Nicholas Knights

Serving with the United States Air Force taught Nicholas Knights the importance of leadership and helping others. With his role at VyStar Credit Union, Knights is able to put these principles into practice in an organization that aligns with his values.

Knights is a Management Development Program Associate at VyStar Credit Union. Headquartered in Jacksonville, VyStar began in 1952 as a credit union at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, serving the financial needs of military personnel and civil service employees.

“It was important for me to align with VyStar’s strategic pillars because I have the same commitment to member service and military roots,” said Knights. “We have the ability to really drive performance and awareness to those demographics, and I wanted to be a part of that team.”

After serving with the U.S. Air Force, Knights earned his degree at Florida A&M University. After graduation, Knights worked at a local bank in Tallahassee as a bank teller, teaching him the importance of member service. As his career advanced, Knights wanted to hone his leadership skills, leading him to a management position at a rental car company.

Knights’s career journey ultimately led back to the financial industry and his position at VyStar. While Knights did not always see finance as his end goal, he realized that a career in finance allowed him to make an important impact through serving others.

“I enjoyed numbers and being able to build generational wealth,” Knights shared. “It was important for me to understand the skills, have the knowledge and be able to apply my work to see actual change in the communities and people I serve.”

VyStar is the first credit union to offer a Management Development Program. This program allows Knights and his peers to look into the various departments of the business and understand how each contributes to the overall success of VyStar. From planning individuals’ futures in investment services to creating a culture for belonging in human resources, Knights is becoming a stronger leader through the comprehensive view provided by the Management Development Program.

Knights said the program has “given me a holistic approach and the ability to be more empathetic and understanding about how we can enhance members’ financial needs.”

Knights’s position has also given him a front-line view of the impact VyStar’s services have on the company’s members and community. As a Jacksonville native, Knights has always had a heart for the people of Northeast Florida, and the region’s diverse demographics are evident in the financial needs of the people he serves. From working with local youth at VyStar’s high school branches to contributing to the needs of individual members, Knights fulfills his mission of living in service for others.

“VyStar is integrated into developing, growing and impacting our community. We live our purpose to do good and lead by example,” said Knights.

Knights encourages innovative people who have an interest in helping their community to explore a career in the financial services industry. Empathy, critical thinking and service are three key skills to grow for this career path.

“I believe every young professional out there has their own unique path,” Knights shared. “Continue to be intentional where you’re at today and understand that is building your future for tomorrow.”