Suncoast Credit Union EVP named to ‘Most Powerful’ list

Darlene Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Suncoast Credit Union, has been named one of 2024’s Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions by American Banker magazine. This marks the second consecutive year Johnson has received this accolade, highlighting her impact on the credit union industry.

Johnson began her career at Suncoast Credit Union in 1990, climbing the ladder over the years to her current position, which she assumed in March.

“I came to Suncoast for a job, not a career,” Johnson said, noting that her mother was a member and encouraged her to apply. “A couple of years into my journey at Suncoast, I found lending. I was introduced to consumer loans and I had a really strong mentor who taught me how to underwrite loans and counsel consumers to help them, if they weren’t qualified at the time, come back with different qualifications, and I immediately fell in love. That was my passion.”

Johnson spent 23 years in lending, working across both consumer and mortgage lending departments and holding various leadership roles. Her career took a significant turn during the 2008 Great Recession when her CEO tasked her with creating innovative member solutions. During the financial crisis, Johnson led a small team of seven underwriters that grew to 25 members, developing groundbreaking foreclosure prevention programs.

“Through that period, we saved about 4,500 members from losing their homes. We were really, really proud of that, because it was unique to the industry,” Johnson said. “Through that period, I also worked with the State of Florida to create the HARP (Home Affordable Refinance Program) initiative, and it ended up becoming a nationwide program.”

Under Johnson’s leadership, Suncoast has flourished as Florida’s largest credit union, serving more than 1.2 million members across 79 branches. Originally chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, it is now the eighth-largest credit union in the U.S. based on membership.

“Darlene’s visionary leadership and passion for making a positive impact embody the values of Suncoast Credit Union,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union, in a prepared statement. “Her dedication to innovation and her unwavering focus on our employees’ and members’ needs continue to elevate our organization and the credit union movement as a whole.”

Employees joined civic and business leaders in cutting the ribbon on the new Suncoast Credit Union on Central Avenue. Photo: Margie Manning, Catalyst archive/May 9, 2019.

As Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Johnson oversees several departments, including Market Development & Lending, Enterprise Agility, Member Experience and more. Her role involves shaping the strategic direction of the credit union to ensure its offerings remain relevant in today’s financial landscape.

Johnson cited early mentorship and a willingness to speak up and volunteer for opportunities outside her typical responsibilities as keys to her successful career. Throughout her journey, Johnson has remained committed to hands-on leadership, employee empowerment and continuous learning.

“One of my core values is never asking anybody to do anything you either haven’t done already or you’re not willing to stand by them and do it side-by-side,” Johnson added. “I don’t believe in leading from the front of the line; I believe in leading from behind others, to encourage and push them forward. But I also know that there are times where, as a leader, you have to roll up your sleeves and sit down to do the work side-by-side with your teams.”

Johnson’s advice to aspiring leaders, especially women in traditionally male-dominated sectors, is to never let the fear of making mistakes hold them back from speaking up to drive change and innovation: “Be bold. Challenge the norm and express your ideas. You’ve earned a seat at the table, so use it.”

Johnson’s recognition from American Banker is part of an initiative launched in 2022 to highlight women leaders driving innovation in the credit union sector. The program aims to celebrate those who are redefining possibilities in the industry.

“These remarkable women are leading with resilience, innovation and a steadfast commitment to their members and communities,” said Chana Schoenberger, Editor-in-Chief of American Banker, in a prepared statement. “Their achievements are redefining what’s possible in the credit union industry, paving the way for future leaders to build on their impact.”

Reflecting on being recognized as one of 2024’s Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions, Johnson called the honor “very humbling,” adding that she hopes it inspires young upstarts throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

“It’s so it’s very meaningful to me, not because it puts me out on a stage or gives me recognition, but because it gives me opportunities like this to share my story,” Johnson said. “Hopefully this will resonate with someone else that’s coming up, and will give them encouragement that they can do it, too.

“I started off opening checking accounts 35 years ago,” she added. “If you work hard, stay focused and make sure you’re bringing value to the organization and doing the right thing, you can get there. Just keep pushing forward and keep letting your voice be heard.”

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