Debbie Smith (left) and Laura King. (Credit/Georgia United CU)
Debbie Smith, CEO for the Duluth, Ga.-based Georgia United Credit Union, announced her plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2025 after 12 years at the helm of the $2.3 billion credit union.
Georgia United, which splits the president/CEO position into two separate roles, said its Board of Directors appointed Smith’s next-in-line – President Laura King – to be her successor beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
During her tenure as CEO, Smith has been instrumental in strengthening Georgia United’s mission and expanding its reach across the state, including leading the credit union through a period of exceptional growth that resulted in an asset-size increase from $950 million in 2013 to over $2 billion today, the credit union said. She received the Inman Servant Leadership Award, an honor presented to leaders who exemplify humility, vision and an unwavering commitment to serving others, from America’s Credit Unions in March 2025.
“Debbie Smith has been at the helm of Georgia United’s success for more than a decade,” Board Chair Tom Dickson said. “Her dedication to serving our members and communities has strengthened Georgia United in every way. Debbie’s legacy is not just in the numbers – it’s in the lives she’s touched and the mission she has advanced.”
Incoming CEO King joined Georgia United in April 2021 after holding senior executive roles at several of the largest credit unions in Georgia. She was promoted to her current position of president in July 2023, and has since been instrumental in shaping the organization’s strategic and operational direction, deepening member engagement and positioning the credit union for continued growth, Georgia United said.
Smith and King will work closely together over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition as the credit union celebrates Smith’s legacy and offers members and partners opportunities to share their well-wishes for her, according to Georgia United.
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