COLUMBIA, S.C. (April 19, 2013) —Will Crosswell of Florence, SC was named “Palmetto Protégé” on Friday, April 12 during the South Carolina Credit Union League 2013 Annual Meeting and as such will serve for one year as statewide spokesperson for young adults and the opportunities credit unions provide them. Crosswell, who is the business development officer at Palmetto First Federal Credit Union (Florence), will act through social media and occasional appearances at credit union events including chapter meetings and the fall SCCUL Leadership Conference. He also will lead the CU Forward group to foster peer development and the ongoing Palmetto Protégé Competition.
“I look forward to representing young professionals across the state as well as empowering our generation to make a stronger impact within the credit union movement,” said Crosswell. “I also would like to congratulate Stephanie Ownby, Amanda Crawford, Candice Brady, and Allison Gilmore for a job well done and for representing their regions proudly.”
His immediate benefit is first choice of developmental scholarships, and Crosswell has chosen the 2013 National Youth Involvement Board Annual Conference July 30-Aug 2 in San Diego, Ca. (registration and lodging, valued at $1,300). From NYIB and other options—an expenses-paid SC Hike the Hill trip to Washington, DC, the 2013 CUNA Marketing Management School, and one-year registration for the Southeast CUNA Management School—the two runners-up, Stephanie Ownby (SC Federal CU) and Amanda Crawford (Carolina Foothills FCU) have respectively chosen to attend the SE CUNA Management School (June 7-14, Athens, Ga.) and the 2013 CUNA Marketing Management School (June 3-6, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl).
“I want to thank the South Carolina Credit Union League for this program that allows regions from across the state to showcase their young professional talent,” Crosswell continued. “Through this program, they have elevated our presence within the movement and helped solidify our place as leaders of today and not just the leaders of tomorrow.”
“Finally, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity had it not been for those at Palmetto First Federal Credit Union, particularly Angie Burr and Starla Shelton. I appreciate their support, encouragement, and confidence in me to represent our credit union, the Pee Dee Chapter, and the state of South Carolina. I can’t wait to get started!”
Crosswell achieved the honor by combination of scores on a standard exam and on his presentation during the general session (sponsored by Your Marketing Co.) at the SCCUL Annual Meeting. All candidates’ presentations of no more than five minutes were judged by the panel of FCCCU CU Development Director Wanda Downs, credit union consultant Todd Harms, and CCUF President John McGrail.
For more on the South Carolina Palmetto Protégé Competition or CU Forward: The Leadership Initiative, contact SCCUL’s Brandon Pugh or Courtney Jackson at commpr@sccul.org or call 800-235-4290.