DULUTH, Ga.–Georgia United Credit Union CEO Debbie Smith has announced plans to retire at year-end, and the credit union has named a successor.
The $2.37-billion Georgia United said Laura King, who currently serves as president, will add the CEO title effective with the retirement of Smith, who has led the credit union for a decade.
“Since assuming the CEO role in 2013, Smith has guided Georgia United through a period of exceptional growth, expanding the credit union’s assets from $950 million to over $2 billion,” the credit union said in a statement. “A steadfast advocate for member service and community development, Smith has been instrumental in strengthening Georgia United’s mission and expanding its reach across the state.”
Georgia United noted that in March of this year Smith was recognized nationally for her contributions when she received the Inman Servant Leadership Award from America’s Credit Unions, a prestigious honor bestowed on leaders who “exemplify humility, vision and an unwavering commitment to serving others.”
‘The Lives She’s Touched’
“Debbie Smith has been at the helm of Georgia United’s success for more than a decade,” Chair Tom Dickson said in a statement. “Her dedication to serving our members and communities has strengthened Georgia United in every way. Debbie’s legacy is not just in the numbers—it’s in the lives she’s touched and the mission she has advanced.”
The 154,00-member GUCU said that its successor CEO, Laura King, brings a distinguished track record of leadership, having held senior executive roles at several of the largest credit unions in Georgia.
She joined Georgia United in April 2021 and was promoted to president in July 2023, where she has since been “instrumental in shaping the organization’s strategic and operational direction, deepening member engagement and positioning the credit union for continued growth.”
According to Georgia United, Smith and King will work closely over the next few months to “ensure a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition.”
