Pictured above are Michael Beam, Matt Gaskin and Elizabeth Bunn.
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union has announced three leadership appointments: Michael Beam as special advisor to the CEO, Elizabeth Bunn as chief financial officer and Matt Gaskin as chief operating officer.
“These appointments reflect the depth of our leadership team and our commitment to intentional, long-term succession planning,” said Robert Dozier. “Michael’s decades of service have played a defining role in shaping our organization, and we are grateful that his continued involvement will help ensure a seamless transition. At the same time, Elizabeth and Matt bring the experience, vision and steady leadership needed to build on that legacy and guide Palmetto Citizens forward in service to our members and communities.”
Leadership transition: legacy and continuity
Michael Beam joined Palmetto Citizens in 1986 as chief financial officer and assumed additional responsibilities as chief operating officer in May 2023. Throughout his 40-year tenure, he has overseen numerous operational areas and developed extensive knowledge of the organization.
As special advisor to the CEO, Beam will provide strategic guidance, mentorship and knowledge transfer while also overseeing the credit union’s new corporate headquarters project.
Beam has announced plans to retire in June 2026 following a 40-year career with the credit union. Until then, he will serve in a part-time advisory role, supporting enterprise-level initiatives and helping ensure continuity and a smooth transition of responsibilities.
“Serving Palmetto Citizens for nearly 40 years has been the honor of my lifetime,” said Beam. “I’m incredibly proud of the organization we’ve built and continue building together — rooted in service, integrity and a deep commitment to our members. I have full confidence in the leaders at every level of this organization and know they will continue strengthening and advancing our mission for generations to come.”
Elizabeth Bunn joined Palmetto Citizens in 2023, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry in her previous role as chief investment and asset-liability management officer.
As chief financial officer, Bunn oversees all financial functions of the credit union, including financial strategy, asset liability management, investments, budgeting, accounting, risk management and overall financial performance. Prior to joining the organization, she served as treasurer at both a South Carolina-based community bank and a large national bank.
“It’s a privilege to step into this role and continue serving at an organization with such a strong financial foundation and member-focused mission,” said Bunn. “I’m excited to build on that foundation by advancing responsible growth, thoughtful financial stewardship and a long-term strategy that ensures Palmetto Citizens remains a trusted partner.”
Matt Gaskin has been with Palmetto Citizens for 26 years and has held several roles within the IT department, most recently serving as chief information officer.
As chief operating officer, Gaskin leads operational strategy across the organization, including oversight of technology, operations, security, facilities, fraud, data analytics and project management. His focus is on scalability and operational efficiency while enhancing both the member and associate experience.
“Having spent my career at Palmetto Citizens, I understand how critical strong, reliable operations are to serving our members,” said Gaskin. “As COO, my priority is to align our operations with our long-term vision — strengthening infrastructure, embracing smart innovation and ensuring we are positioned to grow with purpose.”
