ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PenFed (Pentagon Federal Credit Union) today announced that it has selected the 'Sunshine State' community of Niceville, Fla. to be the location of its first branch in that state. It will give the credit union a base from which to grow its brand footprint in the region and provide greater access to its robust selection of financial services to its members; services that include loan origination and mortgage consulting.

The branch opened its doors to the Niceville community on March 31. The Niceville staff invites both the public and military communities to attend its grand opening event on May 9. The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will begin at 10 a.m., followed by an open house.

"Our team is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this pioneering effort to introduce members of the Niceville community to PenFed's award-winning assortment of financial services," said Michele Hart, vice president of branch operations at PenFed. "This branch location allows us to better serve this region by providing easier access to our services. Our ultimate hope is to become the primary, first-class financial resource for this community."

Ryan Rock, a Navarre, Fla. native, is overseeing branch operations for the Niceville location. Rock joined the PenFed team in February 2013. Prior to joining PenFed, Rock worked with First National Bank of Omaha as an operational supervisor, and also worked for Coastal Bank and Trust in Florida as an assistant manager. Rock, a father of three who loves fishing, diving and running, holds a bachelor's degree in business and is an active member of the Niceville Chamber of Commerce.

"It's great PenFed can now be actively involved in our financial outreach efforts in this community," said Rock, manager of the Niceville branch. "Being a Navarre native, my roots are here, so I am proud to be a part of PenFed's ongoing, top-notch vision of bringing quality, innovative financial services to this area. With the Eglin and Hurlburt Field military installations close by, the opportunity to support our defenders in this capacity is an added bonus."

PenFed is a low-cost provider that is known as an industry leader in providing some of the lowest rates in the nation on mortgage, auto, and credit card lending. Additionally, the credit union offers competitive returns on its certificates, and lower or fewer fees associated with its savings and checking account programs.

Military members will want to consider the money-saving benefits related to PenFed's Warrior's Advantage^SM  program. All PenFed members who are currently serving in active, reserve, and National Guard components of our uniformed services will be able to benefit from the program, which automatically waives the fees on PenFed checking accounts in cases of insufficient funds, uncollected funds, and returned ACHs. This fee waiver is in addition to the $500 overdraft line of credit PenFed automatically provides to all qualifying members.

The Niceville branch provides ATM accessibility and check deposit services. Branch representatives are also available to assist members with all questions regarding any of PenFed's full-suite of services.

The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The branch is located at 1073 John Sims E. Parkway in Niceville.

For more information about PenFed, visit PenFed.org or call 800-247-5626.

About PenFed (Pentagon Federal Credit Union)

Established in 1935, PenFed is one of the largest credit unions in the country serving over 1.2 million members worldwide; with more than $17 billion in assets. Its longstanding mission has been to provide superior financial services, responsive to members' needs in a cost effective manner. PenFed offers market leading mortgages, automobile loans, credit cards, checking, and a wide-range of other financial services with its members' interests always in mind. Serving a diverse population, there are many ways to become a PenFed member; including numerous association members and employee groups. PenFed is federally insured by the NCUA and is an equal housing lender. PenFed does business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

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SOURCE PenFed