Commercial Real Estate Lending Team

Senior Business Banker

Phone: 904-908-2555

With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Chris Brannon is a seasoned Senior Business Banker in Jacksonville. His role focuses on delivering tailored lending solutions to both existing and prospective commercial members and helping businesses achieve their financial goals through strategic financing. Chris is deeply committed to fostering strong partnerships, consistently embodying VyStar’s core values through exceptional member service. His consultative and relational approach to member service sets him apart, as he takes the time to understand each client’s unique needs, crafting personalized solutions that foster trust and long-term relationships.

Senior Business Banker

Phone: 407-792-7741

William Dills is an entrepreneur and experienced banker with a broad background in covering commercial real estate, portfolio management and new business development. With over 25 years of banking experience, including 21 years in the greater Orlando area, he is very familiar with the Central Florida market. His experience running his own business aids in his understanding of the needs of small business owners. As a trusted advisor, he is committed to providing his clients with the highest level of customer service.

Senior Business Banker

Phone: 904-420-5008

Doug Ekern, a Senior Business Banker, has been with VyStar Credit Union for over seven years, and has been in banking for over 29 years. He specializes in building commercial relationships with business owners and members and helping them grow their businesses through real estate expansion, equipment and vehicle purchases.

Doug has always understood the importance of teamwork, communication, dependability and self-development to connect with his business members and owners and help them succeed in the future.

Senior Business Banker

Phone: 386-239-1298

As a seasoned commercial property lender at VyStar Credit Union, Shauna has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, specializing in providing innovative lending solutions to businesses. Her deep understanding of market dynamics and financial structures allows her to tailor custom financing packages that align perfectly with the unique needs of her commercial clients. She is dedicated to empowering businesses by facilitating access to capital for property acquisitions, refinancing and development projects, ensuring they achieve their growth and profitability goals.

She prides herself on offering personalized service and building lasting relationships with clients. By taking the time to thoroughly understand each client's business model and financial objectives, she can provide strategic insights and solutions that have a significant impact on their success. Whether working with small startups or established enterprises, her goal is to support them in securing the right funding at competitive rates, which is pivotal in today’s fast-paced real estate market.

Commercial Banker

Phone: 850-614-7158

Darrell Fowler is a commercial banker with over 25 years of banking and finance industry experience. Specializing in Commercial Real Estate, Darrell manages a market that extends throughout the Panhandle and into South Georgia. A graduate of Kennesaw State University and the LSU Graduate School of Banking, Darrell started in banking by completing Trust Company of Georgia's (now Truist) MA Program. Most recently he was a Market Executive and Commercial Relationship Manager at Signature Bank in Metro Atlanta.

Commercial Banker

Phone: 407-792-7743

Mitch Orapello is a Commercial Banker in the Central Florida area with 20 years of experience. Mitch primarily focuses on Commercial Real Estate lending but is versed and helpful in providing any business owner with information and strategies to execute their idea of success.

Senior Commercial Banker

Phone: 904-420-5050

John Blackwell is a seasoned banker with over 35 years of banking experience. Currently, John is responsible for maintaining, servicing and growing his Commercial Lending Book of Business for over $115 million. He is a consummate service professional who is committed to flawless service execution and embraces the community commitment and partnership of VyStar Credit Union.

Senior Commercial Banker

Phone: 407-792-7742

Joe Ganley is a seasoned commercial banking executive with over three decades of experience in all aspects of commercial banking and commercial real estate lending. Currently serving as a Senior Commercial Banker at VyStar Credit Union, Joe has originated and manages a portfolio exceeding $200 million, working closely with brokers and direct borrowers across Florida and Southeast Georgia. His deep expertise in structuring complex commercial real estate transactions and cultivating long-term client relationships has made him a trusted advisor in the industry.

Prior to VyStar, Joe held leadership roles at institutions including Regions Bank, Centennial Bank and KeyBank Real Estate Capital, where he consistently ranked among top producers and played a pivotal role in distressed asset recovery during economic downturns. His career began at Barnett Bank, where he completed an intensive management training program and quickly rose through the ranks. Joe holds a B.S. in Business Administration/Finance with honors from the University of Florida and remains actively involved in community service through organizations like Lift Disability Network and Give Kids the World. In his spare time, Joe loves running marathons and traveling with his wife Christina.