Meet the Female Young Professional of the Year Finalists

Lakin Britton 

Over the course of her 11-year career at Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, Lakin Britton has grown professionally through multiple positions, each one expanding her skills and reinforcing her commitment to excellence and innovation. What began as a part-time job after high school has evolved into a fulfilling career.  Today, Lakin serves as the youngest of the Senior Loan Officers.  She has achieved many accomplishments including ranking as a top loan producer company-wide for several months and being named as the annual top insurance promoter. In this role she has made significant contributions, including leading the “New and Young Borrowers Program” and earning numerous awards.

 Lakin’s deep Christian faith shapes her values and actions, guiding her involvement in community service and church activities. Throughout her professional and personal life, she has volunteered with many organizations including the Children’s Hospital, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Ezekiel Center, Epworth Children’s Home, and local schools including Lexington County School District One and the American Leadership Academy.

Sherry Gunter

Sherry Gunter is Assistant Branch Manager at Palmetto State Citizens Federal Credit Union, a position she has held since 2022. Sherry enjoys inspiring and developing leaders.  She understands that positive feedback and support are integral to collective success. Throughout her career she has learned a lot about leadership, and believes that earning trust, acting with integrity, and being willing to take risks are important attributes. In 2020, She was chosen as the state representative for South Carolina to “Crash the Governmental Affairs Conference”. This program is a young professional/emerging program that teaches advocacy for credit unions, leadership development and offers mentorship opportunities.

As an example, she initiated a book club to boost morale during the uncertainty of COVID.  Sherry enjoys engaging with the community.  She is a dedicated Chamber Ambassador and has represented South Carolina at the Governmental Affairs Conference to advance advocacy and leadership in the credit union sector.  Her involvement in initiatives like the Emerging Leaders Committee and volunteering with organizations like Happy Wheels and Families Helping Families, reflect her commitment to serving and uplifting others

Elizabeth Middleton

Elizabeth Middleton is Vice President-Commercial Banker with First Community Bank.  As a strong female leader, she believes it is her responsibility to lead by example and to lift up others.  With 19 years in the finance and banking sector, she has had positions of ascending responsibility, progressing from a teller to a commercial banker.  In her current position, she oversees two centers with eight employees.  She enjoys inspiring through action and working alongside her team to ensure success. In each of my banking centers, we rely on and support each other daily. She is constantly in the lobby assisting customers and her team members with whatever is needed. On any given day, you may find her behind the teller line or with the office manager assisting them.

She actively contributes to the community and is a graduate of Leadership Lexington, where she led the Class of 2022, successfully raising funds for local projects.  She has also volunteered with the American Cancer Society, the Women’s Leadership Council with the Lexington Chamber, the SC District Church of the Nazarene Missions, and is currently the Vice President for the BNI Referral Resource Group.

Lindsay Miles

In Lindsay Miles’ professional journey, she consistently is focused on leadership through a combination of proactive initiatives, effective collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth. Formerly with Nephron Pharmaceuticals, she led as the Head of Quality in 2022.  Today, she is the owner of The Miles Allstate Agency, where she manages their operations and strives to set positive examples for her clients and team through ethical leadership and innovation. Beyond her business, she actively gives back to the community through her volunteer efforts.  Lindsay has pursued opportunities such as Leadership Lexington and Leadership Columbia to strengthen her skills in leadership and community knowledge. Professionally, her positive attitude and enthusiastic approach enable her to tackle challenges with creativity and resilience. She has volunteered at Mt. Horeb for Vacation Bible School, Hunger No More of the Midlands, the United Way, and currently serves as the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber Chair. Whether it’s mentoring colleagues, volunteering in the community, or simply offering a listening ear, she is driven by a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact.