COLUMBIA, S.C. —CARO Federal Credit Union has promoted Gwen Rivers to executive vice president, recognizing her more than 25 years of experience across lending, retail, and operational leadership within the credit union industry.
Rivers served as CARO’s chief lending officer since 2008 and assumed the role of chief retail officer in 2023, playing a key role in shaping the credit union’s lending strategy, enhancing the member experience, and supporting operational growth. Prior to joining CARO, she served as Mortgage Manager for Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union for four and a half years.
Throughout her career, Rivers has worked across nearly every area of banking and finance, including operations, member service, consumer and commercial lending, mortgage lending, collections, and back-office data processing and servicing. Her breadth of experience has made her a trusted leader and mentor within the organization.
Rivers is a graduate of Dreher High School and the University of Georgia Credit Union Management School, and she holds a South Carolina real estate license.
Highly active in both the credit union movement and the broader community, Rivers has served in numerous board and committee roles. She currently serves as chair of the Better Business Bureau and as a board member of Innovation Business Solutions, a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO).
“Gwen’s leadership, integrity, and deep understanding of our members and our mission make her the ideal choice for this role,” said Anne Shivers, President & CEO of CARO Federal Credit Union.
“For more than two decades, Gwen has led with heart, expertise, and a genuine commitment to doing what’s right for our members and our staff. Her promotion to Executive Vice President reflects not only her exceptional experience, but the trust and respect she has earned across our organization and the credit union industry at large. We are excited to continue building CARO’s future with Gwen in this expanded leadership role.”
Rivers and her husband have two adult children. A lifelong learner, she enjoys reading, traveling, baking, and volunteering in her community.
