Joel Swanson

Joel Swanson is the chief member experience officer at VyStar Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the United States. He’s based in Jacksonville, Florida, and has more than 20 years of experience in technology and financial services.

Swanson is committed to establishing a steady, simplified, individualized experience for VyStar Credit Union’s 875,000-plus members. He accomplishes this by dispensing the guidance and resources necessary to meet members' needs through holistic financial management. Under Swanson’s tenure, the credit union has grown to 69 full-service branches, 18 high school branches, and a network of over 20,000 surcharge-free ATM’s.

In addition to serving on VyStar Credit Union’s executive leadership team, he’s also worked as the chief digital officer at VyStar Credit Union and has demonstrated exemplary performances in numerous C-level positions. For example, as the senior vice president of branch services at Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, he was responsible for more than 80 branches in four states. He also ran the credit union’s digital delivery during his tenure as vice president of electronic services.

Additionally, he worked as a business systems analyst at Schroeder Consulting Service.

Joel Swanson believes in innovation and the benefits of partnering with fintech companies to spur innovation. He successfully directed the investment of $2.5 million during two separate rounds in Payveris, a digital money movement company, that resulted in an over 200% return on investment.

He studied at Western CUNA Management School from 2013 to 2015, the University of Alaska Anchorage from 2005 to 2008, and Seattle Pacific University’s School of Business, Government, and Economics from 1999 to 2005.