Freedom Federal Credit Union Grows Its Community-Focused Development Team

New Business Development and Community Relations Officers to expand outreach efforts

January 21 2026 Press Release Image With Names

January 21, 2026 – Freedom Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce three new appointments to its growing Business Development and Community Relations Team. Brent Howard and Kevin Wiley join Freedom as Business Development Officers, bringing more than 50 years of combined experience to the Credit Union. In addition, Brian Peller continues his distinguished tenure with Freedom in his newly appointed role as Community Relations Officer, bringing more than 30 years of financial services experience to the position.

As a new Business Development Officer, Brent Howard brings more than 20 years of experience strengthening businesses and communities throughout the Baltimore region. His career spans multiple industries, from helping startups find their footing to expanding the impact of established organizations. Most recently, Howard served as President and CEO of the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce from 2018 to 2025. He is an alumnus of Morgan State University, with a background in political science and government. A resident of the greater Baltimore area, Howard is married and a proud girl dad to two daughters. Outside of work, he enjoys attending live concerts and sporting events, traveling, and spending quality time with his family. A Lego enthusiast, he especially enjoys sharing that creative outlet with his children.

“After spending over two decades building relationships and supporting businesses throughout the Baltimore region, I’m excited to bring that same passion to Freedom Federal Credit Union,” said Howard. “What attracted me to Freedom is its genuine commitment to being a member-owned, community-focused organization. I look forward to connecting with local businesses in my new role.”

Kevin Wiley joins Freedom as a Business Development Officer with more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of roles in branch management, lending, business banking, merchant services, investment banking, business development, and financial education. A lifelong resident of Harford County, Wiley brings deep local knowledge of the communities and businesses within Freedom’s field of membership. He enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter (when she is home from college), and their two beloved pets. In his free time, Wiley enjoys watching movies and cooking shows, taking walks, traveling, and indulging his lifelong love of comic books.

“I am excited to work for a company where the culture revolves around making sure members, employees, and the community are the priority,” Wiley said. “I recognize the need for financial literacy in our area and look forward to sharing my knowledge with the community and business partners as part of the Freedom Team.”

With more than 30 years of experience, Brian Peller has held a variety of member-facing and community-driven roles in the financial services industry and continues that work as Freedom’s Community Relations Officer. Previously, Peller served as a Business Development Officer for Freedom. He grew up in Rosedale and has lived in Bel Air for 29 years. His wife, Gina, is a long-time teacher in Baltimore County, and their twin daughters work in the medical and higher education fields. A lifelong Orioles fan, Peller also enjoys traveling, especially to Disney World. In his new role, he will serve as a liaison between Freedom, local community organizations, and The Freedom to Help Foundation.

“I am so pleased to be serving our community in my new role as Community Relations Officer,” said Peller. “In my 30 years in the financial services industry, I have seen the importance of financial literacy and responsible, informed banking decisions. I am proud of Freedom’s commitment to financial education and look forward to helping connect community resources with everything Freedom has to offer.”

“The appointment of these three accomplished professionals underscores Freedom Federal Credit Union’s ongoing commitment to the communities we serve in Harford and Baltimore Counties, as well as our continued expansion into Carroll County and Baltimore City in the year ahead”, stated Carmen David Mirabile, Chief Growth Officer of Freedom. “Along with our entire Business Development and Community Relations Team, I look forward to them continuing to strengthen local partnerships, supporting businesses and individuals, and deepening our community engagement.”


About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering business banking services and consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Harford County. Freedom was founded in 1953 and currently has eight locations throughout Harford and Baltimore Counties. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.

Freedom Adds Another HLA Grad

Stacie Sloan Completes Harford Leadership Academy Program

Stacie Sloan graduates from Harford Leadership Academy
Pictured (L to R): Dr. Dianna Phillips, Harford Community College President; Stacie Sloan, Freedom’s Senior Vice President, Member Services; Angela Rose, President & CEO, Harford County Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations to Stacie Sloan, Senior Vice President, Member Services on her graduation from the Harford Leadership Academy!

Stacie joined Freedom in 2008 as a Branch Manager, and has held the positions of Branch Operation Coordinator and Vice President of Member Services. She was promoted to Senior Vice President in 2016.

The Harford Leadership Academy (HLA) is a Community Development Program, co-sponsored by Harford Community College and the Harford County Chamber of Commerce. The Academy is designed to promote the development of existing and emerging leaders and to create a committed, involved, and diverse network of leaders in Harford County.

Several other Freedom employees are HLA graduates: Mike MacPherson, President/CEO (2000); Dawn Hamilton, VP Lending (2005); Patrice Ricciardi, Business Development Specialist (2013); Sue Manning, Business Development Specialist (2014); and Bob Wehland, SVP business Banking and Business Development (2016). Freedom board members who are HLA graduates include: Rick Gerety (2016); George Heidelmaier (2000); and Ronnie Davis (2009).

More than 700 individuals have completed this outstanding program, including leaders representing the areas of business and industry, education, government and civic organizations. Attendees complete thirteen sessions on the topics; how government works, economic development and planning for the future, education and workforce development, agriculture and the environment, ethical leadership, public safety, emergency response, healthcare, Aberdeen Proving Ground, focused social issues, volunteerism and personal visioning, leadership, and meeting with county administration and Academy wrap-up.

Freedom Staffer Heads to Harford Leadership Academy

Developing Community LeadersStacie Sloan, Freedom's Senior Vice President, Member Services

Congratulations to Stacie Sloan, SVP Member Services, who has been accepted into the 2017 class of Harford Leadership Academy.

In its twenty-seventh year, the Harford Leadership Academy is a Community Development Program, co-sponsored by Harford Community College and the Harford County Chamber of Commerce. The Academy is designed to promote the development of existing and emerging leaders and to create a committed, involved, and diverse network of leaders in Harford County. More than 850 individuals have completed this outstanding program, including leaders representing the areas of business and industry, education, government and civic organizations.

Stacie joins other Freedom employees and volunteers who have also graduated from the Academy: Board members George Heidelmaier (2000), Ronnie Davis (2009), Tony Belcastro (2011), and Rick Gerety (2016);
Employees: Mike MacPherson (2000), Dawn Hamilton (2005), Patrice Ricciardi (2013), Sue Manning (2014), and Bob Wehland (2016).