Georgia United Credit Union Board Chairman Tom Dickson to Retire After Nearly 30 Years of Service

Dickson joined the Georgia United Board of Directors in 1997 and was elected Chairman in 2009. During his 17 years as Chairman, he helped guide the credit union through a period of significant growth, transformation and expanded service to members and communities across Georgia. 

When Dickson joined the Board, the organization was known as Georgia Federal Credit Union and had recently surpassed 50,000 members. During his tenure, the credit union expanded its reach across the state, became Georgia United Credit Union and grew into one of Georgia’s largest credit unions, today serving more than 150,000 members with more than $2 billion in assets. 

“Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Tom and have come to deeply value his leadership, perspective and friendship,” said Laura King, CEO & President of Georgia United Credit Union. “Our relationship has always been grounded in open and honest communication and a shared commitment to Georgia United and our members. His trust and counsel have meant a great deal to me, particularly as I transitioned into the CEO role. I am incredibly grateful for him and his lasting impact on Georgia United.” 

Dickson’s commitment to Georgia United reflects a lifetime devoted to education, public service and his community. He is a former teacher, principal and superintendent of Whitfield County Schools in Dalton and previously represented Georgia’s 6th House District in the Georgia House of Representatives. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Maryville College, a master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee and an Education Specialist degree from West Georgia College. He is also a graduate of Leadership Dalton. 

“Serving Georgia United and its members has been one of the great privileges of my life,” Dickson said. “I have had the opportunity to serve alongside extraordinary board members, leaders and team members who genuinely believe in the credit union mission and in making a difference in people’s lives. I am incredibly proud of how Georgia United has grown, but I am even more proud that through that growth, we have remained focused on serving our members and communities. I leave with tremendous gratitude for the people who have made this journey so meaningful and with great confidence in the Board, Laura and the entire Georgia United team. I know the credit union’s best chapters are still ahead.” 

Dickson’s impact extends beyond the boardroom. His longstanding commitment to education and the Dalton community is reflected through the Georgia United Foundation’s Tom Dickson Scholarship, which supports students attending Dalton State College, with a particular emphasis on Hispanic and Latino students and first-generation college Students.

“Tom has always understood that leadership is ultimately about service,” said Frank Thach, Georgia United Board Member and former Vice Chair. “I have been fortunate to serve alongside him and witness firsthand the thoughtfulness and steady leadership he brings to the Board. Tom has never sought recognition for himself; his focus has always been on doing what is right for the members we represent and positioning Georgia United to serve generations to come. His influence on this organization will be felt for many years.” 

Throughout Dickson’s tenure, Georgia United continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of its membership, expanding its geographic footprint, embracing new technology and strengthening its role as a financial partner and community advocate. His leadership helped the Board navigate that evolution while preserving the cooperative values at the heart of the credit union. 

Upon Dickson’s retirement, current Vice Chairman Edwin T. Bell will assume the role of Chairman of the Georgia United Credit Union Board of Directors. A longstanding Georgia United member, Bell joined the Board in 2018, served as Audit Committee Chair from 2022 to 2026 and was elected Vice Chairman in 2026. Bell serves professionally as Court Administrator & Chief Administrative Officer for the State & Magistrate Courts of DeKalb County. 

“I am especially grateful to know that Edwin will be stepping into the role of Chairman,” Dickson said. “He is a thoughtful and dedicated leader who understands Georgia United, believes deeply in our mission and keeps the interests of our members at the forefront. I have tremendous confidence in Edwin and know he will provide strong leadership to the Board as Georgia United moves into its next chapter.”