Community First Insider: June 2024 Edition

Dear Valued Member,

I am pleased to announce that Sam Inman, CFO, will become the next CEO of Community First Credit Union. I’ve had the good fortune of working closely with him during my entire 28-year career in this organization. He has been my go-to person, working diligently to ensure the credit union’s financial safety and soundness, leading our strategic planning efforts, and shouldering additional leadership responsibilities where needed as the credit union has grown in size and complexity.

Day in and day out, Sam has served as a role model for putting the credit union’s Purpose and Values into action, bringing unparalleled expertise coupled with a passion for serving the credit union community and you, our members.

In searching for my successor, our Board of Directors partnered with a well-regarded national recruiting firm to conduct a comprehensive search. In the words of our Board Chair, Lindy Prudencio, “Sam was the top candidate among some of the finest credit union leaders in the country. We believe he is the best leader to secure and expand Community First’s future.”

Born on Jacksonville’s Northside and a proud graduate of Englewood High School, Sam earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Florida and his MBA from Brenau University. A graduate of Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2002, Sam has always aspired to do his part to make a positive difference in our community. He will soon become the chair of the board of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida and has served on many boards and committees, including Learn to Read, the Teach Conference, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida. Additionally, he is the treasurer of the Community First Cares Foundation.

I could not have wished for a better outcome, and I look forward to watching Sam and his team build upon our solid foundation to continue introducing new and innovative products and services that help you achieve your financial goals and aspirations.

Sam will officially become CEO on August 31. My last day as CEO will be Friday, August 30.

Thank you for your continued support and trust in Community First Credit Union. Please join me in congratulating Sam Inman as our new CEO. ■

Sam Inman named CEO and President

The Board of Directors of Community First Credit Union of Florida has announced that Sam Inman, currently chief financial officer (CFO), will succeed John Hirabayashi as CEO and president on August 31, 2024.

Sam, who has been with the credit union since 1990, was selected after a national search and has been pivotal in growing assets from $156 million to $2.7 billion. A Jacksonville native and UNF alumnus, Sam looks forward to continuing the credit union's mission of empowering its members and the community.

John Hirabayashi Receives Distinguished Service Award

John Hirabayashi, retiring CEO of Community First Credit Union, has received the Distinguished Service Award from the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU), recognizing his lifelong service to the credit union movement.

This award, presented at the 2024 Southeastern Credit Union Conference & Expo in Orlando, also means John will be inducted into the Credit Union Hall of Leaders at the Credit Union House in Washington, D.C., during the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference in March 2025.

Murabella Branch Grand Opening

Community First Credit Union has opened its 22nd branch in Murabella, St. Johns County, as part of its Branch Transformation Project to enhance member service with modern retail spaces. The new 3,000-square-foot location features a full-service drive-thru, two ATMs, and a historical mural, and serves nearly 2,000 members within a five-mile radius.

The branch is the credit union’s second in St. Johns County, with a third under construction in Beachwalk.

Branch Expansion to Callahan

Community First Credit Union has purchased land on U.S. Route 301 in Callahan for its 24th branch and second location in Nassau County, aiming to open in 2025. The 3,100-square-foot branch will feature a full-service drive-thru, two ATMs, and modern amenities, including a historical mural of Callahan.

With nearly 10,000 members in Nassau County, Community First is responding to the area’s rapid growth, which includes a 17% population increase since 2010 and significant job growth.

Kindness in our Community Spotlight

In April, Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (HabiJax), one of Florida’s largest nonprofit homebuilders, shared news of our partnership to assist low-to-moderate income households in purchasing new, affordable homes.

The Community First Executive team participated in hands-on volunteer work, painting a home and preparing it for inspection and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. It was a fun and rewarding way to begin our collaboration with HabiJax.

State of the Credit Union

A letter from our CEO, John Hirabayashi

Sam Inman named CEO and President

John Hirabayashi Receives Distinguished Service Award

Murabella Branch Grand Opening

Branch Expansion to Callahan

Kindness in our Community Spotlight