PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.–Innovations Financial Credit Union has named a new president and CEO to succeed the retiring David Southall, who plans to step down effective Dec. 31.
The $625-million Innovations Financial said it has selected Scott Gladden, who has been serving as President since March, to step into the role of president and CEO beginning with the new year.
Gladden has worked alongside Southall for more than 20 years and has been instrumental in Innovations’ strategic growth and operational excellence, the credit union said.
Southall’s “retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished 39-year career in the credit union industry and more than three decades of service to Innovations and its members,” IFCU said. “Southall began his career in 1987 with NCSC Federal Credit Union—now Innovations Financial Credit Union—starting as a teller and rising through roles, including senior teller, assistant branch manager, branch manager, and VP-lending.”
From 2000 to 2004, he served as an Account Relationship Manager at CUNA Mutual Group (now TruStage) supporting credit unions across Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. He returned to Innovations in 2004 to assume the role of president & CEO, “guiding the organization through an era of growth, modernization, and cultural transformation.”
‘Vibrant & Modern’
“Throughout Southall’s tenure, Innovations grew from a small institution into a vibrant, modern, and widely recognized credit union,” Innovations FCU said. “When he began his career, Innovations operated only two branches and held approximately $30 million in assets. Today, the credit union has expanded to 10 locations—including two outside of Bay County: one on Main Street in Chipley and another in Bonifay—and now holds more than $625 million in assets. The team has grown as well, increasing from about ten employees to more than one hundred dedicated team members serving communities across Northwest Florida.”
‘Significant Milestones’
IFCU said Southall also helped guide several of Innovations’ most significant milestones.
“In 2005, he supported the transition to the name Innovations Financial Credit Union, helping establish a refreshed brand and vision,” the CU said. “That momentum carried forward in 2022 when Innovations converted from a federal to a state charter, adopting the name Innovations Financial Credit Union—a pivotal change that expanded membership eligibility into Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, and Walton counties. Membership growth continued in 2024 with the addition of Okaloosa, Franklin, and Liberty counties, signaling a new chapter of regional expansion.
‘Instrumental Role’
He also played an instrumental role in the acquisition and system conversion of First National Bank Northwest Florida, ensuring a smooth transition for both members and employees, the credit union said.
“Along the way, he represented Innovations at national and international conferences, sharing the credit union’s culture-driven approach to service. His creativity helped establish a lively and memorable social media presence—complete with music videos, flash mobs, and team-driven content—that strengthened both brand visibility and internal culture.”
Community Involvement
During his career Southall was active with the American Heart Association, the Bay County and Panama City Beach Chambers of Commerce, the American Cancer Society, United Way of Northwest Florida, and March of Dimes. His passion for education led him to serve on the FSU Panama City Development Board and Dean’s Council, and he further supported the industry through service on the CU24 Network Board, the CU added.
