BREMERTON — Kitsap Credit Union’s president and CEO is retiring next January after almost 19 years at the helm of the not-for-profit financial institution.

Elliot Gregg, who joined KCU as its president/CEO in March 2000, announced April 12 that he will be stepping down.

“This is a momentous occasion for me and my wife Maureen as it concludes 19 years that I have served this very special credit union,” Gregg said in a news release.

“I am deeply grateful for the enormous support of the board, management, staff and community over the past two decades.”

When Gregg took over the top posts, KCU — then known as Kitsap Community Federal Credit Union — had just opened its ninth branch, with all branches in Kitsap County and $398 million in total assets. Today, the credit union said it has tripled in size with more than $1.2 billion in total assets and 15 branches in four counties, and one soon to open in Pierce County. KCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving more than 100,000 members from branch offices in Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason and Pierce counties.

The credit union first started in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as Navy Yards Metal Trade Credit Union in 1934.

He said one of the highlights of his career as president/CEO was the construction in 2006 of KCU’s new corporate office in downtown Bremerton. Also, in 2014 the credit union was named the Department of the Navy Credit Union of the Year.

Jim Rowson, the board’s chairman, said, “I speak for the board and KCU membership as a whole, that we are thankful for Elliot’s leadership as our CEO and wish Elliot and Maureen a most deserved and relaxing retirement.”

The credit union’s board of directors is now conducting a nationwide search to select Gregg’s replacement through DDJ Meyers, a recruiting firm.