On Monday, May 6, 2019, American 1 Credit Union announced the retirement of Vice President of Branch Operations Sharon Leathead, on May 14, 2019, after 38 years of service to the credit union and its members.
Leathead began her career in 1981 and was the 13th employee at the time of her hire at American 1, which now employs more than 200. Leathead worked in a variety of positions including Receptionist, Loan Officer, Branch Manager, and since 2013 as Vice President of Branch Operations. The entirety of her career was devoted to the member service side of the credit union operation.
When asked about the retirement of Leathead, American 1 CEO, Martha Fuerstenau shared, “Sharon has been one of the beloved faces of American 1 in our branches and the community. Her quick smile and genuine care have been hallmarks of American 1 for nearly four decades. Countless members have stopped by to express their thanks with kind words, flowers, and notes. Sharon is wished all the best in retirement and will be missed by both her co-workers and members.”
Abigail Smith was promoted to Vice President of Branch Operations in 2018 and has worked in tandem with Sharon Leathead for many months. Smith began her career at American 1 in 2010 as an Account Specialist and was promoted to Branch Manager in 2013 and Assistant Vice President in 2017. Smith now leads the branch operations team for American 1 Credit Union’s 15 branches.
American 1 also announced the promotion of Marla Sanford to Assistant Vice President of Marketing. Sanford joined American 1 as an Event Assistant in 2007 and was then promoted to Marketing Specialist, a role she filled until 2013. Sanford worked in the non-profit sector from 2013 until her return to the Credit Union as Marketing Director in 2016.
The Credit Union also announced that former Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Laura Pryor, has accepted a newly created position at American 1 as Vice President of Member Experience and Public Relations. “Member Experience is a new, all-encompassing approach where we will evaluate every facet of member interactions with the credit union, explained Pryor. We will create multiple channels for member feedback, assuring that our members’ voices are consistently heard. Member Experience will help guide us toward improvements in current processes and will inform us about new products and services that our members want most.”