About Us

Your Community. Your Credit Union.

Kaskaskia Valley Community Credit Union (KVCCU) is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, proudly serving Southern Illinois since 1982. Originally chartered as Centralia Correctional Center Credit Union with just 19 members, we’ve grown into a thriving financial institution with over 3,900 members, more than $26 million in assets, and three full-service branches located in Centralia, Salem, and Mt. Vernon.

But growth hasn’t changed our mission:

We exist solely to serve you, our members—not shareholders. That means lower loan rates, higher savings returns, and fewer fees than most banks. Because when you win, we all win.

At KVCCU, you’re more than just an accountholder. You’re a member-owner. That means you have a voice in how we operate—and a stake in everything we do.

Meet the Leadership Team

At The Valley, our leadership team brings together deep industry expertise, community pride, and a shared commitment to helping our members thrive. Each leader represents a different strength — lending, operations, finance, and long-term strategy — working together to shape a credit union that’s growing, modernizing, and still grounded in the values Kaskaskia Valley Community Credit Union was built on.


Amber Benson — President & CEO

Born and raised in Centralia, now residing in Salem

Amber stepped into the CEO role in May 2024, bringing nearly two decades of financial industry experience and a forward-looking vision for what a modern, community-rooted credit union can be. She completed her Bachelor of Business Administration at McKendree University and later earned her Master of Education in Policy and Organizational Leadership, strengthening her ability to guide teams, shape strategy, and lead meaningful organizational change.

Amber previously spent several years living and working in Mt. Vernon before making Salem home. Her focus at The Valley is expanding access to financial services, modernizing operations, and deepening member relationships—all while preserving the personal, small-town experience that has defined Kaskaskia Valley Community Credit Union since the beginning.


Ruby Berry — VP of Lending & Senior Branch Manager

Ruby is our lending expert and oversees all three branches with a steady, member-first approach. Based in the Centralia area with more than 20 years of credit union experience, she is the primary leader for branch operations, lending guidance, and day-to-day member concerns. Whether someone is applying for a loan, navigating financial questions, or needing hands-on branch support, Ruby is the trusted resource who ensures every experience is smooth, fair, and focused on the member’s best interest.


Jenny Holmes — VP of Operations & Compliance

From the Salem area, Jenny is the operational powerhouse that keeps The Valley moving forward. She manages operations, processes, compliance, and IT — ensuring our systems run cleanly, securely, and efficiently. Jenny’s wide-ranging expertise makes her one of the most versatile leaders on the team. She’s the one who connects the dots behind the scenes so members experience consistent, reliable service every time they interact with us.


Jamie Gordon — VP of Finance

Jamie joins the leadership team from the Mt. Vernon area with a degree in finance and nearly a decade of service on our Board of Directors. Her deep understanding of both the credit union’s mission and financial strategy makes her the guiding force behind budgeting, planning, and long-term financial health. Jamie ensures The Valley grows responsibly, sustainably, and always with members’ best interests at heart.