Burkes brings extensive experience in risk management, fraud detection and prevention to his new position
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — First Commerce Credit Union has promoted Allen Burkes to Vice President of Risk Management, recognizing his leadership in the credit union’s risk management practices, fraud prevention efforts and commitment to protecting members.
Burkes previously served as Senior Director of Risk Management. In his new role, he will lead First Commerce’s enterprise risk management efforts and provide strategic oversight of initiatives that help protect the credit union, its members and the communities it serves. His responsibilities include identifying emerging risks, strengthening fraud prevention practices and supporting the credit union’s continued growth.
“Allen has helped shape how First Commerce identifies risk, responds to emerging threats, and equips our team and members to protect themselves,” said First Commerce Credit Union CEO Cecilia Homison. “His leadership and commitment to fraud prevention education make him exceptionally well suited to guide this work.”
Burkes joined First Commerce in 2008 in the collections department and has advanced through a range of fraud prevention and risk management positions.
“For me, it’s education,” Burkes said of his approach to fraud prevention. “Once fraud occurs, recovery is difficult in some cases. So, education is key to preventing it from happening in the first place. It’s the biggest reason I have taken fraud prevention beyond my job and into the community as a whole.”
Burkes’ commitment to fraud prevention also extends beyond First Commerce. For 14 years, he has served as chairman of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Big Bend Fraud and Forgery Task Force.
The task force brings together representatives from financial institutions, retail businesses, corporate security organizations, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to share information and strengthen the region’s response to fraud. During Burkes’ tenure as chairman, the task force’s membership has more than doubled.
Burkes’ promotion strengthens First Commerce’s ability to address emerging risks while continuing to serve as a trusted resource for fraud prevention education throughout North Florida and South Georgia.
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ABOUT FIRST COMMERCE: First Commerce Credit Union is an award-winning, full-service, #LocalStrong financial institution dedicated to empowering generations and transforming communities for 85 years. First Commerce has been consistently recognized for its community impact, including national awards for its annual #FlamingoChallenge, which the credit union has spearheaded to raise nearly $650,000 since 2020 to benefit breast cancer patients throughout the region. A not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $1 billion in assets, the credit union is owned by the more than 74,000 consumer and business members it serves. Anyone who lives or works in 40 counties in the North Florida/South Georgia region or their immediate family members are eligible to join. First Commerce has 14 financial centers, including six in Tallahassee, one in Panama City and Marianna, Florida; along with three in Valdosta, one in Nashville, Adel, and Thomasville, Georgia. First Commerce offers best-in-class consumer and business products and services along with the latest technology, and is the No. 1 auto lender in the region. The credit union also offers free financial literacy resources in person and online through the FCCU Foundation, as well as comprehensive financial planning and investment services through its subsidiary Six Pillars Financial Advisors, and commercial and personal insurance through First Commerce Insurance Agency. For details, visit FirstCommerceCU.org or call 850.414.6800 or 800.533.5772. Insured by NCUA. Equal housing opportunity lender.
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