Southland News

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rene LeJay will retire from Southland Credit Union in January 2026, concluding a remarkable 45-year career rooted in service, leadership and a deep commitment to Members. While her retirement marks the close of a significant chapter, her influence will continue to shape Southland’s culture and growth far into the future.

LeJay’s journey with Southland began in 1975, when the organization was known as Los Angeles County Civic Center Credit Union and operated from its downtown Los Angeles headquarters. As a high school student enrolled in a Regional Occupational Program (ROP) focused on banking, she accepted a part-time position that would one day evolve into a lifelong calling.

“I never imagined my entire career would be here,” LeJay said. “But from day one, I learned what it meant to listen, to help and to support people, and that has stayed with me throughout my time at Southland.”

While learning the ins and outs of credit union business in her role at Southland, LeJay majored in Business Administration and Accounting at the University of Southern California. In those early years, the staff was small, and everyone shared responsibilities. LeJay worked reception, handled clerical tasks, assisted with mail and filing, and welcomed Members at the front desk. That experience helped her build a strong operational foundation and a practical understanding of nearly every aspect of credit union work.

“We all did a little bit of everything to get through the day,” she said. “Even our CEO would roll up his sleeves and help the tellers balance, and that taught me that no job is too small when it comes to serving Members.”

A career built on Member service

Throughout her tenure, LeJay became known for her unwavering Member-first mindset. She helped Members secure auto loans, manage emergencies, purchase essential household items and pursue important personal goals. She believes true Member service begins with listening and understanding.

“Member service means you really listen to what the Member needs,” she said. “Our Members come to us with everyday needs, and they trust us to help them find the right solutions.”

Many of those interactions left a lasting impression on her. She recalls Members becoming emotional when they learned they qualified for loans that could ease their financial stress or help them move forward during difficult times. Those moments reinforced her belief in the impact of Southland’s work.

As Southland grew through mergers and expansions, its membership became more diverse. Mergers such as the addition of Los Angeles County Bar Association Credit Union brought new expectations and more complex questions about disclosures, agreements and compliance. Rather than view this as a challenge, LeJay saw it as an opportunity to learn and strengthen Southland’s service.

“When Members with legal backgrounds had questions about our disclosures, I wanted to be ready,” she said. “Their expectations pushed me to deepen my knowledge in compliance and make sure we were prepared to meet a higher standard.”

Guiding through change

Over four and a half decades, LeJay witnessed tremendous changes in both the credit union and the financial services industry. When she started, Southland relied on ledger cards and typewriters. Over time, the organization implemented its first computer systems, navigated major regulatory changes, prepared extensively for Y2K and weathered the real estate crisis.

“I never resisted change,” she said. “I accepted it, and sometimes I helped drive it, because I knew that change would be best for the credit union and for our Members.”

Her leadership was especially important as Southland embraced digital transformation to streamline processes and improve Member experiences. From expanding lending capabilities to ushering in new technology, Southland grew into a full-service, modern financial institution.

LeJay’s versatility and willingness to help wherever needed were central to that evolution. She worked in nearly every department, including accounting, human resources, lending, IT, collections, branches and even board administration, where she once served as executive secretary and took minutes at board meetings. That breadth of experience helped her understand how each function contributed to Southland’s mission and positioned her to guide the organization through growth.

“I am proud that we are a $1 billion credit union,” she said. “I did not know if we would ever reach that level, and we are still continuing to grow.”

A culture of teamwork and inclusion

One of the hallmarks of LeJay’s career has been her commitment to Southland’s culture. She describes the credit union as her second family and credits the supportive environment as a major reason for her long tenure.

“At Southland, management interacts with staff, and there is not a large divide,” she said. “From my first manager, I learned the importance of inclusion, and that shaped how I approached leadership and teamwork.”

LeJay is especially proud of helping to maintain a culture where collaboration, respect and a shared commitment to Members are central values. She worked to set an example for staff by demonstrating a strong work ethic while also prioritizing family. She believes the collective tenure of Southland’s employees speaks to how much they care about the mission and about each other.

“I hope I have shown staff that you can give your all at work and still make time for the people who matter most at home,” she said. “The longevity of our staff shows how deeply we believe in what we do.”

For newer employees and future leaders, her guidance is clear. She encourages them to keep Members at the center of every decision, maintain a focus on efficiency and continue investing in teamwork.

“Keep the Members in mind and keep the culture strong,” she said. “Meet together, support each other and look for ways to work more efficiently so we can serve our Members even better.”

Looking ahead with confidence

As she prepares for retirement, LeJay reflects on the many cycles and challenges Southland has navigated over the years. Having seen similar economic and industry conditions in the past, she remains confident in the credit union’s resilience and long-term strength.

“What we are experiencing now has happened before,” she said. “Because of our team, I know in my heart that we will continue to move forward and succeed.”

She says she will miss the staff and longtime Members most of all. The relationships she has built over decades are among her most cherished memories at Southland. Some Members even have her personal phone number, a reflection of the trust and connection she has fostered.

“I have always told those Members they can call me if they need anything, no matter the time of day or night,” she said.

In retirement, LeJay looks forward to completing home projects, traveling, volunteering and enjoying more time with family and friends. Still, she leaves with deep gratitude for an organization that has been such a defining part of her life.

“Southland is about to celebrate 90 years. It’s an incredible milestone for an amazing organization that truly cares about its Members,” she said. “This has been my life for almost half a century. It has been a great experience and opportunity, and I would not have traded it for anything.”

As Southland Credit Union looks to the future, LeJay’s legacy of Member-first service, collaborative leadership and openness to change will continue to guide the organization. Her example will remain a source of inspiration as Southland continues to grow, innovate and serve Members for generations to come.