Latitude 32 Credit Union™ is proud to share that our President and CEO, Marcus Rhymer, has been featured this month in Fortune and Forbes. The recognition highlights what our members already know: at Latitude 32 Credit Union™, strong personal service isn’t just a slogan, it’s how we do business every day.
“Strong personal service is the single most important thing that we provide to our members,” says Marcus Rhymer, President and CEO of Latitude 32 Credit Union™. “We’re in a city with some very large financial institutions, but we stand out by actually knowing our members. If they have a problem with their account, or want to look into getting a loan, they know there is always someone here they can talk to.”
Rooted in Charleston, Built for Members
Founded in 1952 as Charleston Area Federal Credit Union by federal civil service employees, the institution now known as Latitude 32 Credit Union™ has grown alongside our city’s working families. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned and governed by nearly 7,000 members, our mission is straightforward: to return value to the people who bank with us. When we perform well, members benefit through higher deposit rates, lower loan rates, and reduced fees.
“Latitude 32 has been successful because we’ve gone in our own direction rather than following everyone else,” Rhymer says. “Many of our members have been with us for decades, and they appreciate that we’re not trying to be a big financial institution. It’s not just about getting a better rate on a checking account; it’s about being a part of this community.”
A Team That Knows Your Name
That community spirit lives in our staff. Many team members have served our membership for more than a decade. Marcus’s own story reflects that commitment: he joined in 2001 as an entry-level teller, advanced through multiple roles, and became CEO in 2016.
Since then, Latitude 32’s assets have grown by more than $20 million. The leadership bench is deep as well, Vice President Carolyn Lash and Senior Accounting Manager Tami “TJ” Potter have built long careers here.
“Our leadership team has more than 80 years of combined experience,” Rhymer notes. “Our members know all of us. It feels like we’re a family.”
Service Where It Matters
In addition to daily banking at our main branch, we operate a dedicated location inside the Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in downtown Charleston. This branch allows us to serve those who have served our country.
“They know us, they trust us, and they rely on us. That’s what serving our members is all about,” Rhymer says.
We also meet members where life happens, like the moment you’re ready to drive home in a new car. Through indirect lending with local dealerships, buyers can access Latitude 32’s low auto loan rates and become members during the purchase process. It’s one more way we make banking more straightforward and more accessible.
Giving Back to Charleston
For over 70 years, Latitude 32 Credit Union has been an integral part of Charleston’s civic fabric. Today, that includes support for organizations such as the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Surfers Healing, partnerships that reflect our values of service, inclusion, and community care.
“We try to respect everyone’s circumstances and find ways that we can work together to support one another,” Rhymer says. “We’re here to provide a better way of banking.”
Why This Recognition Matters
Being featured in Fortune and Forbes isn’t just a milestone for our leadership, a testament to you, our members. Your trust drives us to keep investing in the people, tools, and programs that make local banking personal and practical. It validates a model that prioritizes relationships over transactions, long-term stability over short-term trends, and community over scale.
As we look ahead, our promise remains the same: know our members, serve with care, and deliver real value, the Charleston way.
At a Glance: Latitude 32 Credit Union™
- Founded: 1952 (as Charleston Area Federal Credit Union)
- Structure: Not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative
- Members: ~7,000 across the Charleston area
- Specialty Services: Main branch & VA Hospital branch; local-dealer indirect auto lending
- Community Involvement: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Surfers Healing
- Leadership Experience: 80+ years combined; CEO since 2016
Thank You, Members
Your loyalty makes achievements like these possible. If you’re considering your next financial step, whether it’s opening a savings account, refinancing a loan, or planning a purchase, we’re here to help! Get started today.