In 2011, Ron Hance (far left), was inducted into the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievement and for his contributions to his profession and the credit union industry.
At TMG, we are deeply saddened by the recent passing of our dear friend Ron Hance, retired President and CEO of Heritage Family Credit Union in Rutland, Vermont. Ron shared our passion for creating successful partnerships. He lived out the credit union movement’s philosophy — people helping people — every day of his life. His zeal for bringing people together for the benefit of others was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Community was not just a word in Ron’s vocabulary; it was his passion. Ron selflessly served his community, his colleagues, his partners and the credit union movement. With his sense of humor and warm disposition, Ron put people at ease in any situation.
When I joined TMG in 2011, Ron was the first client to extend a welcoming hug. He shared his expertise, industry knowledge and encouragement with contagious enthusiasm. A longtime member of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), Ron also encouraged me to become active in WOCCU. His support of women in leadership roles is to be applauded.
Ron was not only a friend, but also a valuable partner. As my colleagues Chris Gunnare, Matt Flynn and others have shared, Ron was vital to TMG’s success when we first set our sights on expanding outside of Iowa several years ago. Recognizing TMG’s value proposition and commitment to making consumers’ financial lives easier, Ron led Heritage Family Credit Union to become the first financial institution in Vermont to partner with TMG. Ron found value in his credit union’s partnership with TMG and ultimately led dozens more credit unions from the northeast region to partner with TMG. He always looked out for his fellow credit unions and helped ensure that they all benefitted from quality TMG interactions.
It was my great pleasure to have had the opportunity to get to know Ron. I always enjoyed seeing him at TMG events, sharing a laugh and hearing his insights. His friendship and loyal support are invaluable. He will be greatly missed, and yet his legacy lives on.