Photos Provided
Shown here is Andy Alexader (left) and James Rothwell.
This past year, Gesa Credit Union acquired Security State Bank, expanding its presence with new branches in Centralia and Chehalis. As the transition wraps up in November 2025, the Chamber sat down with two members of the Gesa team — Andy Alexander, AVP of Southwest Commercial Lending, and James Rothwell, VP of Strategic Initiatives and Administration. The conversation was relaxed and engaging, with both sharing quick wit, genuine enthusiasm for their work, and a deep passion for Gesa’s people and its unique blend of rural roots and big-city services.
By Cynthia Mudge
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
Gesa Credit Union – originally known as the General Electric Supervisors Association – began in 1953, serving the administrative “white-collar” employees at the Hanford site in the Tri-Cities area (a separate credit union served the blue-collar staff). Since those early days, Gesa has grown immensely, evolving from a single-company credit union to a state-chartered financial institution with branches across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
“The banking and credit union industry has changed dramatically since 1953,” said Andy Alexander, who was also a 3rd generation family member holding a leadership position with Security State Bank at the time of the acquisition. “Banks and credit unions have been consolidating.”
While consolidation can sometimes concern customers, in Gesa’s case, it has brought significant benefits—especially in commercial lending. Under Security State Bank, the maximum lending capacity was $18-20 million to one borrower at the highest point. Now, as part of Gesa, that capacity is nearly triple, opening the door for larger development projects that create jobs and housing.
Small businesses also gain an advantage through Gesa’s top-rated SBA (Small Business Administration) lending program, which improves access to business loans. “Paul Long started this program two years ago, building it from scratch,” added James Rothwell, VP of Strategic Initiatives and Administration.
Consumers have also seen immediate benefits since the transition from Security State Bank to Gesa. The number of branches has expanded to over 40, technology and online banking tools have improved, and customers now enjoy the credit union experience as member-owners, which generally means higher deposit rates and lower loan rates. “We’ve also kept much of the staff our customers have grown to trust,” noted Alexander.
Despite its growth in size and reach, Gesa continues to uphold its community-first values, maintaining strong roots in the rural communities it serves. Education—particularly financial education for youth—remains a key priority. One example is the Gesa Affinity Debit Card Program, which allows members to support local schools, teams, and nonprofit organizations simply by using their debit cards. Since 2015, “We’ve donated more than $3 million for schools and our Local Heroes program,” said Rothwell. “And in 2024 alone, we gave back another $4.9 million to charitable organizations across the state.” Currently, Gesa offers 70 different Affinity Cards.
Looking ahead, Gesa plans to expand its High School Credit Union Program to Chehalis and Centralia High Schools. The program gives students real-world banking experience by operating Gesa branches within their schools. One student intern serves as branch manager, while others staff the branch. “We have 24 high school branches,” said Rothwell. “The program meets all state education requirements for operating a school-based enterprise.”
One standout success story highlights a student who began as an intern, worked in a high school branch, earned a Gesa scholarship, completed college, and now helps run the very same give-back programs that helped launch their career.
For Alexander, Gesa’s values feel familiar. His connection to community banking runs deep—his family’s involvement dates back to 1910, when his grandfather, J.W. Alexander, enlisted the help of his brother, J.T. Alexander, shortly after taking the helm of the bank. Andy’s father, J.W. Jr., later became president of the bank in the 1980s after working his way up through the branches and lending departments.
When evaluating the transition to Gesa, Alexander wanted a partner who shared Security State Bank’s community values. “We found that with Gesa,” he said.
Rothwell, who joined the credit union industry in 2009 and earned his degree from Boise State University in 2007, echoed that sentiment. Though based in Richland, he has made frequent visits to Lewis County to support the transition and connect with local team members and members.
As both leaders emphasize, Gesa’s mission remains clear: to be a trusted, lifelong financial partner and a force for good in every community it serves.
