Freedom Federal Credit Union Partners with Harford County Public Schools to Honor Staff Reaching Milestones of Service

Staff members achieving 10, 20, 30, and 40 years of service celebrated at Annual Employee Service Recognition Dinner

Dr. Sean Abel marks 30 years with HCPS
Dr. Sean Abel (center), Principal of Patterson Mill Middle and High School, stands with Superintendent Bulson and Board of Education President, Aaron Poynton. Abel is one of 67 HCPS employees who received special recognition for 30 years of dedicated service. Courtesy HCPS

May 24, 2024 – Freedom Federal Credit Union recently partnered with Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) in support of the HCPS Annual Employee Service Recognition. This program recognized 617 employees who reached 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 years of service in the 2023-2024 school year.

The program included a celebratory dinner which took place on May 8, 2024, at Waters Edge Events Center. Employee commitment to HCPS was celebrated during the program, which included a performance by Vocal Edge, the Edgewood High School Acapella Group. Service awards were presented to the 154 honorees marking their 10, 20, 30, and 40 year anniversaries with the school system.

Freedom has been the sole sponsor of the HCPS Service Recognition Program for the last 12 years with an annual donation used to fund a recognition dinner and provide honorees with a special gift. This year, each recognized staff member received a gift card.

Dr. Sean Bulson, Superintendent for Harford County Public Schools, stated, “Freedom Federal Credit Union has been an invaluable partner to this program for the last dozen years. Year after year, Freedom demonstrates their commitment to making our staff feel valued and honored for their dedication to our students and the Harford County community. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership in celebrating our staff.”

Mike MacPherson
President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union, Mike MacPherson addresses the attendees at the Employee Service Recognition Dinner for Harford County Public Schools. Courtesy HCPS

During the recognition program, Freedom’s President and CEO, Mike MacPherson, addressed the attendees, “Let’s not just recognize the number of years, but what those years represent. Let’s recognize the impact you have on our children and our community, with a lesson, a kind word, or a helping hand. Let’s recognize how you go beyond academics, lunches, bus rides, or creating an accepting environment. Let’s recognize your willingness to place the needs of others before yourselves for the greater good. Let’s recognize that while the world may change, your commitment has not.”

In addition to their annual contribution to the Employee Service Recognition Program, during this school year, Freedom also sponsored HCPS’ Teacher of the Year event, Bus Driver/Bus Attendant of the Year Luncheon, and the Maryland Superintendent of the Year Reception. Freedom also sponsored the Patriot Program at 19 elementary schools, continued their initiative to equip new elementary teachers with classroom libraries, provided financial education to students at all grade levels, sponsored several college scholarship opportunities, and afforded Harford County educators access to the Credit Union’s Golden Apple Program, including the Annual Golden Apple Educator Award.

 

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford or Baltimore County.  Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford or Baltimore County.  Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has six locations throughout Harford and Baltimore County. To learn more, visit www.freedomfcu.org.

About Harford County Public Schools

The mission of the Harford County Public Schools is to promote excellence in instructional leadership and teaching and to provide facilities and instructional materials that support teaching and learning for the 21st century. The Harford County Board of Education will support this mission by fostering a climate for deliberate change and monitoring progress through measurable indicators.

Vicki Jones Elected to Freedom Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors

Vicki JonesMay 16, 2024 – Freedom Federal Credit Union announces the election of Vicki Jones to its Board of Directors. With a background in community and workforce development, Jones brings a proven track record of leadership and dedication to service.

“I am excited to join the Freedom Federal Credit Union Board because I believe in using my skills and insights to drive positive change,” Vicki Jones remarked. “My goals include fostering innovation and continuing to advocate for bias-free banking. I hope to collaborate with my fellow Board Members to increase Freedom’s visibility and to enhance a sense of belonging for all stakeholders.”

Vicki Jones, a self-proclaimed military brat turned community leader, also carries an impressive educational and professional background, and throughout her 25-year career, Jones has been instrumental in administering high-profile projects for national and local organizations.  In 2022, Jones accepted a position with Harford County Public Schools to manage their Talent Pathways Project’s Grow Your Own initiative.

Jones’ dedication to community has been broadly recognized and includes nominations for the Women of Influence Award by the WEDC Foundation, Harford’s Most Beautiful People, and recognition as one of Baltimore Sun’s 25 Women to Watch.

As President of the Harford County NAACP, Executive Officer on the state NAACP team, and an elected council member for the City of Havre de Grace, Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to advancing social justice and equality.

“We are thrilled to welcome Vicki Jones to our Board of Directors,” said Lisa Ermatinger, Board Chair at Freedom Federal Credit Union. “Her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to community service make her an invaluable addition to our leadership team.”

Vicki Jones’ election to the board marks an exciting chapter for Freedom Federal Credit Union as it continues its mission to serve its members and the community with excellence and integrity.

 

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford or Baltimore County.  Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford or Baltimore County.  Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has six locations throughout Harford and Baltimore County. To learn more, visit www.freedomfcu.org.

Freedom Names Clarence Campbell Senior Vice President of Member Services

Campbell will oversee the operations of Freedom Federal Credit Union’s branch network and contact center.

Clarence Campbell - Senior Vice President of Member ServicesMarch 7, 2024 – Freedom Federal Credit Union has announced the appointment of Clarence Campbell as their new Senior Vice President of Member Services.  A seasoned executive-level leader with more than 30 years of experience in financial services, including banking, lending, wealth management, and financial technology, Campbell has a successful record of driving revenue and organizational growth.

In his role, Campbell is responsible for the operations of Freedom’s branch network and call center.  Prior to joining Freedom, Campbell served as Executive Vice President for Lendistry, Senior Vice President for PNC Bank, and Regional Bank Area President for Wells Fargo Bank.  Campbell pulls from his breadth of experience to ensure that every interaction with Freedom representatives not only meets, but exceeds, member expectations, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in member services.

“We are thrilled to have Clarence as a part of the Freedom Team, and I know he will have an immediate and positive impact in how we support our members and their financial needs,” stated Michele Young, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

“Freedom Federal Credit Union has a stellar reputation for its commitment to excellence, community involvement, and putting its members first,” stated Campbell.  “I am committed to upholding these values that enhance our member services. Together, I look forward to helping Freedom Federal Credit Union continue to grow and thrive while making a positive impact in our community.”

As a leader with a passion for people, Campbell aligns well with Freedom’s “people helping people” philosophy and commitment to supporting the community.  With over 20 years of non-profit management experience, Campbell currently serves in the role of Treasurer on the National Board of Directors for the Youth Advocate Program.  Previously, Campbell served as the Board of Directors Chair for the Greater Baltimore Urban League and has served as Board Member for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.

Campbell founded and continues to operate a youth basketball program for Catonsville Recreation and Parks, one of his passions.  Campbell’s program, which he has operated for over 25 years, focuses on skill development and mentoring.  As a proud native Baltimorean, Campbell and his team of coaches are committed to enriching the community through supporting its future leaders.

Campbell received his business management degree from Johns Hopkins University.  He is a graduate of Leadership Baltimore County and THE Leadership, a program of The Greater Baltimore Committee.

 

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford or Baltimore County.  Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford or Baltimore County.  Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has six locations throughout Harford and Baltimore County. To learn more, visit www.freedomfcu.org.