Dorian Smith to Lead Business Development Efforts at 717

WARREN – Dorian Smith has been named the new senior vice president of business development at 717 Credit Union.

In the role, Smith will lead efforts to cultivate relationships in the community that will lead to new workplace partnership and membership growth.

Smith was the owner and principal of MarLee Strategies, a leading business development and strategy consulting firm. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Business Development for American Heritage Credit Union in Philadelphia where he directed sales activities and funding initiatives for one of the top 100 credit unions in the United States in both assets and membership size.

717 President and CEO John Demmler welcomed Smith as the first step of broadening 717’s imprint in the community.

“With more than 1,000 current workplace partners, we intend to reengage with those organizations and those leaders who are aligned with us to expand our mission of improving people’s lives financially and supporting the communities we serve,” Demmler said. “We know that Dorian (Smith) is the right leader for the job.”

Smith, who has already begun his role located at 717 headquarters in Warren, said he is excited he has joined a successful credit union like 717 and looks forward to building on 717’s rich history and “expanding our reach to strengthen our business community.”

 “My background in credit unions, coupled with my passion for the ‘people helping people’ approach allows me to foster relationships I believe will benefit all members and our surrounding communities. That will include offering financial literacy for our business partners’ employees because we know the healthier an employee is financially, the more productive an employee is at work,” Smith said.

He adds partnering with a financial institution should be about more than just products and services. 

“Banking on each other builds stronger communities,” he said. 

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.