POWERGRAMS

4 Derrick Ragland has been part of the kinship between Alabama Power and the APCO Employees Credit Union for more than half the life of the financial institution. On Jan. 1, 2016, he becomes the fourth CEO in the 63-year history of Alabama's second-largest credit union, succeeding Merrill Mann. APCO ECU was founded in 1953 when three competing employee credit unions merged. It has grown to more than 71,000 members and $2.6 billion in assets with 120 employees at 15 locations across Alabama. The growth, Ragland said, stems from a commitment to providing excellent value and outstanding service. In 2013, APCO ECU was recognized as the nation's top credit union for delivering benefits to members. "During my career with APCO ECU we have witnessed many changes within the industry," Ragland said. "Some credit unions have changed their charter from their original employee-based charter to serving entire communities. We have no intention of doing that. "The employees of Alabama Power Company, Southern Company, Southern Nuclear and their families remain our core membership group," he said. "Our board is still made up primarily of current or retired Alabama Power Company employees, who cumulatively have volunteered more than 240 years to the success of this credit union." After starting in the loan department in 1982, Ragland earned a degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, paying for his education with one of the first APCO Visa credit cards. He climbed the corporate ladder as the institution's stature rose, becoming a branch manager, collections manager, branch and facilities manager, and vice president and chief operating officer. Ragland and his wife, Vickie, have been married 32 years. Their son, Trey, graduated from UAB and was a punter on the Blazers football team. Trey and his wife, Leia, both work for credit unions in Alabama. "Mr. Ragland has over 30 years of experience working at APCO Employees Credit Union, and the board of directors believes that his knowledge, skills, leadership and management ability will help continue the success of the APCO Employees Credit Union," said Regulatory Planning Manager John Valekis, who serves as chairman of the board. In addition to Valekis, members of the nine-person board are Internal Controls Manager Mark Wilkinson, Power Delivery-Distribution Engineer Greg Shipp, Melinda James Lopez and Alabama Power retirees Bill Bass, Billy Gober, Sal Marino, Robert Roy and Wendell Pate. The credit committee includes Market Information Specialist Melinda Hurd, Contract Analyst Joe Shannon, Fuel Services – Fuel Procurer John Ohlson, Accountant Vicki Page and Facilities Supervisor Carlton Stephens. Financial Analyst Allison Boone, Accountant Ann Wilkinson and Marketing Data Analyst Celia Yates are on the supervisory committee. "We're very blessed to have a board and management team that is truly dedicated to helping our members reach their personal and financial goals," said Ragland, a Trussville native and resident. "Our members are very loyal and many treat us like family. They often call us when they have a child … or send us a wedding invitation." Ragland is proud the credit union is the only non-Southern Company group with members in the Alabama Power Service Organization. Credit union employees join APC workers volunteering in Renew Our Rivers and other efforts to help communities across Alabama. He also takes pride in the credit union helping APC employees by providing lower loan rates, below-average fees and higher return on investments than the state's big-name banks. "We have always related to our industry's motto of 'People helping people.' Each day when we come to work we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone's life," said Ragland. "It is a very rewarding concept that is shared by our employees." Employee credit union keeps growing, leadership changing for fourth time FINANCIAL Ragland has risen through the ranks at APCO ECU since 1982. Ragland becomes CEO on Jan. 1, 2016. Photos by Ted Tucker

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