Palmetto Citizens names new board treasurer, chief lending officer

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Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union has named Don Horton as its new board treasurer and Robert Terrell as new chief lending officer.

Horton was elected by the board of directors during their July meeting. He has been a member of Palmetto Citizens since 2008. He previously served on their supervisory committee from 2015 until joining the board of directors in 2021.

“With his commitment and passion for the credit union movement and long history in the education field, Mr. Horton was an obvious choice to join our board when we had an opening in 2021,” said Steve Hamm, chairman of Palmetto Citizens’ board of directors. “We’re fortunate to now have him take on the role of board treasurer and look forward to his contributions we continue our work together to ensure Palmetto Citizens remains the best place for our members and their financial needs.”

Horton devoted his entire career to public school education, beginning as a teacher in the North Kansas City Public School District. After receiving a master’s degree in school administration, he served as an assistant principal for many years before becoming a middle school principal for 13 years prior to retirement. Soon after, he moved to Columbia and joined Palmetto Citizens because of its roots in the education community.

During his time in Kansas City, Horton became active in the credit union movement and was elected to the supervisory committee of Midwest United Credit Union (now CommunityAmerica Credit Union.) He served on this committee for nine years, holding the position of chairman for eight years. He remained chairman until moving to their board of directors from 2005 to 2006.

Robert Terrell brings more than 31 years of work in the financial services industry to his role as chief lending officer, including nearly 20 years with Palmetto Citizens. He first served as manager of the Millwood Avenue office and has held the position of senior vice president of loan administration since 2006.

“I’m honored to take on this new challenge and continue my work to further develop and enhance the lending programs at Palmetto Citizens,” Terrell said. “The loans we’re able to provide, whether a mortgage, vehicle loan, credit card, or commercial loan, make a huge impact in people’s lives and helps to build our community.”

As CLO, Robert oversees Palmetto Citizens’ $734 Million loan portfolio as well as a variety of key areas within the credit union, including loan administration, mortgage, commercial lending, and collections.

“In my short time so far at Palmetto Citizens, I’ve been amazed by all the potential growth opportunities we have within the Midlands. However, we can’t realize that growth without focusing on the safety and soundness of our organization,” said Robert Dozier Jr. president and CEO of Palmetto Citizens “Robert Terrell’s ability to balance those areas will certainly help take Palmetto Citizens to new heights.”

Palmetto Citizens has been serving their member-owners since 1936. Today, with over $1.3 Billion in assets and 310 employees throughout the Midlands, Palmetto Citizens serves over 100,000 consumers and operates from 14 locations with more than 40 ATMs.