Sterling Seacrest Pritchard announces promotions

Sterling Seacrest Pritchard announces promotions

Cumberland-based Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, one of the nation's top 100 commercial insurance brokers, announced the promotion of three new client advisors — Daniel Ravitz, Caleb Wilson and Jackson Wood.

Ravitz began his career at SSP in 2021 on the construction service team before gaining more experience working on a large, complex book at Marsh. In 2023, he returned to SSP, joining the professional services team before transitioning into production. He focuses on serving clients in manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality, professional services and non-profit industries.

He is a third-generation insurance professional. He holds the AAI designation and has been recognized as a RISE 35 Under 35 Rising Insurance Star Executive, as well as a FGCU 2026 Alumni Award Nominee. He serves on the YRP Atlanta Board, the Make-a-Wish Georgia Young Professionals Board and supports the American Jewish Committee and the American Parkinsons Disease Association.

Wilson joined SSP over five years ago as a member of the service team, managing accounts and supporting a range of clients. His industry focus includes real estate and development, construction, hospitality and nonprofits. He began his career at SSP in 2021 as an intern. He holds the CIC designation and is actively involved at Christ Covenant Church.

Wood joined the services team at SSP over four years ago. As a graduate of SSP's Producer in Training program, he developed an understanding of risk management, client needs and internal collaboration before stepping into a forward-facing production role. His industry focus includes real estate, manufacturing, and construction.

Outside of work, he orchestrates and manages youth tennis clinics in the Woodstock area. He is also an active volunteer with the Foster Care Support Foundation.

For more information, visit www.sspins.com.

LGE Community Credit Union and Ascend Federal Credit Union announce intent to merge

LGE Community Credit Union and Ascend Federal Credit Union have announced plans to merge, pending regulatory approval and a vote by LGE members.

The planned partnership brings together two member‑owned credit unions with long histories of serving people, strengthening communities and building relationships rooted in trust. Both organizations approach this decision with a shared sense of responsibility.

Celebrating 75 years of service, each organization has been guided by the principle of people helping people. This planned merger reflects a step forward in continuing that mission — while remaining grounded in the values and service cultures that define each credit union.

If approved, the combined organization would serve over 390,000 members across Tennessee and Georgia, with over $7 billion in assets, approximately 950 employees, and over 40 branch locations. While Ascend and LGE currently serve different geographic regions, the organizations view their markets as complementary. By combining resources and expertise, the credit unions expect to enhance long‑term stability, share best practices and better support members across a broader footprint.

Both organizations are committed to retaining all employees to capitalize on talent and preserve the service experience members rely on.

Following completion of the merger, the combined organization would retain the Ascend Federal Credit Union name, with Ascend President and CEO Matt Jernigan serving as president and CEO. Chris Leggett, president and CEO of LGE Community Credit Union, would transition into an executive role with the combined credit union.

The merger's expected legal effective date is late Q4 2026/early Q1 2027, with systems integration extending into 2027. As member‑owned cooperatives governed by the National Credit Union Administration, final approval is contingent upon regulatory review and a vote by LGE members.

For more information, visit www.lgeccu.org and www.ascend.org.