VyStar Credit Union announced July 9 it hired Allie Braswell Jr. as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Jacksonville-based financial institution created the position to strengthen VyStar’s ability to promote equality in all forms, according to a news release from the credit union.
Braswell is responsible for planning and directing VyStar’s diversity programs involved in recruiting, retaining and training a diverse workforce.
“There is a need to focus more resources in these areas, both within our organization and in our communities. By filling the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion role, we are taking steps to enable other VyStar leaders and employees to further advance these ideals and continue to integrate them into VyStar’s practices and processes,” said Brian Wolfburg, VyStar president and CEO, in the release.
VyStar also implemented Employee Resource Groups, which will focus on women, minorities, veterans, disabled people, the LGBTQ community and others.
Braswell’s career spans more than 30 years and includes experience in program development and implementation, multicultural employee resource groups, diversity recruiting, transformational leadership, and public affairs and community relations.
He has held management-level positions in information technology, global diversity and Inclusion and corporate social responsibility at organizations such as The Walt Disney Co. and Mayo Clinic.
Braswell received a bachelor’s degree in information technology from American Intercontinental University and a master’s in human resources from Webster University.
He is a veteran of the U.S. military, has been an ambassador for the U.S. Army Reserve and continues to volunteer as a civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army.
VyStar Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Northeast Florida. It has more than 700,000 members and assets totaling more than $9.5 billion.