TYSONS, Va.– PenFed Credit Union has launched a new digital division it said is “dedicated to highlighting stories of inspiration, resilience and service.”
The $25-billion PenFed, which has approximately1.8 million members, said it is the first credit union to have a digital story telling team for worldwide viewers on social media. According to the credit union, content curated by PenFed Digital will be distributed across multiple platforms. Viewers can engage with the Digital Team and experience their content on PenFed’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn accounts, the credit union said.
Ex-Journalist to Lead Team
Andrea McCarren, a journalist who has won numerous recognitions, including more than 20 Emmy Awards, three Edward R. Murrow Awards and a 2018 Gracie Award for military affairs reporting, will lead PenFed Digital.
“Our team’s mission is to share stories of inspiration, resilience and service,” said McCarren, vice president and chief content officer at PenFed. “Each day, members of the military community and our credit union community live extraordinary lives. We will give them a voice and a platform to share their experiences with the world. We’ll be traveling throughout the country capturing compelling content to showcase ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things. We’ll bring our engaged online community along on our journey.”
In addition to McCarren, other members of the new venture include Christopher Mullen, John Mogor and Amanda Ota, who bring decades of news experience, Emmy Awards and storytelling talent to this new venture, PenFed said. It added the new digital storytelling division will capture and share content that showcases the lives of servicemembers, veterans, military families and the national defense community, which is PenFed’s core field of membership.
Decision Follows Agency Acquisition
The new digital division follows the 2018 acquisition by PenFed of independent marketing services agency WHITE64, which has served as PenFed’s marketing and advertising agency since 2014. The credit unions aid the introduction of PenFed Digital is part of PenFed’s broader commitment to building brand awareness, highlighting its community and elevating the credit union industry through efforts across PenFed Marketing, WHITE64 and PenFed Digital.
“Many PenFed members have earned the right to be called heroes through their service to our nation,” said James Schenck, president and CEO of PenFed Credit Union and CEO of the PenFed Foundation. “From privates to Four-Star Generals, PenFed members have received the Medal of Honor, Silver Stars and Purple Hearts. Some lead Fortune 500 companies, while others serve as leaders across a wide spectrum of industries. They all have one thing in common: they embrace the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People.’ We look forward to sharing their stories.”
Stories to be Featured
PenFed Digital’s first story focuses on PenFed Foundation Speakers Bureau CEO Cedric King, a double amputee delivering inspiring messages to the world champion Boston Red Sox. Other featured content posting as part of the launch includes:
- A triple amputee who fulfilled his life-long dream of becoming a stand-up comedian, despite losing his legs in Afghanistan
- A veteran who served six combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, then overcame debilitating PTSD after discovering cooking as his true passion
- A video highlighting Puerto Rican high school students who learned how to manage their money and now share dreams of rebuilding their island
- A profile of the man behind PenFed’s Military Hiring Program, who played a key role in a daring military rescue
“PenFed is not only a credit union; PenFed is a community,” said Steve Bosack, special advisor to the president and chief communications officer. “We hope the inspiring stories shared by PenFed Digital will empower even more members of our community to tell their unique stories.”
PenFed Digital said it is accepting story ideas at Stories@PenFed.org.