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Community Impact

Our philosophy of “people helping people” can be seen in our daily interactions with members or serving our local community.

Supporting Our Local Communities

Georgia United Credit Union takes great pride in being an active and responsible member of the communities we serve. Every year we support events and programs that focus on strengthening our school systems, financial literacy and helping our communities.

Volunteering

All Georgia United team members are given three paid volunteer days each year to serve at credit union-sponsored programs or for a charitable organization of their choice. Don’t be surprised to find our team members volunteering at a local elementary school career day or rolling up their sleeves for service organizations.

Financial Education

We are passionate about furthering financial literacy in our communities. Our team members can be found hosting educational seminars—both online and in person—to help teach important financial skills like money management, budgeting, investing and more. If you need a speaker for your community group, school or business, we'd love to connect with you.

More through our foundation

The Georgia United Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in the communities we serve. Our Foundation partners with Georgia United Credit Union team members and volunteers to fund and deliver impactful programs across the state including:

I'm so appreciative of the "mission in action" behind the staff at Georgia United Credit Union. The staff at Georgia United are a living embodiment of giving back to the community and for that, the Y is truly grateful. Your gift of dollars and time has a big impact for many in our community's mind, body, and spirit.
- Joseph A., J.M. Tull Gwinnett Family YMCA
Georgia United aides the community they serve with services like feeding the community, a toy drive during Christmas and more.
- Carolle D., Member, Georgia United Credit Union
Thank you so much for this grant. It will really go a long way to help us provide meals to the children in our community.
- Jill E., Hearts Against Hunger
Georgia United is very helpful to the community. I always see them giving back, helping young students who are in school and helping young families. Georgia United is a great credit union that I love.
- Uwannia L., Member, Georgia United Credit Union
We rely on support from community partners like Georgia United Credit Union. With their funding, we will serve so many families during these trying times. Filling basic needs, like diapers, for families makes such a difference. Collaborations and partners are what help make our communities stronger.
- Jan Ruth M., Director of Giving, Helping Mamas

Georgia United Credit Union Promotes Mark Bartholomew to Executive Vice President

Oct 12, 2023

 

DULUTH, GA  – As a result of his impact on Georgia United Credit Union’s digital infrastructure Mark Bartholomew, who has served as chief information and operations officer (CIOO) since 2022, as chief information officer (CIO) beginning in 2011 and prior to that as vice president of information services, has been promoted to executive vice president status, effective October 1, 2023.

As executive vice president/CIO, Bartholomew is responsible for information services and business solutions, including IT development, policies and procedures, process improvement, deposit and payment operations, business intelligence, facilities and security.

This role reports to Georgia United President Laura King.

Bartholomew’s two-decade journey with Georgia United Credit Union is exemplified by his spirit of innovation and unwavering dedication to the organization’s technological evolution.

“Mark has consistently demonstrated exemplary dedication to Georgia United’s member service and has played a pivotal role in our continued growth and success,” said Georgia United CEO Debbie Smith. “As an executive vice president, he will be instrumental in shaping our future direction and reinforcing our commitment to delivering outstanding financial services and innovative solutions to our members. We look forward to Mark's continued guidance into the future with his unmatched expertise and passion.”

Bartholomew has more than 30 years of financial industry experience. Prior to joining Georgia United, he was director of provisioning for Interland, Inc., and he has also worked with FiTech Systems, the Federal Reserve Bank and Fulton Federal Savings Bank.

His recent Georgia United contributions include elevating Georgia United’s online banking presence, and implementing the credit union’s interactive teller machine strategy, known as ATM +. He is also leading Georgia United’s multi-project branch transformation program and implementing innovative technology to enhance member and data security.

“A holistic approach towards technology and information security is vital for both the prosperity of Georgia United’s members and functionality of the business,” said Bartholomew. “I am grateful for this opportunity to embrace the future and ensure sustainability for our members and organization.”

Bartholomew earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Georgia State University.

About Georgia United Credit Union   

Georgia United Credit Union is an award-winning financial leader and partner in education. Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia United is ranked as one of the state’s largest credit unions with $2 billion in assets and more than 150,000 members. As a full-service financial institution, Georgia United offers competitive products and services for every stage of life. Visit gucu.org to learn more. 

 

Start Date:10 12, 2023