Pittsfield-based Greylock Federal Credit Union President & CEO Marilyn L. Sperling has announced plans to retire at the end of 2015. 

"The credit union is in a very strong financial position; we continue to enjoy strong market share; and the caliber of our employees and their work ethic is the best it has ever been," Sperling said in a statement. "The next CEO will be leading from a very solid foundation."

According to Board Chairman Jerry Burke, the announcement was not a surprise.

"When we asked Marilyn to take on the role of CEO, she was very up front about her plans to retire in 2015," Burke said in a statement. "We would love to see her continue her successes here at Greylock, but we respect her plans and appreciate the ample notice she has provided."

The board has a created a search committee, headed by long-time board member and former chair Sheila Labarbera, to oversee the CEO selection process. It has also hired recruiting company D. Hilton Assoc. to assist with the search for a replacement.

Sperling’s career in financial services in Berkshire County has spanned 40 years, during which she helped establish Greylock Federal Credit Union as the top mortgage lender in Berkshire County. In 2003, Sperling became Greylock’s first woman senior vice president and was named president and CEO in 2010.

In 2011 Sperling was named a "Woman of Achievement" by Berkshire Business and Professional Women, and this year she was recognized as one of Banker & Tradesman’s Women of FIRE. She serves on the boards of the Berkshire Business Roundtable, Berkshire Health Systems, Massachusetts Credit Union League and the Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club. She is also a member of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Advisory Council.

"During the transition in 2010 we were fortunate to have a highly capable leader in Marilyn who was fully prepared to step into the role of CEO," Burke said in a statement. "She has skillfully steered Greylock through the Great Recession. I am happy to say we are on the other side of those challenges now. I am sure that in her final year as CEO we will have opportunities to reflect on her considerable contributions to this institution and to this community."