Award honors San Diego’s top business strategists and communicators

SAN DIEGO, Calif., (October 20, 2026) — San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is proud to announce that Nathan Schmidt, SDCCU EVP, Chief Experience Officer and Digital Channels, was selected among the 2026 Best Public Relations and Marketing Executives by San Diego Metro Magazine. The award recognizes elite business leaders, strategists, and communicators across San Diego County. 

Schmidt has guided SDCCU toward industry-leading success with a unique mix of financial products. Over the past year, the credit union actively evolved to meet member demands by rolling out new services and modernizing its digital channels, including its website and mobile banking platform.

With a career spanning over 25 years in financial services management and marketing, Schmidt oversees strategic planning, card and payment processing, operations, fraud operations, digital platforms, marketing, business development, and media relations, while championing the end-to-end customer journey. Schmidt’s commitment to adopting new technologies to upgrade the client experience has fueled immense growth and advancement for SDCCU. Under Schmidt’s stewardship, SDCCU continues to have a strong presence in the area that it serves. 

“Once again, Nathan is deservingly recognized as an essential member of the SDCCU executive team,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO. “Nathan's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement plays a vital role in steering our organization forward. We are thrilled to see him receive this deserved honor.”

Schmidt has earned several notable awards for his accomplishments and leadership in the time he has been with SDCCU. Most recently, in 2026 he was named one of SD Metro’s Men of Influence for the third consecutive year in addition to a Men of Accomplishment Award. His work was also acknowledged with five Hermes Creative Awards as well as a Gold dotCOMM award. 

In 2025, Schmidt’s work was awarded a Gold dotCOMM Award, two Silver Stevie Awards, and both Platinum and Gold Hermes Creative Awards. Schmidt was also named among SD Metro’s Men of Influence and Top Marketing Executives.

In 2024, Schmidt was recognized as a Man of Influence by SD Metro and had his work recognized with a Bronze MAC Award, a Gold dotCOMM Award, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards, Platinum and Gold Hermes Creative Awards, and Bronze American Advertising Awards.

In 2023, Schmidt’s work was recognized with two Hermes Creative Awards, a Gold Stevie Award, and a Gold dotCOMM Award. SDCCU was also named one of Forbes’ Top 5 Best-in-State Credit Unions, and Schmidt was named one of San Diego Business Journal’s Leaders of Influence in Advertising, PR & Marketing.

In 2022, Schmidt’s work was acknowledged with a Gold Stevie Award and three Hermes Creative Awards. SDCCU’s Outdoor Marketing Campaign was also selected for the Credit Union National Association Marketing and Business Development Council’s Diamond Award and Schmidt was selected as one of SD Metro’s Best Marketing Executives.

Schmidt’s educational background includes a BA from California State University, Sacramento and an MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California. 

SDCCU is one of the nation’s top credit unions and was named one of America’s Best Regional Credit Unions in 2026 by Newsweek and voted San Diego’s BEST Credit Union for 2026 in The San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll. SDCCU proudly serves the financial needs of customers in Southern California counties, including Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. SDCCU provides breakthrough banking products that meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and delivers banking services that save customers money. SDCCU is leading the way, offering FREE Checking with eStatements, SDCCU mobile banking, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa® credit cards, and business banking services. Federally insured by NCUA. Membership required. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #580585. For more information, visit www.sdccu.com.

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