FAQs

Gary Beckner has been a member of the credit union since coming to work for DOE Oak Ridge in 1989 and offers accounting and managerial experience and joined the Board of Directors in 2012. Gary retired from his position as Senior Staff Accountant with the Oak Ridge Financial Service Center (formerly Finance Division) on December 31, 2021, ending 38 years of Federal service, 6 years at TVA and 32 years at the Department of Energy. Over the years, Gary has worked in accounting operations with travel, reporting, and financial systems with the Oak Ridge Chief Financial Officer Organization. Duties have also included serving as liaison on accounting issues between the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and DOE. While with the Financial Evaluation and Accountability Division (FEAD), he conducted reviews of contractor and Federal activities. Prior to joining DOE, Gary was an auditor with the Tennessee Valley Authority and TVA Inspector General, Knox Federal Saving and Loan (Vice President and Controller), and McDonald’s Restaurants (assistant Manager in both Knoxville and Oak Ridge). Gary has a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) and Masters of Accountancy from the University of Tennessee. He is a Certified Public Accountant (currently inactive). Gary attends Lonsdale United Methodist Church where he currently serves as treasurer. Gary resides in West Knoxville and is a member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs.

Cathie Burgin has been a member of the Credit Union for thirty years. She retired from the Department of Energy where she worked as an analyst for the Planning and Budget Division of the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Oak Ridge Office; the National Nuclear Security Administration; and as an auditor for the DOE’s Inspector General’s office.  She served several years as President of the Oak Ridge Chapter of Federally Employed Women and encouraged diversity throughout her career. Cathie is involved in the Knoxville community and is excited to bring her experience to the TN Members 1st Board of Directors.

As an East Tennessee native, Gilbert enjoys building relationships and helping to improve educational opportunities for those in our region. A Tennessee Members 1st member since early 2024, he would welcome the opportunity to serve the credit union that helped him and his family. Joey lives in Knoxville with his wife, Jamie, and their two children. You can probably catch him and his family cheering on the Tennessee Vols, going camping, or hanging out in downtown Knoxville.

Linda McBrearty has more than 30 years of experience supporting senior level executives with a full range of communications strategies, products, and a history of proven success. As a Public Affairs Officer for the National Science Foundation (NSF), Linda’s focus areas were Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing and Smart Cities. Prior to NSF, she managed a robust, award-winning communications program for the DHS Homeland Security Information Network serving over 95,000 first responders, law enforcement and intelligence analysts nationwide. For nearly six years, Linda served as District Director for the Third Congressional District where she was responsible for constituent outreach, public relations, and monitored appropriations for federal facilities. A native of Oak Ridge, TN, Linda attended the University of Tennessee and graduated with a BA from Tusculum College. She enjoys supporting the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) and is an active volunteer with the Knoxville Ronald McDonald House. Linda has served on the TN Members 1st FCU board since 2022 and desires to continue her service on the Board and to the credit union.