JACKSONVILLE—The Board of Directors of Community First Credit Union of Florida announced D. Samuel “Sam” Inman, MBA has been selected as its new CEO and president, assuming the position on Aug. 31 after a brief transition alongside retiring CEO John Hirabayashi.

Inman most recently served as chief financial officer and chief risk officer at Community First and has held various leadership roles since joining the organization in 1990. He started as an assistant accounting manager at the credit union and became its first internal auditor. Rising through the ranks, Inman joined the senior leadership team as CFO in 1997.

Three Community First branches are in Clay County — Oakleaf, Orange Park and Fleming Island.

The Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive national search for the new CEO and president. Board Chair Malinda “Lindy” Prudencio chaired the CEO Search Committee and partnered with a national search firm to interview candidates from credit unions nationwide, ultimately choosing Inman for the position.

“Sam was the top candidate among some of the finest credit union leaders in the country,” said Prudencio. “We believe he is the best leader to secure and expand Community First’s future.”

Inman has played an instrumental role in growing Community First’s assets from $156 million to $2.7 billion, with $344 million retained earnings since joining the organization more than 34 years ago.