In this second article of 2022's Best Credit Unions to Work For list, we take a closer look at six credit union professionals who have recently earned new titles. From executive editors to commercial lending officers, these employees are making an impact on both their colleagues' lives and the success of their credit unions.

3. George Danforth Jr. was promoted to vice president of commercial lending at Community First Credit Union

Danforth earned a reputation for leading change at Washington University. He expanded the school's biology and biochemistry department, established an undergraduate major, established a medical center, and founded the Danforth Plant Science Center.

At the core of his efforts were two principles: research and education. He provided financial support for new federal awards to universities as well as partnerships with businesses like Monsanto to fund research initiatives.

This resulted in the establishment of a world-class research institute and significant economic development for the region. It gave birth to numerous companies such as an energy firm and restaurant chain chain restaurants alike.

He also developed an unlikely bond with Clarence Thomas, an African American law student from the South who had grown up in rural Georgia. In the 1970s, he asked Thomas to help run his Senate office; little did he know then that this same Thomas would eventually become America's first Black chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Thomas was the person who first exposed Danforth to an expansive world of ideas and controversy. Not only was Thomas an outstanding jurist, but he was also an enchanting human being; Danforth quickly developed an affinity for him.

Danforth never betideled any ideology, but he did strive for what he called the middle ground. He opposed both protectionism and laissez-faire economics in favor of fair trade - a compromise between Leftism's anti-globalization view and Rightist support of free markets. Additionally, Danforth supported the treaty that transferred control of the Panama Canal to Panama despite fierce opposition from Missourians; nonetheless, he stood by his principles regardless.

4. John Goetz was promoted to senior vice president of human resources and training at Community First Credit Union

Professionals Achieve New Titles at 6 Credit Unions

John Goetz was recently promoted to senior vice president of human resources and training at Community First Credit Union, making him the highest ranking member of a department with more than 100 employees. In this role, he will oversee the company's human resource strategy.

He is accountable for providing the best customer service in the industry and creating an extensive employee training program. With a staff of 165 people under his command, he oversees employee education, engagement, communications, compensation & benefits, health & welfare initiatives, organizational development activities, human resources technology initiatives and strategic business planning strategies.

He is also accountable for much of the bank's marketing and sales initiatives. As leader of a team that creates award-winning branded products and services - including cutting-edge digital and mobile ones - he plays an essential role in these endeavors.

He manages to find time for his family, which includes two dogs and a cat. He enjoys taking occasional jogs or bike rides around Rochester's beautiful parks and trails. Furthermore, he is proud Siena College alumnus.

5. David Weaver was promoted to senior vice president of business development at Community First Credit Union

David Weaver has been appointed senior vice president of business development at Community First Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C. He is responsible for commercial deposit and loan products, capital markets originations, corporate finance, dealer commercial services and specialty industry verticals such as senior care, government/not-for-profit and association services. Since 1995, Weaver has been employed at Truist Financial Corporation in various capacities such as branch manager, commercial lending officer and regional bank group executive. He holds the Certified Credit Union Executive designation from CUNA Management School and currently serves on the boards of Lineberger Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. and Wake Forest University Center for Private Business. Additionally, he belongs to both Wake County Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Greater Triangle.

6. Erica Johnson was promoted to senior vice president of human resources at Community First Credit Union

Erica Johnson, previously the vice president of human resources at Community First Credit Union in Lake, Marin, Mendocino and Napa counties, has recently been promoted to senior vice president for human resources. She is an accomplished HR professional with a drive to guarantee all employees have access to quality benefits and training. Her responsibilities include recruiting, onboarding, employee relations management, training programs, performance reviews and payroll administration. She has over two decades of experience working in human resources, and she takes pride in listening and advocating for diversity and fairness. Additionally, she enjoys learning new things and building relationships. Her hobbies include spending time with family and walking in Tower Grove Park. A graduate of Alma College and Miami University (OH), she loves spending her spare time reading, baking treats for friends, as well as volunteering at local schools and organizations.