Suncoast Credit Union Announces Retirement Of Longest Tenured Employee

TAMPA, FL — After a 46-year-career at Suncoast Credit Union, the only job she has ever held, Suncoast Credit Union President and CEO, Kevin Johnson, announces the retirement of Cindy Helton, who most recently served as the Executive Director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. As the longest tenured Suncoast employee, her retirement is effective on Friday, December 16, 2022.

On Sept. 1, 1976, Helton began her career at Suncoast as a student intern from Tampa Bay Technical High School. Throughout her career, she’s served multiple roles in a variety of departments at Suncoast, climbing the leadership ladder with each move. In 2014 she assumed the helm of the Foundation upon the retirement of her predecessor.

Helton has played an instrumental role in Suncoast's philanthropic efforts and community impact relishing the role of humanizing the impact of the Foundation in a way that distributed over 26 million dollars in funds during her tenure.

“It has been my personal joy to serve in this role,” says Helton, “and to meet the people who carry out the works that we help fund. I will always remember the faces of the children, the gratitude of those who understand and explain the need for the funds and especially for a job that sees the importance of being a true community servant.”

In 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation was established to benefit children and their families and to support educational initiatives. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised and donated over $36 million to the communities the credit union serves. Every time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, two cents are donated to the Foundation.

“It pains us all to bid farewell to Cindy,” added Kevin Johnson, President and CEO, Suncoast Credit Union. “She brings a high level of energy to the role, and she cares deeply about the work of the Foundation. She also has a great understanding of our history and growth, since she has been here the longest. We hate to lose her, but we’re also humbled and grateful for her service to those we serve.”

Helton plans to spend her retirement reflecting and relaxing, and spending more time with Chloe, her granddaughter.

Kourtney Berry, who currently serves as youth outreach manager at Suncoast, has been promoted to executive director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.