Peach State Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of Walt Martin as the next Chief Executive Officer. He will join the credit union effective Jan. 4, 2027, as the CEO elect. At the conclusion of a transition period, Martin will become the CEO and the current CEO, Marshall Boutwell, will become CEO Emeritus.
Peach State has a long-standing commitment to serving its members and communities through trusted financial services, strong relationships, and a member-focused approach. As the credit union moves forward, the Board believes Mr. Martin’s extensive leadership and management experience, combined with his commitment and a proven track record of community engagement, will support the organization as it builds on its foundation and continues serving its members.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to welcome Mr. Walt Martin as our next CEO,” said Jennifer Houston, Board Chair. “Walt brings more than 30 years of progressive leadership experience, including over two decades at the executive level, in finance, business operations, human resources, technology, risk management, strategic planning, and organizational change. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed complex financial operations, led large teams, worked closely with governing boards, and built trusted relationships throughout the community. The Board was especially impressed by his confidence, business knowledge, clear vision, and ability to move an organization forward with purpose and urgency.
"Most importantly, Walt shares our commitment to putting members first. He is a thoughtful, inspiring leader who understands that Peach State’s strength depends on our members’ trust and our employees’ dedication. His broad leadership experience, combined with his commitment to expanding his credit union knowledge, will bring a valuable perspective to our organization. We are confident that Walt will honor the credit union’s history while leading Peach State into an exciting new chapter of growth, innovation, and exceptional member service," she said.
The Board and employees of Peach State look forward to welcoming Martin as the next CEO and beginning this new phase together.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the next CEO of Peach State Federal Credit Union,” said Martin. “I am grateful to the Board of Directors for the confidence they have placed in me and excited about the opportunity to work alongside our employees, members, and community partners. Peach State has a strong foundation, an important mission, and a proud legacy of serving our member-owners and strengthening the communities in our footprint. I look forward to building upon that foundation while helping shape the organization’s future. Together, we will remain focused on serving our members, supporting our communities, and creating opportunities for continued success.”
The Board also recognizes the outstanding contributions of current CEO Boutwell, and extends its sincere appreciation for his service over the past 32+ years. Under his dedicated leadership, commitment, and service, Peach State has grown into an institution with over $1.1 billion in assets. Boutwell will leave a lasting legacy of growth, stability, and member-focused service that will continue to shape its future. He will play a critical role in ensuring a smooth and effective leadership transition as he shares invaluable organizational knowledge and supports continuity in the credit union’s operations and strategic priorities. The Board looks forward to their collaborative work over the coming months as Martin prepares to lead Peach State into its next chapter of growth and continued service to its members and communities.