BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–At its Annual Meeting, the Southern Energy Credit Union’s board honored President and Chief Executive Officer Derrick E. Ragland Jr. with the Salvador A. Marino Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award was given in recognition of Ragland’s exceptional dedication and service to members, the CU said.
“Derrick has shaped the future of our financial institution,” Chairman Greg Shipp said in a statement. “Without his leadership and ambitious vision, the current success and future path of Southern Energy Credit Union would not be possible.”
Ragland’s 43-year career with Southern Energy Credit Union—formerly APCO Employees Credit Union—spanned roles in lending, branch management, collections, facilities, and operations, culminating in his role as president and CEO beginning in 2016, the credit union said.
“Under his leadership, the Credit Union earned recognition for operational excellence and a commitment to credit union values, and in 2024, he was named Professional of the Year by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions,” it stated. “He helped create long-term sustainability for the Credit Union through two strategic mergers of Atlanta-based credit unions in the last two years, which led to the organization’s recent rebrand.”
Additionally, Ragland was integral in establishing the 501(c)(3) Southern Energy Credit Union Foundation to support long-term charitable giving.
“I’m deeply honored that the board of directors holds my time with the credit union in such high regard, and I was genuinely surprised and grateful to receive this award,” Ragland said in a statement. “Looking back on my 43 years here, while I’m proud of the contributions I’ve made, I could have never anticipated just how profoundly the Credit Union would shape and enrich my own life.”
