Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Oct. 8, 2024) – The board of directors has appointed Cathie Staton as the new President/CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union effective Oct. 28, 2024. She succeeds Jerry Williams who is retiring after 30 years of service with Eglin FCU, the last 10 years as President/CEO.
Under Williams’ leadership assets grew by over $1 billion to nearly $2.9 billion with 124,000 members worldwide. He is well known for his involvement in several area chambers of commerce, economic development councils and nonprofit organizations. He served as an Honorary Commander, 24SOW, Hurlburt Field and as a Civic Leader, 33FW, Air Education and Training Command. In recognition of his extensive support of local military installations, he was presented with the General Lewis H. Brereton Award by the Air Force Association Hurlburt Chapter.
Board Chair Dan McInnis stated, “The Board would like to thank Jerry for his dedication and years of service advancing Eglin Federal Credit Union’s mission, and we are excited to announce the appointment of Cathie Staton as our new President/CEO.”
Staton has over 35 years’ experience at Eglin Federal Credit Union and has been serving as the Executive Vice President for the last two years heading up strategic planning and project management. She spearheaded the brand refresh in 2019 and the recent expansion of the Field of Membership into Walton County and Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties. Staton has been on the executive team for the last 22 years and oversaw Marketing, Membership, Community Development, and Risk Management, which encompasses Bank Secrecy, Fraud, Compliance and Vendor Management. She served in Branch Operations for 15 years and opened the South Crestview Branch as the Branch Manager in 1989 as well as the Bluewater Bay Branch in 1997.
McInnis added, “I know that Cathie’s leadership will continue to advance Eglin FCU as a leader in our industry offering unparalleled service to satisfy the needs and financial well-being of our members and employees.”
Staton has been a resident of Niceville, Florida for 37 years and is a member of Crosspoint Church where she has led a Women’s Bible Study for more than 12 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Salisbury State University in Maryland, and a master’s degree in business management from Troy University. Staton has completed NAFCU’s Management Development Institute and holds national certifications in Compliance and Risk Management.
“I am thrilled to have been selected as the next President/CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union, and I’m looking forward to working with the board, volunteers, and team to build on the successes of my predecessors,” said Staton.
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