Anthony Cali, president and CEO of IC Federal Credit Union, in Fitchburg, is stepping down early next year.

He will retire on April 30, during which time he will help the credit union identify a successor, the credit union announced.

Cali took the helm in September 2008, shortly before the nation’s banking crisis and the resulting economic collapse, and with his management team successfully navigated the credit union to a 26 percent increase in assets and record earnings in 2011. IC Federal Credit Union also added more than 12,000 new members during his tenure.

Cali also introduced a new philosophy to the credit union aimed at making it a fun place to work for employees while providing a more enjoyable experience for the members, credit union officials noted.

"I am extremely proud of the accomplishments that our employees, our management, and our board of directors have been able to deliver on behalf of our members during the past several years," Cali said in announcing his decision. "I am so thankful for their support, dedication and hard work, as well as the pride they take in our organization. I have been blessed to lead such a tremendous team."

Before joining IC, Cali had been a CEO at two banks and held management positions while at American Express and Shawmut Bank.  He earned an undergraduate degree from Penn State University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. 

Kenneth Stone, Jr., chairman of the credit union’s board of directors, praised Cali’s accomplishments. "Everyone on the board is extremely grateful for the leadership and contributions Tony has provided to the credit union during his time as president & CEO. While we understand his decision to retire, I know that everyone at IC will miss him – both personally and professionally – once he leaves," he said.