Finding an enriching job is a career goal for most. And when Jacob Larew – DCCU's Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer – started working at the Credit Union during his college years, he recognized the chance to be a part of something bigger. An Augusta County native, Jacob had plans of exploring career options outside the Shenandoah Valley after graduation but discovered that a unique opportunity awaited him right here at home. Jacob soon embarked on a journey that would allow him to serve in several roles within the Credit Union – all focused on helping to improve the financial health of our members. "When I started working here as a seasonal employee, I had no idea that it would set me on a path that would allow me to learn, grow, and help make a difference," said Jacob.

In 2007, Jacob was offered the role of Member Service Executive (MSE), known today as a Member Advisor. Equipped with a Bachelor of Sciences in Marketing from Virginia Tech, Jacob's expertise was not in personal finance, but what he lacked in experience, he made up for in his thirst for knowledge and drive to do well. "The more I picked up about personal finance, the more I wanted to learn," said Jacob. "DCCU provided valuable training that in turn helped me share meaningful recommendations that support our members' financial wellness."

As the years progressed, so did Jacob’s career. With a firm foundation set during his time as an MSE, he started on a branch leadership journey, first becoming the Assistant Branch Manager at Stuarts Draft and later as a Retail Branch Manager at our Verona and Reservoir locations. In April of 2015, Jacob was promoted to Director of Retail (Regional Manager) for the Credit Union, where he oversaw the operations of DCCU branches in our northern region. A year later he became the Vice President of Retail, a role he held until April of 2021, when he was promoted to his current position. “I appreciate the support and encouragement I received from DCCU leadership early in my career,” said Jacob. “Their mentorship and trust set me on a path to become a leader with a passion for supporting our employees as they deliver the best possible service to our members. Today, I get to help set the strategic direction for the Credit Union as it pertains to all the ways we serve our members – whether in-person, by phone, or digitally. I am proud to be part of this cooperative.”

Remaining passionate and eager to serve our membership has helped enrich Jacob’s employment experience here, and he firmly believes that a rewarding career here is achievable for others as well. “The environment at DCCU is very collaborative and we believe in building strong relationships. If you remain coachable, are open to feedback, and ready to serve others, you’ll be well on your way to finding success here,” said Jacob.

Meaningful work, collaboration, and career growth are qualities that set DCCU apart from other workplaces. To read other employee perspectives or to find out more about the overall employment experience, please visit our Careers page.