Best and Brightest: Nikki Cooper

Nikki Cooper

Business Services Officer

Truliant Federal Credit Union

Greenville

Age 32

I am a commercial real estate lender with Truliant Federal Credit Union, where I have played a key role in expanding the organization’s commercial lending presence across the Upstate since 2022. I specialize in complex commercial lending, guiding projects from origination through closing while building lasting client relationships, and managing risk. Before joining Truliant, I spent 10 years with TD Bank, gaining experience in small business, commercial, credit, and specialized lending for municipalities, nonprofits, and higher education. A dedicated community leader, I serve as membership chair for CREW Greenville, where I have also been a mentor for the last three years. I am the past chair of United Way of Greenville County’s Young Leaders Society, after serving for seven years on the council, and I am an active member of the Upstate Alliance. I have been recognized as a United Way Volunteer of the Year nominee. I enjoy spending time with my husband, three sons, and three goldendoodles.

Favorite Quote and Why: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou. While accomplishments and results matter, I truly believe the relationships we build along the way leave the greatest impact. Whether I'm helping a member navigate a complex commercial real estate transaction, mentoring someone early in their career, or volunteering in the community, I want people to remember that I treated them with integrity, kindness, and respect. At the end of the day, success isn't measured by what we achieve; it's measured by the positive impact we leave on others.

Definition of a Successful Leader: To me, a successful leader is committed to continuous growth. They never believe they've arrived. They embrace feedback and lead by example, taking ownership of both successes and failures. They inspire others by always striving to become a better version of themselves.

Advice to 18-Year-Old Self: Trust the process. Life won't always go according to plan, and that's OK. Every challenge will teach you something valuable. Stay humble enough to keep learning, courageous enough to take accountability, and confident enough to believe you're capable of more than you can see today. Most importantly, give yourself grace. Growth takes time, and you don't have to have everything figured out to become the person you're meant to be.