PenFed Credit Union, the nation’s second largest federal credit union, recently hired Winston Wilkinson as its executive vice president and president of mortgage banking. Wilkinson, who will report to PenFed President and CEO James Schenck, will lead the credit union’s largest business unit which has more than 500 employees and serve on PenFed’s 11-member executive team which sets the strategy, focus and execution for the entire organization.
Wilkinson has more than 32 years of experience in large financial services firms, according to a press release. Before joining PenFed from USAA Federal Savings Bank, where he served as president of mortgage and consumer real estate for five years, he was senior executive for conforming and VA mortgage lenders. Wilkinson led merger integrations, loan origination system conversions, servicing transfers, automated regulatory controls and launched new digital mortgage experiences.
“Winston brings an impeccable record of leadership and accomplishment in the mortgage lending industry,” Schenck said in the release. “He has built a reputation for raising member satisfaction and driving transformation through technology and innovation. He will continue PenFed’s legacy of always putting members first and taking perfect care of members and employees.”
The majority of Wilkinson’s career was spent at Wachovia, where he served as executive vice president in various roles, including, mortgage, wealth management, retail and commercial banking. Throughout his career, Wilkinson has focused on optimizing performance, driving growth, empowering consumers and increasing employee engagement. He has served on the board of directors and in leadership roles of numerous charitable and nonprofit community organizations in Georgia, Florida and California.
Wilkinson was brought on to take over for Debbie Ames Naylor, who decided to retire after 36 years with PenFed.
“It is hard to imagine PenFed without Debbie Ames Naylor,” Schenck said. “Debbie has contributed to the lives of tens of thousands of PenFed members. She helped members achieve their dreams of home ownership and touched countless others through her philanthropic endeavors and personal time mentoring people on financial literacy. She has contributed to PenFed’s success and the personal success of so many employees. Debbie represents the very core of PenFed values of giving back and helping others.”
Ames Naylor’s career with PenFed spans many roles including operations, consumer credit, collections, and the last 13 years in real estate lending and servicing. Over the last five years, her team originated more than $23 billion in new mortgages with responsibility for a servicing portfolio of over $19 billion.