Katie BaileyAs Laura Vann prepares to retire from her role as Senior Director of Shared Branching for Cooperative Services, we are proud to recognize her years of leadership and the lasting impact she has made on credit unions throughout Alabama and Georgia.
Laura has led the Shared Cooperative Services team with dedication, professionalism, and care. She has overseen the day-to-day operations of the CO-OP Shared Branch network, supporting 85 credit unions and helping them process more than four million transactions each year. Her work has made it easier for members to access their credit unions, no matter where they are.
Her influence goes beyond shared branching. During her 16 years on the association side of the organization, Laura played a key role in launching the Young Professionals Group, now the Emerging Professionals Network, and helped strengthen both affiliation and non-dues revenue. She has always approached her work with a strategic mindset and a passion for supporting credit unions and their members.
Outside of the office, Laura enjoys reading thrillers and memoirs, cooking for her family, and cheering on her favorite college basketball teams. She plans to begin retirement with a staycation in Birmingham, spending time at a hotel that once housed the Chamber of Commerce where she began her career. She will celebrate with family and friends over dinner at her favorite downtown restaurants before heading off on a dream theater trip to London. She also looks forward to spending more time writing, including finishing a novel she has been working on for years.
We are incredibly grateful for Laura’s service and the legacy she leaves behind. Her leadership has strengthened the shared branching network and helped advance the credit union movement.
Moving forward, Laura Heard will continue to support your shared branching needs. You can reach her directly at laura.heard@myscservices.com.
