Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the platform and policy making body of Greater Kinston Credit Union.
Jimmy Cochran, Chairman
A Charlotte, NC native, he attended NC A&T State University in Greensboro, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. For three years, he served in the Army with the 82nd Airborne Division.
He was employed with United Parcel Service for 29 years, beginning part-time employment while a student in Greensboro, then as a driver, and for the last 25 years in management as a Driver Supervisor. He worked all over Eastern North Carolina after moving from Edenton to Kinston in 1980. He retired from UPS in 2001.
He presently is Chair of the Board for Greater Kinston Credit Union, He serves as Chair of the Lenoir County Democratic Party. He is a member of the Lambda Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. For the past 34 years, he has been buying and renting homes in the Kinston area.
He is married and has adult twin daughters. He is a member of Emmanuel Hill FWB Church where he serves as a Trustee.
Natasha Rouse, Vice Chairman
Ms. Rouse started her background within the financial institution in 2005. Ms. Rouse shared her expertise while serving members within the community as their financial advisor. Ms. Rouse currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Administration which she obtained through North Carolina Wesleyan College. Ms. Rouse is currently serving a second term as a Board Member for Greater Kinston Credit Union.
Josh Kelly, Secretary / Treasurer
Josh Kelly was appointed to the Greater Kinston Board of Directors in October 2021 and currently holds the position of Secretary/Treasurer. Josh began his credit union career when he was hired by the State Employees’ Credit Union in 1995. He is currently a Senior Vice President/District Manager and has served in various roles with SECU over the years. For the past two years Josh has served as a liaison between SECU and Greater Kinston Credit Union as well as Latino Community Credit Union. This position has provided Josh with an opportunity to gain more awareness and appreciation for the credit union movement.
Dr. Faith Bynum
Dr. Faith Bynum is a mother of three, two sons and a daughter; grandmother of two grandsons, who holds a BS Degree in Computer Science for NCATSU, a MAEd in Instructional Technology from ECU and an EdD in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
She has worked for the community college system for 19 years, beginning her career in education at Pitt Community College as a part time computer instructor for the basic skill department. In March of 1999, she began working as a computer instructor in the Continuing Education Department at Lenoir Community College. She taught community residence and basic skills students. She also taught as an Adjunct Instructor for the Business and Industry Department teaching Cobol, RPG, CIS 110, Intro to Programming Logic. Her hobbies include exercising and working on the computer. Currently, she is the Director of Health Related Programs in the Continuing Education Division responsible for the health related programs and making sure programs remain in compliance with state regulations.
She currently resides in Hookerton, NC and attends New Life Church in Snow Hill, NC.
Dr. Virginia Cox-Daugherty
Dr. Virginia Cox-Daugherty is an original native of Craven County and long-time citizen of Kinston, North Carolina. Dr. Cox-Daugherty brings a wealth of knowledge from her educational background. She has earned a Bachelor of Science from Elizabeth City State University in Business Education; a Master of Business Administration from Long Island University of New York; a Masters in Education from East Carolina University; a Doctorate of Education (EdD) from Nova Southeastern University; and a Doctorate of Theology in Biblical Studies (TTHD) from Manna College of Theology.
Her professional experience ranges from working with the educational system (public and private). Her former roles have included, but not limited to, teacher/educator, director, principal, and grant writer. Dr. Cox-Daugherty has an abundance of volunteer time from previous and current organizations. These names include Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, United Way, Greene Lamp, Banneker Literary Club, Lenoir County Board of Elections, and others.
Preston Harris
Preston Harris is a native of Kinston, NC. Mr. Harris earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts Education degrees from East Carolina University. He also has earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty Theological Seminary.
Mr. Harris’ career has served our communities in several capacities: he is a retired educator with the Lenoir County Public School System; former executive director of Duplin County Partnership for Children.
He serves on the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners representing the constituents of District 4.
He serves as the Pastor of J.T. Kerr Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, and has served in this capacity for 30 plus years. He also is the Moderator of the Trent River Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Association.
Alongside of his bi-vocational duties, Mr. Harris finds time to give back by way of volunteering with the Chaplain services of UNC Lenoir Healthcare.
Richard M. Hutson
Rich Hutson joined the Greater Kinston Credit Union Board of Directors in 2015. He is a Senior Vice President with the State Employees’ Credit Union in Greenville. He holds an A.A. from Louisburg College and a B.A. in business from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He and his wife Jeannine have a daughter and son and reside in Winterville.
John Jones
John Jones is a product of the Kinston City School System. He was an honor student at Adkin High School in 1968 and played on the football and basketball teams. He received a football scholarship from Fayetteville State University, where he played quarterback. He earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education in 1972 from Fayetteville State. He earned a M. A. degree in Counseling from East Carolina University in 1979 and a M. A. degree in Education Administration in 1984. He served in the United States Air Force as Education Specialist. He received an honorable discharge from the USAF in 1973. The former elementary school principal from Lenoir County spent 36 years in the field of education as a teacher, coach, counselor, assistant principal, and principal. He was recognized as the Principal of the Year for the Lenoir County Schools in 2001. He was inducted in the Fayetteville State University Athletic Hall of Fame also in 2001. Jones received the Mayor’s Key to the City in 2014. He is a Steward of St. James AME Church and sings in various choirs. He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Jones spends his time now as a part-time employee of Lenoir Community College. He is also a volunteer mentor and part time coach for Lenoir County Public School.
He is married to Debra Jones. They have two children, Jerome and Arielle.
Robert A. Swinson IV
Robert A. Swinson, IV is a native of Kinston, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shaw University in 1993 and earned an Associate Degree in 1994 from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services. He is the Funeral Director and President of R. Swinson Funeral Services.
Mr. Swinson serves on the City Council for the City of Kinston. He has held this office for 4 consecutive 4-year terms. He is very active in the community through civic engagement and volunteerism. Mr. Swinson volunteers with many organizations such as, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, United Way: Kinston-Lenoir County, and Electric-Cities.
Mr. Swinson is married to Maya Swinson and they have 4 children.