UCU Remembers Long-Time Board Chairperson Jerry Hayman
August 25, 2025
UCU is mourning the passing of Gerald “Jerry” Hayman, Jr., our friend and dedicated board member for 29 years. Hayman joined the UCU board of directors in 1992 and served as chair from 2011 to 2021 upon his retirement from the board
Throughout his tenure on the UCU board, Hayman guided the credit union through leadership changes, industry changes, credit union growth, and investments in new products, services and technologies, as well as the establishment of the current UCU headquarters in downtown Orono. In 2017, UCU celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding on the University of Maine campus, a milestone which Hayman was proud to help celebrate. In honor of his legacy with UCU, the credit union is establishing a scholarship in Hayman’s memory, with details to follow later this year.
The UCU team fondly remembered Jerry:
“Jerry and I had a natural commonality, both holding finance roles and a shared love for numbers. He held the role of Board Chair as I moved into my current role as President, providing steadfast guidance and support through that transition and beyond. His dedication to UCU was impressive and well respected by our management team and Board as a whole. Jerry will always be remembered and greatly missed.” Renee Ouellette, President/CEO
“Having worked closely with Jerry for 25 years on the UCU Board, it was evident he cared deeply for the credit union and our members, demonstrated through both his tenure on the board and his dedication to the details, particularly the numbers.“ – Ency Whitehill, Board Director
“I have known Jerry for over 15 years through his volunteer time on our UCU Board of Directors. His commitment and dedication was incredible and we all benefited from his guidance and professional knowledge. Attending credit union conferences with Jerry and his wife was always memorable and were moments in time that we continue to laugh and share stories about. Jerry will truly be missed and always remembered.” Deb White-Rideout, Executive Vice President
“From a longtime member of UCU, to a longtime dedicated member of the board which he chaired, Jerry was known by so many of us. I admired his dedication and commitment to UCU. He always made a point to stop and chat and to ask how things were going. So many times, he would end our conversations with his famous sense of humor. He will truly be missed.” Peggy Laskey, Assistant Branch Manager
“I had the fortune of knowing Jerry as our Board Chair for UCU, always so supportive and thoughtful in his comments and running a productive meeting. Years after his time on the Board, we still say “Jerry would appreciate this” from time to time during our meetings …we will continue to say those things, but now with more sadness.” Eileen Byram, Chief Risk Officer
“I was privileged to know Jerry beyond his impact throughout his professional career, alongside his wife Duska. He met my banter with a gentle smile and a smart comeback – that was not always evident. His dedication to his career and family are what I remember most about Jerry.” Trish Freiwald, Financial Advisor
“I always enjoyed Jerry’s commitment to UCU, his calm approach, and his ability to add some humor and a chuckle (that I can still hear). He remembered everyone’s name and position within UCU, which was impressive and demonstrated his great care in his role.” Beth Beaudoin, Mortgage Origination Manager
We are deeply saddened by Jerry’s sudden passing, and we extend condolences to his wife Duska, their daughter MacKenzie and extended family. A link to his obituary can be found here.
