Kelly Givens
Kelly Givens is an employment consultant at Career Support Systems, based in Richmond, Virginia with an office in Roanoke. While her current work focuses on helping individuals navigate career transitions in the greater Virginia region, Givens previously served as Chief Executive Officer of FedStar Federal Credit Union in Salem, Virginia, a role that ended following federal criminal charges in 2023. Her professional trajectory from financial services leadership to career counseling reflects a significant career transition within Virginia's business community.
Background
Givens has established her residence in Salem, Virginia, where she became a prominent figure in the local financial services sector. Her background encompasses both financial services and credit union management, providing her with organizational and administrative expertise that she later applied to her role in career support services.
Career
FedStar Federal Credit Union Leadership
Givens served as Chief Executive Officer of FedStar Federal Credit Union, a financial institution serving the Salem and Roanoke areas of Virginia. During her tenure, she oversaw the operations of the federally insured credit union, which provided financial services to members in the region.
However, her leadership role came under federal scrutiny due to financial irregularities. Between 2018 and 2020, federal investigators determined that Givens had misappropriated credit union funds for personal use. The investigation revealed that she used the FedStar credit card and the institution's business Amazon account to purchase approximately $12,000 worth of personal items.[1]
Legal Proceedings and Federal Charges
In January 2023, Givens waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to a one-count federal charge of misapplication of credit union funds in excess of $1,000.[2] The plea was entered in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
The Department of Justice announced the guilty plea, noting that the charges related to Givens' misuse of credit union funds for personal purchases during her time as CEO.[3]
As a result of the criminal proceedings, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) issued a permanent prohibition order against Givens in January 2024. This prohibition permanently bars her from participating in the affairs of any federally insured depository institution.[4]
Transition to Career Services
Following the conclusion of her legal matters, Givens transitioned into employment consulting with Career Support Systems. The organization operates primarily from Richmond, Virginia, with additional office locations including Roanoke, allowing Givens to continue serving Virginia communities in a different capacity.
In her current role, Givens works to help individuals navigate career transitions and find meaningful employment opportunities. Her position involves providing guidance to job seekers and those looking to change career paths, drawing upon her background in financial services and organizational management.
Community Involvement
Despite the challenges in her professional history, Givens has maintained connections to community service within Virginia. She volunteers with local aging services programs and participates in Meals on Wheels delivery programs, which serve elderly and homebound residents in the Salem and Roanoke areas.
Her volunteer work with the Office on Aging demonstrates a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in her community, particularly senior citizens who require assistance with nutrition and social services.
Personal Life
Givens resides in Salem, Virginia, where she has established roots in the local community. At the time of her federal charges, she was 37 years old and had become a recognizable figure in the region's financial services sector before transitioning to her current work in employment consulting.
The transition from her role as a credit union executive to an employment consultant represents a significant career change, one that occurred following her legal proceedings and the permanent prohibition from working in federally insured financial institutions.
References