowell Plan-Treasurer, Tufts Medicine/Lowell General Hospital-Trustee, D’Youville Life & Wellness, Mill City Festival Fund, Lawrence Partnership, Crossway Christian Church, and the We Share A Common Thread Foundation. He also provides service on the following industry Boards: Octant Business Services-Chairman, CUFSLP, Eascorp, and the MA Credit Union League (CCUA) – Legislative Committee.
“Mark embodies Jeanne D’Arc’s core values in all he does,” said Naomi Prendergast, Board Chair. “Mark is not only a respected leader, business partner, and colleague to countless individuals and organizations, but a true friend. The Board is beyond grateful for Mark’s leadership and vision over the years.”
“Serving as Jeanne D’Arc’s CEO has been an honor and a privilege,” says Cochran. “Thanks to the strength of our team and Board, I’m confident this will be a smooth and seamless transition. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next as the credit union continues to help our members make smart financial choices.”
The Board has engaged in a nationwide search for Jeanne D’Arc’s next CEO with the help of DDJ Myers, the well-known executive search and leadership development firm. The process will include both internal and external candidates.
