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November 20, 2025

FHC Credit Union recognises fourteen outstanding civil servants during Civil Service Week church service

By Dev
Press Release

FHC Credit Union (FHC) proudly participated in the Civil Service Week Church Service held on November 16 at the Eastwood Park New Testament Church of God, where fourteen exemplary public sector professionals were honoured as the 2025 nominees for the FHC/CSW Civil Servants of the Year Awards. Although the annual awards ceremony was not held this year in light of the current focus on restoration efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, FHC remained steadfast in its commitment to acknowledging excellence in public service and celebrating the civil servants who continue to serve with distinction. 

The annual staging of the FHC Civil Servants of the Year Awards is hosted by FHC Credit Union in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and the Government of Jamaica Civil Service Week Committee and normally recognises one awardee across three categories. 

The 2025 nominees reflect a broad cross-section of Jamaica’s public service. Among them were Keron Broderick and Tania Green-Jackson from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Human Resource Management Division, and Raymond Goffe from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service’s Transport Unit, all recognised within the Technical Support Category. 

Also acknowledged were several Mid-Managerial professionals, including Kay-Jay Johnson from the Western Regional Health Authority’s Operations and Maintenance Department; Simone Cooper-Bernard from the St. James Public Health Services in the field of Nursing Midwifery; Stacy Ann Pennant Reid from Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee Hospitals, where she serves as Coordinator of Customer Care and Director of Patient Services; Neil Davis from the Jamaica Fire Brigade’s Corporate Services; Andre Palmer from the Radio Department of the Jamaica Information Service; and Nadine Griffiths-Thompson from the Telecommunications Department at Kingston Public Hospital. 

Recognition also extended to senior leaders within the Managerial Category, including Camille Waite-Kerr from the Medical Imaging Services Department at Falmouth Hospital; Karlene Taylor McKenzie from the South East Regional Health Authority’s Operations Unit; Patrick Ferguson, JP from the Housing Management and Social Services Unit within the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation; Nicole Patrick-Shaw from the Institute of Jamaica; and Franklyn White from the National Public Health Lab. 

A special distinction was awarded to Mrs. Stacy Ann Pennant Reid, who emerged as the People’s Choice Awardee after receiving an extraordinary 97 individual nominations, underscoring her exceptional impact on colleagues, patients, and the wider community. 

Despite the unforeseen disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, FHC Credit Union remains deeply committed to honouring the outstanding contributions of Jamaica’s civil servants and looks forward to resuming the full awards programme in the coming year. The Credit Union extends sincere congratulations to all fourteen nominees, whose service, dedication, and leadership continue to strengthen Jamaica and uplift the communities they serve. 

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Andrew Nooks

Director

Andrew Nooks brings over 30 years of governance focused leadership in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and data privacy to the Board of Directors at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, strengthening the institution’s capacity to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Mr. Nooks is a technology strategist who has played a pivotal role in strengthening Jamaica’s information security landscape, advising organizations in the financial, manufacturing, telecommunications, and public sectors. His expertise spans system security architecture, risk management, and regulatory compliance, underpinned by formal governance training and industry certifications. He has led independent security practices and contributed to national cybersecurity and data protection initiatives, including serving on the boards of eGov Jamaica Limited and the Jamaica Data Protection Oversight Committee.

With a proven ability to align complex technical strategies with business priorities, Andrew brings the kind of forward looking digital governance perspective that is essential as FHC continues to modernize its technology infrastructure and expand its digital services.

Nicole Adamson

Chairman

Nicole Adamson brings over 20 years of strategic finance leadership to the Board of Directors at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, strengthening the Board’s capacity for investment oversight, financial analysis, and long term strategic planning.

Ms. Adamson served the VM Group in an investment research capacity before expanding her role to encompass stockbroking and asset management across multiple asset classes including equities, bonds, real estate, and unit trusts. She has extensive experience developing and implementing strategy and business plans in the financial services sector, and has also managed equity trading and performed economic analysis, publishing articles on economic matters in national daily newspapers. She served as a staff member trustee in a pension fund for four years, gaining valuable experience in fiduciary responsibilities and fund governance.

Ms. Adamson holds the CFA designation and a Sustainable Investing Certificate, as well as a Master of Science in Finance, Economics & Econometrics from Bayes Business School, City St. George’s University of London. She holds additional professional certifications in financial analysis, risk management, and project management methodologies.

With her diverse experience spanning investment research, asset management, trading, economic analysis, and governance, Nicole brings a well rounded perspective to financial oversight and strategic vision, positioning FHC’s Board for informed, forward looking decision making.

Karla Stephens-Hall

Assistant Secretary

Karla Stephens-Hall brings over 24 years of audit and accounting experience spanning multiple jurisdictions across the Caribbean and North America to her role as Assistant Secretary on the Board of Directors at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union.

Mrs. Stephens-Hall is currently employed at RJR Gleaner Communications Group Limited as Chief Financial Officer. She previously held the position of Chairman of the Supervisory Committee at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union and has served as Chief Financial Officer for Progressive Grocers of Jamaica Limited, as well as Financial Controller at Massy Technologies InfoCom Jamaica Limited, where she also fulfilled the function of Board Secretary. She has worked in various management capacities within the financial sector and also serves on the Government Audit Commission.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics, a Master of Business Administration from the University of East London, and is a Certified Risk Management professional, a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and a member of the Institute of Certified Internal Auditors.

With deep financial expertise and a strong governance track record, Karla strengthens the Board’s capacity for sound oversight, risk management, and institutional accountability.

Carian Freckleton-Cousins

Secretary

Carian Freckleton-Cousins brings a strong legal foundation and corporate governance expertise to her role as Secretary of the Board of Directors at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, ensuring the Board operates with procedural discipline and institutional integrity.

Mrs. Freckleton-Cousins is a legal practitioner with a decade of experience as an Attorney at Law. She previously held the position of Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited. She is currently the Head of Department of Legal Counsel at Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited and possesses a wealth of knowledge in corporate and commercial law.

She holds a Bachelor of Law Degree, a Legal Education Certificate, and an LLM in Corporate and Commercial Law.

With her depth of legal experience and intimate knowledge of FHC’s institutional framework, Carian is well positioned to support effective governance and sound decision making at the Board level.

Kevin Forbes

Assistant Treasurer

Kevin Forbes brings extensive corporate finance experience and a disciplined approach to financial management to his role as Assistant Treasurer on the Board of Directors at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union.

Mr. Forbes is currently employed at Look Beyond Limited as Financial Controller. He previously served as Financial Manager at Cable & Wireless Limited, Financial Controller at Allied Insurance Brokers Limited, and has worked in various management capacities within the Grace Kennedy Company Limited as well as Ernst & Young Caribbean.

He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the Manchester Business School, United Kingdom, is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica.

With broad experience spanning corporate finance, audit, and business operations, Kevin strengthens the Board’s ability to maintain rigorous financial oversight and sound fiscal governance across the Credit Union.

Nickeisha Walsh

Treasurer

Nickeisha Walsh brings strategic financial leadership and public sector governance experience to her role as Treasurer of the Board of Directors at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, ensuring sound financial stewardship and accountability at the highest level of the organization.

Ms. Walsh is currently the Executive Director of the Students’ Loan Bureau. She is a qualified Accountant, a Fellow with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica, and a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). With over 15 years of accounting and finance experience across various government sectors, her expertise includes accounting, finance, management consulting, human resource management, strategic planning, and leadership.

With a strong track record in public financial management and institutional governance, Nickeisha is well positioned to support the Board’s oversight of FHC’s financial health and long term sustainability.

Richard Ranger

2nd Vice-Chairman

Richard Ranger strengthens the Board’s financial oversight capability at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, bringing deep technical expertise in auditing, accounting, and assurance to his role as 2nd Vice Chair.

Mr. Ranger is a Chartered Accountant and a member of both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the United Kingdom and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ). With over fifteen years of experience in external and internal auditing, accounting, and business operations, he has worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Boldeck Jamaica Limited, and the Neal and Massy Group, specializing in audit and assurance, accounting, and income tax services.

He is presently the Principal of Ranger and Associates, a local audit and accounting firm. He previously served as a volunteer member of the Credit Committee at FHC.

With strong professional credentials and a practitioner’s understanding of financial governance, Richard brings the kind of rigorous, independent perspective that strengthens Board level decision making and accountability.

Wayne Jones

1st Vice-Chairman

Wayne Jones brings more than three decades of leadership in human resource management and industrial relations to his role as 1st Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, strengthening the Board’s capacity to oversee people centred governance and institutional development.

Mr. Jones currently holds the post of Deputy Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, where he is in charge of Strategic Human Resource Management. An accomplished Human Resource Practitioner with over 35 years of experience in industrial relations and employment management, he is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and the City & Guilds Institute of London, and a certified Change Management Specialist.

His leadership extends well beyond the public service. Mr. Jones is the former President of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) and General Secretary of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU). At the regional and international levels, he held the presidency of the Caribbean Public Services Association and served on the Executive Board of Public Services International as representative of the InterAmericas Region. He is also a recipient of the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican Government.

With an extensive track record in labour relations, governance, and public sector leadership, Wayne brings a unique perspective to the Board, one rooted in institutional reform, workforce development, and principled leadership.

Camelle Ricketts-Moore

Chairman

Camelle Ricketts-Moore provides governance leadership to First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union as Chairman of the Board of Directors, bringing a sharp focus on accountability, strategic oversight, and institutional resilience. She ensures that the Board’s priorities are aligned with the Credit Union’s long term vision and that management delivers against clearly defined objectives.

Mrs. Ricketts-Moore is the Managing Director of Sangster’s Book Stores Limited, with over 26 years of experience in internal auditing, accounting, and business operations. Her expertise spans governance, audit, risk management and controls, and strategic planning and execution. She is a Chartered Accountant, a Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the Manchester School of Business.

A Director of FHC since 2022, Mrs. Ricketts-Moore has served in several volunteer capacities, including Chairman of the IT Steering Committee, Chairman of the Audit & Risk Management Committee, and Chairman and Secretary of the Supervisory Committee between 2016 and 2021. She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of FHC Investments Limited.

With deep governance expertise and a commitment to institutional accountability, Camelle is focused on guiding the Board through a period of strategic transformation, ensuring FHC remains member centred, well governed, and positioned for sustainable growth.

Garfield Pearson

General Manager – Finance & Treasury

Garfield Pearson brings a steady, team-oriented approach to supporting members and advancing organisational goals. With a focus on excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement, Garfield contributes to a culture of service that reflects FHC’s commitment to putting members at the centre. He is valued for his professionalism and his ability to collaborate across teams to help deliver solutions that meet member needs and strengthen the Credit Union’s performance.

As Head of Finance and Treasury, Garfield plays a critical role in safeguarding the financial strength and sustainability of the organisation. He leads the strategic management of FHC’s financial resources, ensuring prudent liquidity management, optimal asset-liability alignment, and disciplined financial planning to support growth. His stewardship supports the Credit Union’s ability to deliver strong returns, maintain regulatory compliance, and invest in innovation and digital transformation. Through data-driven insights and sound financial governance, Garfield helps position FHC to remain resilient, competitive, and responsive to the evolving needs of its members.

Dennise Edmond-Hastings

Chief Internal Auditor

Dennise Edmond-Hastings safeguards the integrity and accountability of First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union’s operations. As Chief Internal Auditor, she provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services that strengthen governance, improve processes, and protect the institution’s long term interests.

With over 16 years of audit and accounting experience, Ms. Edmond-Hastings brings a rigorous, detail oriented approach to risk assurance and internal control. She is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and holds a Diploma from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), a Certificate in Fraud and Forensic Accounting, and a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) from the Institute of Internal Auditors, USA.

Her professional affiliations include the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the United Kingdom, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in the United States, and the Institute of Internal Auditors Jamaica Chapter.

With deep expertise in governance, risk, and compliance, Dennise is focused on ensuring FHC maintains the highest standards of transparency and institutional control, building the trust that underpins everything the Credit Union delivers to its members.

Omari Hodelin

Chief Information Officer

Omari Hodelin shapes and executes the technology strategy that powers First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union’s digital future. As Chief Information Officer, he is responsible for strengthening cybersecurity, modernizing infrastructure, and driving innovation to support the organization’s continued growth and operational resilience.

An experienced ICT and project management professional with more than 15 years of leadership in information technology, systems administration, and digital transformation, Mr. Hodelin brings a forward thinking, solutions oriented approach to technology leadership. Prior to his appointment as CIO in 2022, he served as Manager, Information Technology & Projects at FHC. He has also held senior roles within the public sector at the Urban Development Corporation and Tourism Product Development Company Limited, where he developed deep expertise in enterprise infrastructure, data management, and business continuity solutions.

Mr. Hodelin holds an MBA in Management Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Sciences. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP)®, reflecting his strong foundation in strategic planning and disciplined project execution.

With a clear focus on digital transformation and institutional readiness, Omari is driving the technology capabilities that will enable FHC to deliver smarter, more secure, and more accessible services to its members.

Nedrieka Mullings

Head of Legal, Risk & Corporate Affairs (Acting)

Nedrieka Mullings provides strategic legal counsel and risk oversight that protects First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union’s interests and strengthens its governance framework. As Acting Head of Legal, Risk & Corporate Affairs, she is responsible for managing the organization’s legal exposure, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance posture, ensuring FHC operates with the institutional integrity its members expect.

A dual licensed Attorney at Law in Jamaica and Grenada, Ms. Mullings has built a broad practice spanning civil law, commercial law, employment and labour relations, contractual property disputes, debt recovery, criminal litigation, and corporate governance. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) with honours from the University of the West Indies, Mona, in 2021 and her Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School in 2023.

With a strong passion for legal development and a commitment to delivering work of the highest standard, Nedrieka is focused on building efficient legal frameworks that cultivate trust, mitigate risk, and support the Credit Union’s strategic ambitions, ensuring FHC is well positioned to navigate complexity with confidence.

Rosemarie Samuels

Assistant General Manager, Human Resource Development

Rosemarie Samuels shapes the people strategy that underpins First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union’s performance and culture. As Assistant General Manager, Human Resource Development, she is responsible for driving employee engagement, talent development, and organizational effectiveness, ensuring the Credit Union attracts, retains, and develops the talent it needs to deliver on its strategic goals.

With over 18 years of dedicated service in human capital management, Mrs. Samuels brings deep expertise and dynamic leadership to the role. A certified Behavioural Coach and Customer Service Training Specialist, she has been instrumental in advancing performance excellence and organizational development across FHC. Her journey through the institution has given her a comprehensive understanding of the organization and the people who power it.

Whether designing impactful training programmes or leading cultural transformation initiatives, Rosemarie operates with insight, empathy, and a clear focus on results. She is a trusted voice in building the kind of high performance workplace culture that drives institutional success.

With her people first approach and deep organizational knowledge, Rosemarie is focused on strengthening FHC’s human capital capabilities, aligning talent strategy with the Credit Union’s broader ambitions for growth and service excellence.

Karlene Simpson

Assistant General Manager, Operations & Shared Services

Karlene Simpson strengthens the operational backbone of First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, ensuring that core operations and shared services remain robust, efficient, and aligned with the institution’s growth ambitions. As Assistant General Manager, Operations & Shared Services, she brings institutional depth and disciplined oversight to every facet of the Credit Union’s operational infrastructure.

With more than 30 years of dedicated service to the organization, Mrs. Simpson has progressed through a series of leadership roles that reflect both her technical expertise and her commitment to the institution’s evolution. Beginning as Branch Manager in 2003, she advanced through Operations Manager and Senior Manager of Operations, Risk and Compliance before assuming her current role at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union.

Mrs. Simpson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance (First Class Honours), is a Certified Risk Manager, and earned a Diploma in Compliance from the Manchester Business School. She also holds numerous certifications across financial services, compliance, and risk management.

With three decades of hands on leadership and an unwavering focus on operational excellence and institutional resilience, Karlene is instrumental in ensuring FHC operates with the rigour and accountability required to sustain long term growth.

Michelle Tracey

Assistant General Manager, Marketing, Communications & Member Experience

Michelle Tracey elevates how First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union connects with its members and the wider market. As Assistant General Manager, Marketing, Communications & Member Experience, she provides strategic oversight of the marketing portfolio for both the Credit Union and its investment subsidiary, FHC Investments Limited, shaping the brand narrative and ensuring every touchpoint reflects the institution’s values and ambitions.

An astute marketing communications specialist with more than fifteen years of experience, Ms. Tracey has held several managerial roles spanning investments and wealth management, micro lending, real estate, infrastructural development, tourism, and retail banking at PROVEN Group and the Urban Development Corporation respectively.

Ms. Tracey holds an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from the University of the West Indies and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing and International Business from the University of Technology, Jamaica.

With a sharp strategic eye and a passion for curating memorable member experiences, Michelle is focused on deepening FHC’s market presence, delivering experiences that are as modern and member centred as the institution itself.

Omoi Green

General Manager, FHC Investments Limited

Omoi Green drives the strategic direction and performance of FHC Investments Limited, ensuring the subsidiary delivers consistent, long term value for members. As General Manager, he oversees the full scope of the investment portfolio, applying a disciplined approach to business development and operational excellence.

A financial services professional with over 22 years of progressive experience in banking and finance, Mr. Green is a proven transformational leader with a track record of improving operations, achieving strategic goals, and generating sustained profitability. His career includes 16 years in wealth management and six years in retail banking, with management positions at respected institutions across Jamaica, including Regional Manager at NCB Capital Markets, Branch Manager at Proven Wealth, and Branch Manager at Sagicor Bank.

Mr. Green holds a BSc in Economics and Management Studies (Honours) and an MBA in Banking and Finance, both from the University of the West Indies. He is also deeply committed to community service, having served as Director of Naz Children Centre in Montego Bay and as a member of the Moorlands Development Company Restructuring Committee. He currently serves as Fund Raising Chair of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay.

With deep industry knowledge and a results driven leadership style, Omoi is focused on scaling FHC Investments Limited, expanding its offerings while strengthening the returns and confidence of every member it serves.

Xavier D. Allen

Chief Executive Officer

Xavier D. Allen leads First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union with a focus on performance, innovation, and long-term value creation, positioning the organization as a future-ready institution in an evolving financial landscape. As Chief Executive Officer, he sets the strategic direction of the organization and ensures its priorities are translated into disciplined execution and measurable impact.

With more than two decades of experience across banking, digital transformation, sales strategy, and leadership development, Mr. Allen brings a rare combination of operational depth and forward-thinking vision. He has held senior leadership roles at National Commercial Bank Jamaica and served as Managing Partner at Xavmar Consultants, where he led large-scale digital and governance transformation initiatives across the region.

Mr. Allen holds a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Supply Chain Management from Rutgers Business School, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems.

Grounded in a strong belief in innovation, disciplined execution, and meaningful member engagement, Xavier is focused on guiding FHC through its next phase of growth—strengthening its impact while delivering smarter, more accessible financial solutions.

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