VyStar Credit Union Creates New Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Position

Allie L. Braswell Jr. was named the first vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Florida’s second largest credit union, the $9.3 billion Vystar Credit Union in Jacksonville.

“We are an organization built on diversity, equity and inclusion. More than what we are, it is who we are,” Brian Wolfburg, VyStar’s president/CEO, said Thursday in a prepared statement. “There is a need to focus more resources in these areas, both within our organization and in our communities. By filling the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion role, we are taking steps to enable other VyStar leaders and employees to further advance these ideals and continue to integrate them into VyStar’s practices and processes.”

Braswell’s career spans more than 30 years and includes in-depth experience in the areas of program development and implementation, multi-cultural employee resource groups, diversity recruiting, transformational leadership, public affairs and community relations.

He has previously held management-level positions in IT, global diversity and inclusion, and corporate social responsibility at organizations such as Walt Disney Company, Mayo Clinic and AC S State & Local Solutions.

Braswell is responsible for planning and directing all aspects of the credit union’s diversity programs, including recruiting, retaining and training a talented, diverse workforce.

In addition to this new DEI position, VyStar has also implemented employee resource groups, which enable employees to facilitate discussions on how to support and advocate for women, minorities, veterans, disabled persons and the LGBTQ community. More than 1,800 employees work at Vystar.

“What I hope to do is leverage my knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion to continue that and have people feel welcomed when they join our team,” Braswell said. “It is important for employees to feel respected for what they bring to the table and valued for the talents they have.”