COOPER CITY, Fla.- – BrightStar Credit Union has appointed Stephanie Huddleston as chief operating officer, further strengthening the organization’s executive leadership team as the credit union enters its next phase of growth following the $1 billion asset milestone, it said.
Huddleston brings more than 27 years of executive leadership experience across credit unions and community banks, including First Mountain Bank, Valley Bank and Trust, Premier Members Credit Union and UNIFY Financial Credit Union, with a proven track record in lending, operational excellence and member experience strategy.
In her role as COO, she will oversee key operational functions, focusing on aligning people, processes and technology to support scalable growth while maintaining regulatory discipline and a consistent, high-quality member experience.
Throughout her career, Huddleston has held senior leadership positions including executive vice president and chief operating officer, as well as executive vice president of lending and retail. She has successfully guided organizations through periods of rapid growth, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory remediation, and enterprise-wide digital transformation. Her leadership has driven disciplined lending strategies, strengthened operational performance, and enhanced service delivery in highly regulated environments, the credit union said.
Known for her collaborative and servant-leadership style, Huddleston has a reputation for building high-performing teams that balance operational efficiency, risk management and a strong service culture. Her approach aligns closely with BrightStar’s mission to deliver trusted financial solutions while maintaining a member-first mindset.
“I’m incredibly excited to join BrightStar Credit Union at such a meaningful moment in its journey,” said Huddleston. “Reaching the $1 billion milestone is a testament to the trust members place in the organization. My focus is on strengthening our operational capabilities in a way that supports responsible growth, exceptional service, and long-term value. I relocated to Florida from Texas and this will allow me to be fully immersed in the communities we serve. I’m honored to help lead BrightStar into its next chapter of growth, innovation and member impact.”
Huddleston holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance, graduating magna cum laude. Based in South Florida, she is committed to advancing BrightStar’s mission by delivering disciplined operational excellence and meaningful financial solutions for members and communities, while embracing the opportunity to live and work in one of the country’s most dynamic coastal markets.
