Contributors

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Host

Charlene Shirk

VyCast Host Charlene Shirk is the Assistant Vice President of Public Relations at VyStar Credit Union. Charlene is a national award-winning, Emmy-nominated broadcast professional with more than 30 years of journalism experience. Charlene has served as a host for multiple television, radio and digital programs including First Coast News, The Chat, First Coast Living, First Coast Connect, JAX Country Radio, Digital Champions, and Passport to New Homes.

Guests

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Guest

Eric Weatherly

SVP of Loan Administration, VyStar Credit Union


Eric Weatherly is the SVP of Loan Administration at VyStar Credit Union. He oversees various aspects of loan administration and loan servicing operations. Eric has more than 25 years experience working in financial services relative to sales, customer service and loan servicing efforts. His experience includes time at M&T Bank, HSBC Bank and 18 years of service at VyStar. Eric brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization that prioritizes a solutions-oriented mentality and approach. His extensive experience and leadership skills have provided significant contribution and impact to consumers, team members and the financial services industry alike. Identifying unconventional solutions to conventional opportunities is his staple, as well as development of high performing teams. 

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Jason Sorochinsky

SVP of Real Estate Lending, VyStar Credit Union


Jason Sorochinsky serves as Senior Vice President of Real Estate Lending at VyStar Credit Union, overseeing Real Estate Lending & Servicing, CDFI & Impact Lending and the VyStar Title Agency.


With more than 19 years of experience in senior lending roles, Sorochinsky is recognized for driving results in mortgage lending, risk management and technology innovation. He has served on the Freddie Mac Advisory Board for Credit Unions for four years and volunteers as an Angel Flight Mission Pilot and youth sports coach.


Sorochinsky earned a Business Administration/Finance degree from Ithaca College and completed executive programs at Stonier Graduate School of Banking (UPenn) and Harvard Business School Online.

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Jonathan Hanson

SVP of Marketing Strategy and Member Engagement, VyStar Credit Union


Jonathan Hanson is Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Member Engagement. Jonathan has over 17 years financial services marketing experience. In his current role he is responsible for all performance marketing efforts, marketing research insights, regional marketing, financial fitness marketing and member satisfaction initiatives that support VyStar’s goals. He has a passion for finding innovative ways to serve the needs of members, VyStar, and the communities VyStar serves.

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Kevin Brown

Senior School Program Advisor, VyStar Credit Union


Kevin Brown, a proud native of Jacksonville, Florida, is deeply committed to serving his community. As a School Program Advisor at VyStar Credit Union, he channels his passion for youth and financial wellness into empowering students. Beyond his professional role, Kevin extends his impact by actively participating in various opportunities dedicated to promoting goodwill and positive change within the local community. 

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Kris Carrera

SVP of Payments, VyStar Credit Union


Kris Carrera is the Senior Vice President of Payments with over 35 years of experience in the fields of banking, technology and management. With a strong background in both international and USA payments, Kris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Throughout her career, Kris has been an integral part of numerous banking and payment counsels and advisory boards, contributing to industry advancements and strategic decision-making. Her extensive experience and leadership skills have played a pivotal role in driving innovation, optimizing operations and achieving success in the dynamic landscape of payments. Her contributions to the field have made a significant impact, and her dedication to excellence continues to shape the industry's future. 

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Lauren Morrison

VP of Card Products and Services, VyStar Credit Union


Lauren Morrison is the Vice President of Card Products and Services. She has nearly 15 years of experience in the banking and payments industry. Throughout her career, Lauren has been focused on delivering innovative products, optimizing operations and achieving success in the payments landscape. Her experience and leadership skills have played a pivotal role at VyStar, and her dedication to excellence should continue to have a positive impact for the credit union and its members.

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Lisa Cochran

Chief Information Officer, VyStar Credit Union


Lisa Cochran is the Chief Information Officer at VyStar Credit Union, where she is responsible for all aspects of digital, technology and information. Lisa assumes various responsibilities, overseeing both VyStar’s corporate and digital strategies. Her innovative approach to process analysis results in forward-thinking and inspiring recommendations for improving VyStar’s digital presence. Lisa has more than 28 years of experience at companies such as Humana, Softcard, Bank of America and Lockheed Martin. Additionally, she is passionate about closing the digital divide and creating diversity in technology.

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Madison Hughes

Recording Artist


Madison Hughes, originally from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, began her musical journey at age 10, learning guitar from her father. She later studied video production at Florida State University, mastering the art of recording and producing her own music. Madison’s career took off when she auditioned for NBC’s The Voice, wowing the coaches with her country rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.” Her debut single, “You or the Whiskey,” gained recognition on New Music Friday Country and Billboard’s “7 Must-Hear Country Songs.”

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Michael Rathjen

VP of High School Programs, VyStar Credit Union


VyStar's VP of High School Programs, Michael Rathjen, has led the Academy of Business High School Program for a decade. Early in his career he was nominated as the “Next Top Credit Union Executive” by VyStar and has also been recognized as an “Outstanding Business Individual of the Year” for Florida’s No. 1-rated school district.


Michael serves on multiple boards, including the Clay County Economic Development Corporation and is the State Delegate of Florida for the Credit Union Financial Education Network. His team has provided financial education training to 130,000+ students through VyStar’s program, which was No. 1 in the nation (per asset size) and received the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award from the Credit Union National Association in February 2020.

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Patricia McElroy

SVP, Foundation President, VyStar Credit Union


Patricia McElroy serves as President of the VyStar Foundation and a Senior Vice President at VyStar Credit Union, leading the philanthropic and community engagement efforts in each of the regions that VyStar serves. Throughout her career, Patti has worked to support nonprofit organizations and communities across the country and was previously a commercial litigator with a special focus in securities and banking. She is passionate about diverse and inclusive learning environments, the arts and community revitalization.


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Stephanie Curtis

Chief Member Experience Officer, VyStar Credit Union


Stephanie has over 13 years of experience in the financial services industry, with a focus on member engagement, service excellence, and operational leadership. She has led transformative initiatives across retail banking, contact centers, digital experience, and organizational development, consistently enhancing the member journey through innovation and strategic insight. Stephanie graduated from Western Credit Union Management School where she received a Credit Union Executive certification. She also graduated from the Florida School of Banking program at UF. Stephanie is passionate about empowering teams, fostering inclusive cultures, and advancing financial well-being in the communities she serves.

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Tamara Naar

SVP of VyStar Insurance Agency


Tamara Naar is the Senior Vice President of VyStar Insurance Agency (VIA). Tamara provides overall leadership, strategy, direction, and vision for VyStar Financial Group's Property and Casualty insurance products and services. Tamara is a proactive, results-producing leader with a strong record of accomplishments. Tamara has consistently developed effective business strategies and successfully executed initiatives while leading highly productive teams to exceed company goals. With over two decades of experience in the financial and insurance sector, she effortlessly leverages her diverse experiences to facilitate collaborative efforts, ultimately delivering insightful solutions that drive accelerated growth for the organization. 

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