Bowater Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Ginger Carter as its new chief executive officer, effective May 15. Carter succeeds Matt Holden, who is stepping down to focus on his family after 14 years of dedicated service to the credit union and its members.
Carter brings over 25 years of experience at Bowater Credit Union, where she began her career in 1999 as an experienced teller. Her leadership journey includes key roles, such as loan officer (2005), Athens Branch manager (2008), chief operations officer (2017) and most recently, executive vice president in 2022. With her deep institutional knowledge and commitment to the credit union’s mission, Carter is well-positioned to guide Bowater Credit Union into its next chapter.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Ginger Carter step into the role of CEO,” said David Lattimore, chair of the board of directors. “Ginger has been an incredible part of the Bowater Credit Union family for many years, and her passion for serving our members and community shines through in everything she does. We have full confidence in her leadership and know she will continue to build on our strong foundation with care, vision and dedication.”
A lifelong resident of McMinn County, Carter graduated from McMinn County High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Tennessee Wesleyan University. She also completed CUNA’s Southeast Regional Credit Union Management School in 2018, further enhancing her expertise in credit union leadership and operations.
“I am honored and humbled to step into the role of CEO at a credit union that feels like a part of who I am,” said Carter. “Bowater Credit Union has shaped my career and life in so many ways, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our members and community. I also want to give thanks to the Lord — everything I have, including this opportunity, is because of His grace. I look forward to continuing our mission of people helping people, with care, commitment and a servant’s heart.”
While her professional accomplishments are many, Carter considers her greatest achievement to be her family. She is a proud wife to Randy Carter and mother to her children, Cassi, Caylee and Dexter.
Recognizing Matt Holden’s Leadership
Matt Holden has been instrumental in leading Bowater Credit Union through significant periods of growth and innovation during his 14-year tenure. Reflecting on his time, Holden shared: “I am incredibly grateful for my time at the credit union. They are a great group of people. The membership is in good hands with Ginger and the team. I am excited to see how it continues to grow.”
The board, staff and members express their sincere gratitude for his outstanding contributions and wish him and his family the very best in this new chapter.
About Bowater Credit Union
Founded in 1954, Bowater Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to serving the needs of individuals and families in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe and Polk counties. Our mission is to provide convenient, cost-effective financial services by offering products that are efficient and responsive to our members’ changing needs. In keeping with the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” we seek to educate members to make better financial decisions. Our commitment is to operate in a financially sound manner with a staff dedicated to excellence.
