BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — AmFirst is proud to announce three leadership promotions that will help guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation. Paul Hoffman has been named Vice President–Strategic Initiatives, John Vaughn has been promoted to Vice President–Information Technology, and David O’Dell has been promoted to Vice President–Business Intelligence.
“These appointments are essential to positioning our credit union to thrive in an evolving financial landscape,” said Kevin Morris, AmFirst CEO and President. “Paul, John, and David each bring proven expertise and a deep commitment to our mission. Their leadership will strengthen our strategic direction, technological capabilities, and data-driven decision-making as we continue meeting the needs of our members.”
Paul Hoffman Named Vice President–Strategic Initiatives
In this newly introduced role, Paul Hoffman will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of AmFirst. With a strong background in auditing and risk management, Hoffman will help lead innovative initiatives that enhance services and support member needs.
Hoffman joined AmFirst in 2016 and has served in multiple leadership roles, most recently as Vice President of Audit Services. In addition to his work at AmFirst, Hoffman has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional and community service, including nearly a decade of involvement with the Institute of Internal Auditors Birmingham Chapter, where he served as Chapter President during the 2022–2023 term. He also supports local outreach efforts through organizations such as Junior Achievement and the United Way Visiting Allocation Teams.
“AmFirst has given me the opportunity to grow alongside an organization that is deeply committed to its members,” Hoffman said. “I’m honored to step into this new role and excited to help drive strategic initiatives that strengthen our foundation and create new opportunities for the future.”
John Vaughn Promoted to Vice President–Information Technology
John Vaughn’s promotion reflects his continued leadership and dedication to strengthening AmFirst’s technology infrastructure. Having served the credit union for more than 13 years—all within Information Technology—Vaughn will focus on enhancing system security, operational efficiency, and innovation across the organization.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the trust AmFirst has placed in me throughout my career,” Vaughn said. “Technology plays an essential role in serving our members, and I look forward to leading efforts that ensure our systems remain secure, efficient, and positioned for continued growth.”
Vaughn began his career at AmFirst as a Network Support Specialist in 2013 and most recently served as Director of IT Services.
David O’Dell Named Vice President–Business Intelligence
David O’Dell has been promoted to Vice President–Business Intelligence, where he will continue spearheading efforts to harness analytics and insights that support informed decision-making across the organization.
O’Dell’s career at AmFirst spans more than 17 years, beginning as a teller in 2008 and progressing through numerous roles across branch operations and corporate leadership. In addition to his professional contributions, O’Dell is actively involved in the community through the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club, reflecting AmFirst’s continued dedication to service beyond the workplace.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving AmFirst members in many different capacities over the years,” O’Dell said. “I’m excited to continue expanding how we use data and insights to identify growth opportunities, improve efficiency, and better support the communities we serve.”
O’Dell most recently served as Director of Business Intelligence.
Supporting the Future of AmFirst
These leadership advancements reflect AmFirst’s commitment to recognizing talent, supporting professional growth, and building a strong future from within. Together, these leaders bring a powerful combination of strategic insight, technological expertise, and analytical vision that will support AmFirst’s long-term growth.
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About AmFirst: Founded on the principle of “People Helping People,” AmFirst is a federally chartered community credit union serving more than 200,000 members across 21 locations in 13 Alabama counties. Known as one of the nation’s strongest credit unions, AmFirst is dedicated to delivering affordable, innovative financial services while building meaningful relationships within the communities it serves. For more information about AmFirst’s community initiatives, visit www.amfirst.org.
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