Cox returns to lead credit union as acting president

By Jessica Brodie

COLUMBIA—After 14 years away helping other ministries in South Carolina, one United Methodist is returning to his former position at the South Carolina Methodist Conference Credit Union.

Andy Cox, a member of Chapin UMC, Chapin, has been selected by the credit union board to serve as its acting president.

The credit union’s former president, the Rev. Rex Wilson, retired in June after 14 years of dedicated service. Cox, who served the credit union beginning in 1998, left in 2007 to serve at Epworth Children’s Home, then went to The Oaks retirement community in 2012 becoming chief executive officer in 2015. The Oaks had been a United Methodist-affiliated senior-living home until recently, when long-term financial issues prompted its sale to a for-profit company.

The first part of that sale was completed this spring, and Cox is staying on part-time as CEO and president until that business is concluded, while also serving part-time as acting president of the credit union.

“It feels great,” Cox said on his return to the credit union.

Cox started at the credit union just after his son was born. Now, 23 years later, he said he’s equal parts delighted and surprised at how much things have changed while still staying foundationally the same.

“It’s kind of interesting—in some ways things really haven’t changed that much,” Cox said. “Some things have, but it’s interesting to step back in after all that time, and the technology has changed, some products and services have changed, but it’s still fulfilling that same role of serving the needs of its members.”

He said it’s been funny to interact with some of the longtime members of the credit union, who pop in on business, see him, and joke, “Where’ve you been, on vacation?”
“That’s a really good feeling,” Cox said.

Credit union Board Chair Jim Bradley said he and the others on the board are “really excited” about having Cox back, calling him a “perfect fit” for what they need right now.

“It was like an answer to a prayer,” Bradley said. “We’re delighted to have Andy back on.”

The credit union offers savings; certificate products; car, personal and church loans; and other services to its members across South Carolina. Under Wilson’s leadership, the credit union’s membership expanded from pastors and conference-affiliated employees to anyone who is a member of any United Methodist church in South Carolina.

To learn more about the credit union, visit https://www.scmccu.org.