Jaimie Spruill named CEO of Greater Kinston Credit Union
Photo by Janet Sutton / Neuse News
By Janet Sutton
Jaimie Spruill has worn many hats in the banking industry and recently she's earned her biggest one yet. The 29-year-old was recently named branch manager and CEO of Greater Kinston Credit Union (GKCU) on North Queen Street. She replaces former branch manager and CEO Shawn Wilson, who exited in 2019 after working there for 6 years.
A native of Williamston, she earned her Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University and her Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. As CEO, Spruill will lead community outreach, prepare financial reports and conduct board presentations among other responsibilities. She is the second woman to hold the position since the financial institution was established in 1952.
When she's not at GKCU, she enjoys reading, watching sports, exercising and spending time with her daughter, family and friends. She also founded a non-profit, Future Leaders of Wall Street, where she plans to educate youth and help develop responsible citizens.
Spruill previously worked as a bank teller, mortgage officer, insurance representative and tax preparer at State Employees Credit Union in Greenville prior to joining GKCU last year. As a child, Spruill had a humble upbringing and identifies with some of the struggles customers may face. She uses the experience as an opportunity to be friendly and relatable to others.
"With the credit union, the members love you, so you don't want to leave," Spruill said. "Building that relationship is key," she added, "I want to build relationships with the people of Kinston, also Lenoir County, Jones County, Greene, Craven and Pitt Counties; the counties that we serve here. I want the people that don't know a lot about us, because we've [GKCU] been here for over 60 years, to come in and really feel welcome because this is a staple in this community."
As she settles into her new job, she values the guidance of tenured staff like Kecia Torrencee and Cassandra Simmons whose describe Spruill as sweet and smart.
"I think she's going to turn things around here," Torrencee said. "She's got great ideas on things and I think she's just a huge asset to us," she said.
Simmons has been employed at GKCU for more than 20 years and also speaks high praises of Spruill.
"I just think she's an awesome person, she has a great personality, she seems like a smart and enthusiastic young lady. I think she's a perfect fit for what the credit union needs," Simmons said.
