Achieva Credit Union has promoted Sarah Hussain to Regional Market President, giving her responsibility for strategy, growth and community involvement initiatives across Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties. The region, which includes Achieva’s Dunedin headquarters and flagship branch, accounts for 64.9% of the credit union’s membership with 12 branch locations, one of which opened in 2020 under Hussain’s leadership as Market Vice President.
Hussain will be particularly focused on continuing the growth of financial literacy programs throughout the market, particularly within the education community. The recent passing of Florida legislation requiring financial literacy programs be taught in high schools has created more formal demand for this curriculum.
“Sarah Hussain has demonstrated strong leadership in her branches, market and community since she joined us in 2015,” said Achieva Chief Operations Officer Jennifer Galley. “We are confident she will bring the strategic experience and passion to this role as we aim to continue to grow in this market.”
The Dorothy L. Hukill Financial Literacy Act requires Florida high school students to complete a personal finance course before graduation starting with the 2023-2024 school year. Hussain has encouraged all of her managers to get involved with school advisory boards to learn more about the requirements and to see how Achieva can help.
Achieva’s in-school branch and partnership at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg has served as an example of how a credit union-school relationship can support and expedite the effective rollout of a financial literacy curriculum. In addition to learning about personal finance, students get real-world experience working in a variety of jobs at a functioning branch.
Another way Achieva is looking to help schools is through internship programs. Clearwater High School, which Hussain sits on the school advisory board for, has partnered with Achieva on an internship program since Hussain joined the credit union in 2015. The internship program, which offers valuable, real-world experience to students over the summer break, has served as a model for Achieva in other geographic markets as well.
“Similar to our approach in business, we’re proactive in getting out to the community and education organizations to share how we can partner,” said Hussain. “I’m absolutely committed to expanding Achieva’s presence and partnerships and addressing the needs that develop from understanding the needs of the community.”
About Achieva
Achieva Credit Union was founded in 1937 in Pinellas County. Today, it is rated a Superior 5-Star credit union by Bauer Financial and has more than $2.4 billion in assets and 22 branches serving more than 153,000 members. Anyone who lives or works in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties, or whose family member has an Achieva Credit Union account can bank with Achieva. For more information, visit www.achievacu.com.