Discover how credit union professionals make meaningful impact by serving members personally, supporting their teams, and strengthening communities through relationship-driven banking and financial empowerment.
Her Story
About Cleo
Cleo Thibault is a seasoned banking professional with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Currently serving as Branch Manager at First Florida Credit Union, Cleo leads her team with a focus on exceptional member service, operational excellence, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Her leadership emphasizes empowering her staff to achieve both personal and professional growth while ensuring clients receive top-tier financial guidance. Prior to her current role, Cleo spent more than two decades at VyStar Credit Union, advancing to Branch Vice President, where she managed operations, guided teams, and built lasting relationships with members. She began her career at First Union National Bank as a Teller Coordinator, gaining foundational experience in banking operations and customer service that would shape her future leadership style. Cleo is recognized for her expertise in team leadership and banking operations. Throughout her career, she has been committed to mentoring others and cultivating an environment of trust, accountability, and excellence. Her dedication to both her team and the communities she serves underscores a career built on integrity, collaboration, and results.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cleo
01What do you attribute your success to?
Cleo attributes her success to showing up consistently and dedicating herself to educating, empowering, and encouraging others. Her ability to cultivate strong teams and positively impact both members and coworkers has been central to her long-standing career in banking.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Invest in yourself relentlessly. Courses, coaching, books or developing a new skill. You are your greatest long-term investment
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Relationships create opportunities long before resumes do. Cultivate connections across teams, industries, and roles. Support other women along the way, your network becomes an ecosystem of growth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Rising fraud and cybersecurity threats. Financial institutions face increasingly sophisticated cams: account takeovers, phishing, real-time payment fraud. Protecting members' data while maintaining easy digital access is a constant balancing act.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to Cleo in her work and personal life are fostering teamwork, providing guidance and support to others, and embracing adventure and connection through hobbies like reading, road biking, traveling, and camping with her husband.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Cleo
Making an Impact Through Service
How My Work Helps Our Members, Team, and Community
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Working in the credit union world means waking up every day with a purpose: to serve. Unlike other financial institutions, a credit union is built on the principle of people helping people, and that philosophy shapes everything I do—how I support our members, collaborate with my team, and engage with our community.
Supporting Members, One Conversation at a Time
Every member who walks through our doors has a story—whether it’s buying their first car, working toward financial stability, or planning for retirement. I take the time to listen, guide, and provide solutions that are not only responsible but empowering.
My goal is simple: make banking feel personal. Whether it’s helping a member improve their credit, explaining a product in a way that builds confidence, or celebrating milestones together, I’m reminded daily how meaningful these connections are.
Strengthening and Supporting My Team
The impact of my work extends to my teammates as well. I believe in showing up with positivity, reliability, and a willingness to help—whether it’s sharing knowledge, stepping in during busy times, or encouraging new ideas.
A strong team doesn’t happen by chance; it’s built through trust, collaboration, and mutual support. I take pride in contributing to an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to go the extra mile for our members.
Giving Back to the Community
Credit unions are rooted in community, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that invests in the people and places around us.
Whether participating in local events, supporting financial literacy programs, or volunteering, I see my role as an extension of that mission. The small moments—meeting local business owners, helping families navigate budgeting, or simply showing up—often create the biggest impact. Strong communities are built on strong relationships, and I’m honored to help foster those connections.
Why This Work Matters
What I love most about my role is that it allows me to make a difference every day. Each interaction is an opportunity—to educate, empower, and encourage. My work supports members on their financial journeys, strengthens the team I work alongside, and contributes to a thriving, connected community.
Being part of a credit union means being part of something bigger than banking. It means putting people first—and I’m proud to contribute to that mission every single day.
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