Two executives at Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, have been named as “The Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions” by American Banker for 2023.

Julie Renderos, Chief Financial Officer, and Darlene Johnson, Chief Growth Officer, were among the 15 women chosen for this distinct honor. Suncoast is the only credit union to have two executives make the list.

“Julie and Darlene are both trailblazing leaders in the credit union industry and exude the credit union philosophy of people helping people everyday,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO, Suncoast Credit Union. “These women are hardworking, forward-thinking, and exceedingly devoted to our Suncoast team, credit union members, and the communities we serve.”

Renderos began her career with Suncoast in 1998, where she started as a Junior Accountant. Throughout her 25-year-career at Suncoast, Renderos has proven herself as a  purpose-driven leader, who makes every decision with strategy in mind. Renderos is passionate about mentorship, company culture, and professional development. She has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2011.

Johnson's career with Suncoast began in 1990 where she worked in member services and cultivated a strong understanding of member needs. Throughout her 33-year career at Suncoast, Johnson has worn multiple hats, demonstrating her dynamic leadership abilities, strength of character and unyielding commitment to Suncoast's mission.
Johnson has an eye for identifying future leaders, and is passionate about continuous professional development and knowledge advancement for all levels. She has served as Chief Growth Officer since 2021.

Launched in 2022, The Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions expanded American Banker’s recognition programs to celebrate the women leaders who are driving innovation, catering to underserved communities and guiding the future of financial services. This initiative shines a spotlight on the brightest, most forward-thinking individuals in the credit union industry.
“With unwavering passion and determination, our honorees are turning obstacles into opportunities while raising the bar for success,” says Chana Schoenberger, Editor-in-Chief, American Banker. “Their influential decisions are forging new paths for the future leaders of credit unions.”

The Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions is a part of American Banker’s continued coverage of the progress in diversity, equity and inclusion throughout financial services, and expands on the mission of supporting, empowering, celebrating and advancing women in the banking industry, including The Most Powerful Women in Banking, now in its twenty-first year.