Leigh Ann Rassler

VyStar Employees Bring Purpose to Life Through Extraordinary Community Impact

Published April 30, 2026
Honoring Service & Impact: VyStar Volunteer of the Year Awards

At VyStar Credit Union, doing good isn’t just an initiative; it’s who we are.

In 2025, VyStar employees turned purpose into action by contributing more than 45,000 volunteer hours across communities in Florida and Georgia. From supporting youth education and veterans to advancing the arts and improving quality of life, our team dedicated time, talent and heart to causes that matter most.

Combined with $8.2 million in philanthropic contributions, VyStar’s impact continues to strengthen the communities we serve; and that impact starts with employees who lead through service.

Each year, the VyStar Volunteer of the Year Awards recognize individuals whose dedication exemplifies what it means to live our purpose and inspire others to do the same.

“Real impact starts with people who care deeply about others,” said Brian Wolfburg, President/CEO of VyStar Credit Union. “Our employees’ willingness to give their time, energy and efforts reflects the culture we are proud to build every day - a culture rooted in service, compassion and community.”

Meet Our 2025 Volunteer of the Year Honorees

Overall Volunteer of the Year Honorees

Joseph Sellix, Protective Services Manager (314 volunteer hours) Joseph is recognized for his consistent leadership and handson commitment to serving communities across VyStar’s footprint. In 2025, he dedicated more than 300 volunteer hours supporting organizations such as Animal Care and Protective Services, the Center for Independent Living, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), BASCA, and the Museum of Science and History (MOSH). He frequently stepped into volunteer leadership roles, including helping build an adaptive horseandchariot costume for a child at the Center for Independent Living.

Meredith Anido, Compliance Analyst (414 volunteer hours) Meredith is honored for her outstanding leadership and ability to mobilize others in service of the community. In 2025, she organized and led numerous volunteer initiatives, including coordinating a team of 30 VyStar volunteers at Rethreaded during Good Is Everywhere. Through her leadership with VyStar’s VETS Resource Group, she also helped plan and lead Memorial Day flag placements and a wreathlaying ceremony honoring veterans.

Regional Spirit of Community Award Honorees

Northeast Florida

Manager: Joseph Sellix, Protective Services Manager (314 hours)

Individual Contributor: Meredith Anido, Compliance Analyst (414 hours)

Central Florida

Manager: Desiree Butt, Assistant Branch Manager, Villages Wildwood (216 hours)

Individual Contributor: Dawnmarie Scofield, Relationship Specialist, Ormond Beach (292 hours)

Northwest Florida

Manager: Sara Warner, Branch Vice President, Capital Circle (128 hours)

Individual Contributor: Tara Davis, Financial Advisor, Tallahassee (185 hours)

Georgia

Manager: Shomari Furtch, Branch Vice President, Stockbridge (110 hours)

Individual Contributor: Brantley French, Principal Security Engineer (356 hours)

Branch, Department and Nonprofit of the Year Honorees

Branch of the Year

• Brunswick Branch

Department of the Year

• Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO)

Nonprofit of the Year

• Junior Achievement of Georgia

• Three Grains of Rice (Jacksonville)

• Orange County Head Start

• Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Florida

Elite Volunteer Circle

This recognition honors the top 25 employees who logged the most volunteer hours in 2025:

• Meredith Anido – 414 hours

• Brantley French – 356 hours

• Mark Lamensdorf – 353 hours

• Joseph Sellix – 314 hours

• Sean Dougherty – 309.5 hours

• Dawnmarie Scofield – 292 hours

• Urban Fleming – 285 hours

• Minette Torres – 281.5 hours

• Chad Whitley – 275.5 hours

• Tillery Durbin – 265.5 hours

• Ehab Basilious – 260 hours

• William Randall – 240.5 hours

• Andy Mathews – 232 hours

• Javaris Snell – 224 hours

• Lanetta Funches – 220 hours

• Desiree Butt – 216 hours

• Kelley Tanner – 215 hours

• Johnell Thomas – 208 hours

• Ceci Andreu – 201 hours

• Todd Graczyk – 200 hours

• Latori Lewey – 194.5 hours

• Tara Davis – 185 hours

• Michael Rathjen – 180 hours

• Stephanie Holbrook – 176.5 hours

• Maria MoralesWalther – 175 hours

A Culture of Service That Continues to Grow

VyStar’s commitment to volunteerism is one reason the credit union was recognized by Credit Union Times with the Community Impact Luminary Award for its unwavering commitment to “Do Good” across Florida and Georgia.

At VyStar, volunteerism isn’t an extra effort - it’s part of who we are. Through the passion and commitment of our employees, purpose continues to become action where it matters most.

The content provided in this blog consists of the opinions and ideas of the author alone and should be used for informational purposes only. VyStar Credit Union disclaims any liability for decisions you make based on the information provided.