Palmetto Citizens announces new board treasurer, chief lending officer
July 31, 2023
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Don Horton as their new Board Treasurer and Robert Terrell as new Chief Lending Officer (CLO).
Don Horton was elected by their Board of Directors to serve in this role during their July meeting. He has been a member of Palmetto Citizens since 2008. He previously served on their Supervisory Committee from 2015 until joining the Palmetto Citizens Board of Directors in 2021. 
“With his commitment and passion for the credit union movement and long history in the education field, Mr. Horton was an obvious choice to join our Board when we had an opening in 2021,” said Steve Hamm, Chairman of Palmetto Citizens’ Board of Directors. “We’re fortunate to now have Mr. Horton take on the role of Board Treasurer and look forward to his contributions as we continue our work together to ensure Palmetto Citizens remains the best place for our members and their financial needs.”
Mr. Horton devoted his entire career to public school education, starting as a teacher in the North Kansas City Public School District. After receiving a master’s degree in School Administration, he served as an assistant principal for many years before becoming a middle school principal for 13 years prior to his retirement. Soon after, Mr. Horton moved to Columbia, SC and in researching credit unions to join, chose Palmetto Citizens, a former teachers’ credit union, because of their roots in the education community.
During his time in Kansas City, Mr. Horton became active in the credit union movement and was elected to the Supervisory Committee of Midwest United Credit Union (now CommunityAmerica Credit Union). He served on this committee for nine years, holding the position of Chairman for eight years. He remained Chairman until moving to their Board of Directors from 2005 to 2006.
Robert Terrell brings his vast experience of over 31 years working in the financial services industry to his role as CLO, including nearly 20 years with Palmetto Citizens. He first served as manager of their Millwood Avenue Office and has held the position of Senior Vice President of Loan Administration since 2006. 
“I’m honored to take on this new challenge and continue my work to further develop and enhance the lending programs at Palmetto Citizens,” Terrell said. “The loans we’re able to provide, whether a mortgage, vehicle loan, credit card, or commercial loan, make a huge impact in people’s lives and helps to build our community. I, as well as the entire team here, remain dedicated to offering our members the best deal when they borrow, and will continue to look for opportunities to make an even greater difference in the Midlands.”
As CLO, Robert oversees Palmetto Citizens’ $734 Million loan portfolio as well as a variety of key areas within the credit union, including Loan Administration, Mortgage, Commercial Lending, and Collections. Along with other members of Palmetto Citizens’ Senior Leadership Team, Robert will also help set strategic focuses and initiatives for the credit union to better assist their members and the communities they serve.
“In my short time so far at Palmetto Citizens, I’ve been amazed by all the potential growth opportunities we have within the Midlands. However, we can’t realize that growth without focusing on the safety and soundness of our organization,” said Robert Dozier, Jr., PCFCU President and CEO. “Robert Terrell’s ability to balance those areas will certainly help take Palmetto Citizens to new heights. Working with his team of dedicated professionals, I know Robert will find new ways to make our credit union even better and build further upon our remarkable 87-year history.”
About Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union has been serving their member-owners since 1936. Today, with over $1.3 Billion in assets and 310 employees throughout the Midlands, Palmetto Citizens serves over 100,000 consumers and operates from 14 locations with over 40 ATMs. Offering a full range of financial products and services, their focus remains on providing quality and effective service while helping members achieve their financial potential. For more information, visit www.palmettocitizens.org or call (803) 732-5000.
