SD Metro Magazine honors San Diego’s elite business leaders

SAN DIEGO, Calif., (January 13, 2026) — San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is pleased to announce that for the third year in a row, Nathan Schmidt, SDCCU EVP, Chief Experience Officer and Digital Channels, was selected among the 2026 Men of Influence by San Diego Metro Magazine. The award recognizes individuals who lead the way in the business industry, helping to drive the local economy while making a difference in the community.

Schmidt was selected for his outstanding leadership and demonstrated success at SDCCU. Under Schmidt’s leadership, SDCCU’s unique blend of products and services is paving the way for overall credit union success. Over the past year, SDCCU launched new products and services while enhancing existing services, including its website and online banking platform, to meet the demands of its customers.

With over 26 years of financial services management and marketing experience, he is responsible for SDCCU’s strategic planning, brand, marketing, digital channels, Call Center and payments operations, product development, business development and community and media relations, as well as the overall customer experience. Schmidt’s exceptional leadership and focus on innovation and leveraging new technologies to elevate the customer experience has resulted in tremendous growth and success for SDCCU. Under Schmidt’s leadership, SDCCU continues to have a strong presence in the areas it serves.

“Being recognized for the third consecutive year speaks volumes about Nathan’s leadership and impact,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO. “His dedication to innovation, consistency, and excellence continues to strengthen our organization, and we are proud to have him as a key member of the SDCCU leadership team.”

Schmidt has earned a number of notable awards for his accomplishments and leadership in the time he has been with SDCCU. Most recently 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 Magazine, and had his work recognized with a Bronze MAC Awards, 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 ranked a top credit union in California in 2025 by Forbes. 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 has more than 413,000 customers and 30,000 surcharge-FREE ATMs. 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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