Mortgage Lending 101 - Purchase and Refinance Do's and Dont's

With over 36 years of community development and banking experience, Deirdra Cox, Founder and President of Community Sustainability Enterprise, (CSE) leads the Georgia based 501c3 in their impactful regional community development work. CSE’s mission is the socioeconomic transformation of of low-income/high potential communities one generation at a time, through strategic cross collaborative programming, in partnership with School Based Public Private Partnerships and Affordable Housing communities, that leads to next level self-sufficiency, and wealth building. Deirdra has dedicated the past 14 years of her career focused on cross-collaborative partnerships and evidence-based programming that drives positive socioeconomic outcomes in underserved communities.

Deirdra’s uncanny knack to forge impactful collaborative partnerships to drive local community and economic development efforts, has resulted in School Based Public Private Partnerships in Georgia, that produced 2 in-school full service financial branches, that are run by high school students. CSE’s Workforce Development programs boasts a 92% hire and retention rate among our program graduates, and 100% completion rate of all CSE “success service” pillars among the thousands of youth and adults we educate, coach and empower.

Deirdra is an accomplished public speaker, author, blogger and mother of two adult children. She can be found at the beach during times of rejuvenation, preparing for her next people and policy shifting community and economic development journey. Deirdra believes that what you’ve been through, doesn’t define your destiny, but it gives you strength, courage and wisdom to fulfill your destiny.

Alicia Fitts, 28 is a Business Development Representative at Peach State Federal Credit Union where she strives for excellence while assiduously working within her territories in the Augusta, GA and Aiken, SC areas. Mrs. Fitts is a valued team member to the Business Development Department at Peach State FCU. Her infectious energy and passion for business development has been proven to be highly effective as she has been rewarded for her skillset.

Mrs. Fitts parents raised her and her three siblings to be the “thermostat” in the room – to leave people better than how they found them – so educating, coaching and empowering the human spirit is what she has done her entire life. It is what brings her the most joy. Alicia diligently helps school systems and businesses to develop a relationship with Peach State Federal Credit Union while offering her services to coach both youth and adults with Financial Literacy and Workforce Development. She represents her company at various community events, manages event and meeting planning in her business development territories, and is eager about working within her community.

Mrs. Fitts savors her membership as an Aiken Rotarian. Since joining the Aiken County Rotary Club in 2017, she participates on the Membership Committee. She is the former Secretary/Treasurer of the Augusta Credit Union Chapter Board. Mrs. Fitts also served on the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce’s Programs Council. Since 2018, she has been an active and reliable Goodwill Ambassador. In 2019, Mrs. Fitts was selected as the Third Quarter Spotlight Goodwill Ambassador. Also, she has actively contributed on the Students2Work Soft Skills Planning Committee since 2018. In October 2019, she was awarded as the Peach State Federal Credit Union Culture Award Runner-Up.

A native of Augusta, GA, she is married to Terrell M. Fitts and she is the mother of two sons Noah (2 years-old) and Evan Fitts (3-months-old). Alicia has a background working in business development, human resources, and management. As a hobby she has enjoyed being a Graphic Design Freelancer for several years. Alicia also loves traveling and spending time with her family.

If you would like to contact Alicia please email her at afitts@peachstatefcu.org.

As Business Development Manager, ShaDonte Butler focuses on cultivating and expanding the Bank’s customer relationships and driving new business to the Bank through its Community Investment Products. Prior to joining the Bank, Ms. Butler worked in a variety of roles within Fannie Mae’s Single Family Mortgage Division.

Ms. Butler earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and economics (summa cum laude) from Fisk University in Nashville, TN, a Master of Business Administration specializing in Finance from Clark Atlanta University, and a Master of Science in Building Construction/ Residential Development from Georgia Tech. She resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jim Dymek has been in the mortgage industry for more than 18 years working as a Loan Originator/Loan Officer. Jim also has 19 years of experience in Business Development and Sales. As an Account Executive for Member First Mortgage, Jim will be responsible for helping Peach State members with any questions or concerns regarding mortgage programs, services and more! Jim has lived in and served the state of Georgia for many years, with his experience and dedication to member service, we're confident you will enjoy having Jim as another knowledgeable resource and contact, in addition to your Peach State team.