COLUMBIA — AllSouth Federal Credit Union announced President and CEO Bill Koehler's retirement effective Friday, Aug. 14, following more than 40 years in financial services and 35 years of leadership at the Columbia-based credit union.

Koehler first joined AllSouth in 1981 and returned in 1991 as vice president and controller after gaining additional experience in auditing and public accounting. He was promoted to executive vice president in 1993 and named CEO in 1994.

Under his leadership, AllSouth expanded its branch and ATM network, strengthened technology capabilities and introduced new ways to support members, according to the credit union. He also guided the credit union through periods of economic uncertainty, including recessions and the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently led AllSouth through its charter change from a community charter to a multi-common bond charter.

“Bill played a pivotal role in shaping AllSouth into the organization it is today. His leadership, financial stewardship, integrity and deep commitment to our employees and members have positioned the credit union for long-term success,” said Walter B. Todd Jr., chairman of the Board of Directors. “On behalf of the board, AllSouth employees and our members, we are deeply grateful for Bill’s outstanding service and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.”

Koehler expressed appreciation for the members, Board of Directors and employees who have shaped his career.

“Serving this organization has been the honor of my professional career. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the bright future ahead,” Koehler said.

AllSouth's Board of Directors named Connie Hernandez Vizitei, previously executive vice president, as the credit union’s president and CEO following Koehler’s retirement.

Vizitei has more than 15 years of credit union industry experience and has served on AllSouth’s executive management team for about nine years.

Originally begun in 1960 as Fort Jackson Federal Credit Union, AllSouth Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. AllSouth has more than 20 branches in the Midlands of South Carolina and access to more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. For more information, visit allsouth.org.