admin 
Joseph “Joe” Nowland was named as Jax Federal Credit Union’s new president and CEO, effective April 1. He succeeds Gerri Sexsion, who retired on March 29 after 21 years as the president and CEO. Nowland brings extensive experience in several areas of credit union leadership, including member services, retail operations, business banking, risk management, strategic planning, and performance management.
Nowland, a seasoned executive with more than 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, has held numerous staff and executive positions in several locations throughout the Southeast. Most recently, he served as the Chief Business Services Officer at VyStar Credit Union, where he helped grow the organization to $8.2 billion in assets serving more than 650,000 members across Florida and Georgia.
Prior to joining VyStar, Nowland spent most of his career in key management and executive roles with First Union/Wachovia Bank on the retail and business banking side of the organization. His last role at the bank was Community Bank President for the Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee market, where he was responsible for the financial performance of retail and commercial banking.
“The Board of Directors conducted an extensive national search for the right leader to guide Jax Federal Credit Union. Little did we know, the perfect candidate was close by,” said Charles T. McLeod Jr., chairman of the Jax Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. “Joe’s passion and experience immediately resonated with our Board, and we trust that our members will be just as excited to welcome him to the Jax Federal Credit Union family.”
