Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Breland Medders, Lee Everett, Emily Jacks, and Belle Boshell, under the direction of Ryan McGill
When you walk into Alabama Credit Union in Jasper, chances are you’ll be greeted with a warm smile from Shelli Vanzant.
As branch manager, she leads a small but mighty team of four Member Experience Representatives, helping customers with everything from deposits and loans to opening accounts.
Shelli didn’t always see herself working in the financial industry. Growing up in Troy, Alabama, she took a job as a teller at Regions Bank when she was just 19. She later moved into the insurance industry before returning to banking in 2000, when she moved to Jasper.
For 15 years, she worked at Security Federal Savings Bank, rising to Vice President of Lending. That role gave her the chance to help people through some of life’s biggest financial decisions, like buying a car, purchasing a home, or building credit.
“I loved lending because I got to guide people through those important moments,” she says. “It was really rewarding.”
In 2022, Alabama Credit Union acquired Security Federal, bringing a big shift to Shelli’s career. While she still works in finance, her role now focuses more on leadership and mentorship.
“I don’t do as much lending anymore, which was a big adjustment,” she admits. “But now, I get to coach and lead others, and that’s been really fulfilling in its own way.”
Shelli takes a nurturing approach to her team, many of whom are in their early 20s.
“I know I probably coach in too much of a ‘mom’ way,” she laughs, “but I want them to be not just good employees, but good people. I try to teach them things that will help them in life, not just at work.”

Her commitment to helping others doesn’t stop at the office. She’s heavily involved in the local community, serving on the board of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce, acting as vice president of Kiwanis Club of Jasper, participating in the Main Street Economic Vitality program, and going through the Leadership Walker County program.
“I believe in giving back,” she says. “I’ve been blessed, and I think it’s important to pay that forward. Even the smallest act can make a difference.”
One cause especially close to her heart is Alabama Credit Union’s Secret Meals program, which provides food for children who might not have enough to eat over the weekend.
“Teachers discreetly place meal bags in students’ backpacks so they have something to eat when they’re not at school,” she explains. “That program means a lot to me. I’m all about helping kids.”
Outside of work and community involvement, Shelli enjoys spending time with her cats and dreaming about retiring by the beach.
As for personal and professional goals this year, she’s reading the Bible chronologically and she’s focused on helping Alabama Credit Union grow and developing her team’s skills.
Looking back on her career, Shelli is proof that hard work and dedication pay off.
“I never went to college, yet I became a branch manager thanks to great mentors and determination,” she says. “I just want to help people, in whatever way I can.” WL
A special thanks to Breland Medders, Lee Everett, Emily Jacks, and Belle Boshell for assisting with the interview, planning, and photography for this article!