The Tennessee Credit Union League is excited to announce Doug Clinton, president and CEO of Koin Credit Union in Brentwood, and Dionne Jenkins, vice president of corporate engagement at Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union in Chattanooga, have been named 2023 Credit Union Rock Stars by the editorial team of Credit Union Magazine.
The Credit Union Rock Stars program recognizes outstanding credit union professionals and directors from a wide range of disciplines who innovate and inspire to advance the missions of their credit unions. This year’s winners were selected for their exceptional creativity, innovation and passion.
CU Rock Star: Doug Clinton
Doug Clinton with Koin Credit Union, a League affiliate member, was nearly a year into his new role as CEO when the credit union’s primary sponsor group, Lifeway Christian Resources, the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, closed its stores nationally. The company pared its workforce from 4,200 to about 650.
“We suddenly had a membership issue,” said Doug. “Lifeway agreed we should expand our field of membership to survive.”
Doug hired a professional team to help guide the rebranding process. The rebranding to Koin—based on the Greek word “koinonia,” which means Christian fellowship—has proven successful. Koin won awards for both the rebrand and its new logo.
“Doug has led Koin Credit Union through some very challenging times,” said Mike Puckett, board chair for Koin Credit Union. “Doug, along with his excellent staff, has navigated the ups and downs of brand and technology changes well. We look forward to serving existing members and new groups with excellence as we utilize the technology advances that Doug has led us to incorporate.”
“Doug is such an inspiration for credit unions of all sizes,” said Taylor Murray, president/CEO of ServiStar Consulting. “His grit tied with his ambition and thoughtfulness has always made him a rock star in my book, and this award cements him as an official CU Rock Star!”
Read Doug’s full profile and learn more about the re-branding in this podcast.
CU Rock Star: Dionne Jenkins
Dionne Jenkins with TVFCU, a League affiliate member, builds programs that foster engagement both among credit union employees and in the community.
“Dionne’s recognition as a Credit Union Rock Star is well-deserved as her work in our institution and in the greater Chattanooga community has successfully reinforced our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of belonging,” said Todd Fortner, president and CEO of TVFCU. “In the community, she has created meaningful connections and partnerships that have strengthened our ties with the communities we serve. Dionne is a catalyst for positive internal change at TVFCU and has enriched our workforce resulting in a profound impact on our bottom line as we have seen increased innovation, stronger employee engagement and improved decision-making as a direct result of her efforts.”
In her role as vice president of corporate engagement, Dionne focuses on servant leadership.
“Servant leadership is at the core of who I am,” said Dionne. “Being able to work for an organization that believes in community involvement and engagement is why I’m here. I want to be in a role that allows me to serve this community on behalf of the credit union.”
Read Dionne’s full profile.
Read All 25 Profiles
“Prepare to be inspired and motivated by the 11th annual class of Rock Stars,” says Bill Merrick, Credit Union Magazine deputy editor. “There’s much to admire about these 25 credit union professionals and their compelling stories of generosity, ingenuity and concern for others.”
Credit Union Rock Stars are profiled in a special digital edition of Credit Union Magazine. Check out all the winners and read their stories at news.cuna.org/rockstar.
