EAST

Steven R. Carpenter, business development manager for the $316 million, Bowie, Md.-based Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union, was appointed to the Board of Directors for the small business financing organization FSC First. Carpenter has more than 20 years of experience in banking and finance. At PGCFCU, he has led initiatives designed to help businesses expand, thrive and achieve long-term financial stability.

Steven Carpenter

The $2.8 billion, Rome, N.Y.-based AmeriCU Credit Union rehired Desiree Derby as financial center manager at its Fayetteville, N.Y., location. Derby brings more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry and an extensive knowledge of retail and commercial banking. She began her career with AmeriCU in 2018 as an MRA, later advancing to the role of financial center manager. Over the years, she has held a variety of leadership roles, including assistant manager, financial center manager, retail banking officer and small business relationship manager.

Desiree Derby

MIDWEST

The $14.8 billion, Caledonia, Mich.-based Lake Michigan Credit Union hired Hattie Scruggs as small business lending team leader. Hattie brings over a decade of experience in the credit union industry. In her new role, she leads efforts to deliver an easy and fast application, underwriting and approval process.

Hattie Scruggs

The $8.2 billion, Waterloo, Iowa-based Veridian Credit Union promoted Josh Boyce to senior commercial loan officer. Boyce has four years of experience in commercial lending and has been employed with the credit union since 2016.

Josh Boyce

SOUTH

Brian Best, president/CEO for the $2.9 billion, Tampa, Fla.-based GTE Financial, was named a 2025 Apogee Award honoree by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth magazine. The Apogee Awards recognize distinguished C-Suite leaders across Florida’s Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties whose dedication to their industries and communities deserves particular recognition. From over 300 nominations and over 180 applications judged, Best was a Top 40 Finalist and the overall winner in the CEO Large Company category. Best has served as president/CEO for GTE Financial since 2016.

Brian Best (fourth from right)

Michelle Dobbins, vice president of marketing for the $702 million, Woodstock, Ga.-based Credit Union of Georgia, was appointed to the Georgia Financial Educators Council (GFEC) Advisory Board. Dobbins has more than a decade of experience in the credit union industry, with a strong background in multimedia marketing, public relations, strategic planning and community engagement. Since joining Credit Union of Georgia as vice president of marketing in July 2024, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the credit union’s outreach and financial wellness initiatives.

Michelle Dobbins

TRADES

From left to right: NASCUS Regulator Board Chair Katie Averill, NASCUS Credit Union Advisory Council Chair Brian Wolfburg, Janet Powell and NASCUS President/CEO Brian Knight.

The National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) announced Janet M. Powell, chief of regulation and supervision – credit unions at the Oregon Department of Financial Regulation, is the recipient of the 2025 Pierre Jay Award. With more than 33 years of service, Powell has been a steadfast leader, mentor and innovator within the state credit union system, NASCUS said. Since joining the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation in 1992 and being appointed to lead Oregon’s credit union program in 2004, she has helped shape one of the strongest and most progressive state charters in the nation.

VENDORS

Jason Ream

Blend Labs, Inc., a digital origination platform for banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders, hired Jason Ream as head of finance and administration. In his new role, he leads the company’s financial strategy, planning and operations to support long-term stability, scalability and sustainable growth. Ream brings more than 25 years of experience, having held senior leadership roles across both public and private enterprise software companies. He previously served as CFP at SailPoint, SolarWinds, Mitratech and Relativity. Most recently, Ream was an operating partner at Haveli Investments.

Please send your People news items to Natasha Chilingerian at nchilingerian@cutimes.com.

NOT FOR REPRINT

© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.