Highmark Federal Credit Union, Rapid City, S.D., has created the position of assistant vice president of sales and service and appointed Vincent Tyson. Tyson has a banking background beginning with Royal Bank of Scotland, where he held a variety of positions, each with increasing responsibilities. There he was internal communications manager, responsible for financial service training, coaching and development for his staff. Tyson holds a bachelor of science degree in media production as well as other certifications related to coaching, training, information technology and business administration.

Gateway Metro Federal Credit Union, St. Louis, announce that Anita Napier recently retired as director of member support after 46 years of service. In 1966, Napier took a part-time job with MEC Credit Union, later known as St. Louis Federal Center Credit Union in north St. Louis. She learned about the credit union through her father, an employee of the U.S. Treasury Department. Her part-time status didn't last long. Within two weeks, the credit union manager convinced her to become a full-time teller. The credit union served about 2,000 members, mostly federal employees, in the then-thriving government complex. It wasn't long before credit union management recognized Napier's talents. Soon, she was handling not only teller duties but also several back-office operations, loans, even accounting functions. SLFCCU consolidated its operations with Gateway Metro in 1999. Napier has opened accounts for multiple generations. “Just a few weeks ago I opened an account for a young gentleman. I used to know his father, who was also a credit union member. Now, I'm opening accounts for his children and grandchildren…three family generations.” Napier said that, while she looks forward to retirement, she'll miss what has been a big part of her life for 46 years. “My co-workers are like family. So are our members. They are number one.” 

SOUTH

Redstone Federal Credit Union, Huntsville, Ala., has appointed Richard L. Morris to its board of directors to fill the seat left vacant by the recent death of Clyde Bean. Morris has been a member of the Credit Union since 2005. Morris is a shareholder with the multi-state law firm Sirote and Permutt PC. As an attorney in private practice since 1997, he represents businesses, lenders and government entities. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Athens State University and a JD from the University of Alabama School of Law, where he was inducted into the Order of Barristers.

Virginia Credit Union, Richmond, Va., announced the appointment of Deb Wreden as senior vice president of product and delivery strategy. She is responsible for developing product, payment and channel strategies that focus on technology, industry trends and the preferences of Virginia Credit Union's membership. Her marketing experience for national and international companies includes 13 years in the financial industry. Wreden joined VACU in 2003 and was most recently vice president of product development and marketing. She previously worked at Capital One Financial. The credit union also announced the appointment of Todd Feldman is vice president of marketing. He brings more than 20 years of marketing and e-commerce experience to Virginia Credit Union. He was previously vice president of marketing and strategic commerce services for AAXIS Commerce, a consulting firm providing strategic business and technical services to retail and business-to-business companies. He also served Circuit City Direct as head of social media and emerging channels. Feldman leads the marketing and member communication strategy for Virginia Credit Union through the use of social media, digital marketing, and traditional channels. And Mike Noble joined Virginia Credit Union as vice president of business services. Noble leads the effort to design and launch business services for Virginia Credit Union beginning in 2013. Noble brings more than 12 years experience in commercial lending and 17 years in the financial services industry. He was most recently senior vice president of commercial banking for Towne Bank in Williamsburg. 

VENDOR

Symbionce Financial Solutions LLC, East Hanover, N.J., a home loan CUSO serving credit unions nationwide, announced the promotion of Stephen DiGioia to vice president of mortgage operations.