TULLAHOMA, Tenn., – Ascend Federal Credit Union has announced that Anthony Taylor, a member of its Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee, has been inducted into the Tennessee Credit Union Hall of Fame. The honor was presented Sept. 29 during the Tennessee Credit Union League’s Annual Convention & Expo in Gatlinburg.
Established in 2010, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose tenure, leadership, and achievements have advanced the Tennessee credit union movement, both within their own credit unions and across the industry. Inductees are selected by a panel of judges weighing years of service, leadership positions held, demonstrated commitment to the credit union philosophy, and educational accomplishments.
Taylor has served the credit union system for more than 23 years since his appointment to Ascend’s Board Development Committee in 2003. Throughout his tenure, he served as chairman from 2017 to 2020, vice chairman from 2014 to 2017, and treasurer from 2013 to 2014. He also served on the Supervisory Committee from 2004 to 2012 and again from 2020 to present, holding the chairman position from 2006 to 2009 and in 2012.
“Anthony has devoted more than two decades to serving Ascend and the broader credit union system with the highest level of care,” said Ascend President and CEO Matt Jernigan. “His leadership played an integral role in Ascend’s growth over the years, all while keeping his focus on our members. We are grateful for his continued support and congratulate him on yet another significant recognition.”
During Taylor’s tenure, Ascend has grown into the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee while expanding its financial education work in local classrooms and its support of organizations including Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, and the American Cancer Society. Through these efforts, Taylor has consistently championed the credit union philosophy of investing in people, strengthening communities, and improving lives beyond traditional financial services.
“I am honored to be recognized alongside so many impactful leaders across the credit union industry,” Taylor said. “I joined Ascend as a member long before I ever served on its board, and that has shaped how I’ve approached this work ever since. It is a privilege to play a role in an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of its members.”
Taylor’s dedication to Ascend and its members has consistently earned recognition within the industry. He was named the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU) Volunteer of the Year in 2021 and was inducted into the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame in 2024. He now joins several Ascend leaders inducted into the Tennessee Credit Union Hall of Fame, including former CEOs Caren Gabriel and Jimmie Bearden, as well as directors and board members R. Bruce Runyan, Jim Ward, Robert H. Burt, Randal Braker, and Patrick Eagan.
