Celebrating a legacy, embracing the future: Welcoming Christie Smith as the new President/CEO
GREENSBORO, NC (January 3, 2024) — It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of our esteemed President and CEO, Valerie Marsh, after a remarkable career in the credit union industry since 1980. Valerie joined Acclaim FCU in 2002 as the VP of Accounting and ascended to the role of President/CEO in 2007. Under her visionary leadership, Acclaim has flourished, growing in assets from $23 million to an impressive $60 million in 2022.
Valerie’s dedication, strategic thinking, and commitment to our members have been the guiding lights steering Acclaim’s success over the years. As we bid farewell to Valerie, we are filled with gratitude for her contributions and wish her a fulfilling retirement.
Now, as we transition to an exciting new chapter, it is our pleasure to introduce Christie Smith as the incoming President/CEO of Acclaim FCU. Christie brings over two decades of invaluable experience in the credit union industry, with a multifaceted journey at Acclaim since 2016. Her roles in accounting, HR, and operations have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of our organization.
In 2019, Christie assumed the pivotal position of Chief Administrative Officer, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership, overseeing day-to-day operations and preparing the groundwork for the challenges and opportunities ahead. In 2023, she seamlessly stepped into the role of Interim CEO/President, and we are delighted to announce that the Board has officially appointed her as President/CEO effective January 1, 2024.
Christie Smith is not only an innovator but a forward-thinker who prioritizes the needs and perspectives of our members. Her dedication to providing the products and services that our members both need and deserve reflects our commitment to serving you better.
We express our deepest gratitude to Valerie Marsh for her years of service and welcome Christie Smith to her new role. As we begin this new chapter under Christie’s leadership, we are excited about the fresh perspective and innovative ideas she brings to the table.
Thank you for your continued trust in Acclaim FCU.
Christie Smith, President/CEO, Acclaim FCU
Valerie Marsh, Former President/CEO, Acclaim FCU
About Acclaim Federal Credit Union
Acclaim FCU was started in 1972 by Blue Bell (formerly VF Corporation, now Kontoor) employees because they wanted a better banking option for themselves and their families. They pooled their money together and created a financial institution where they could safely invest, save, and borrow money at competitive rates and without high banking fees. They recognized that each person and family had a story and different needs, and they wanted a financial institution that recognized that too. Today we remain committed to being that type of financial institution for all of our members but especially VF employees and their families, who continue to be our largest membership group and the reason we exist.
