Blog Team

Tori Harris began working for VyStar in 2015, shortly after graduating from the University of North Florida. There, she received a bachelor’s degree in English with a focus in creative writing and film studies. 

While working as a full-time teller for VyStar, she pursued her passion for writing by taking on various freelance blogging and editing jobs in her free time. She now works as a junior writer for VyStar and hopes to use her branch knowledge and experiences to relate more closely with our members.

After working face-to-face with our members for three years, Tori is excited to connect with them in a more thoughtful way, by sharing enlightening and relatable content.

Robert Hopkins Jr. joined VyStar Credit Union more than two years ago after he relocated from New York. He serves as a Supervisor in our Collections Department—a field in which he has almost 10 years of experience. Robert’s passion to assist others has made it an easy transition. He is always searching for a solution to help others. 

While attending Saint Peter’s University, Robert also discovered his passion for writing, and he looks forward to sharing encouraging topics with our wonderful members.

When he is not working, Robert enjoys watching European soccer with his four daughters.

A native New Yorker with more than eight years of professional writing and editing experience, Stella Katsipoutis-Varkanis is a writer/content creator for VyStar's dynamic marketing team. 

Stella’s work has appeared in a variety of local and national publications, including Women’s Health, Bridal Guide, Redbook, Fitness, Jacksonville, 904, South and 1-800-Flowers.com. 

She graduated from Pace University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and psychology, as well as a Master of Science in publishing.

Using her passion for the written word, Stella aspires to bring fun, engaging and informational content to our valued VyStar members.

A native Floridian and U.S. Army veteran, Preston Mangus has been a VyStar member for 34 years and a VyStar employee for more than two. As the Financial Counselor at the NAS Jax branch, accredited through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE), he provides financial management counseling to VyStar members.

Before VyStar, he worked in the insurance and contract surety field, was a registered representative, and held various insurance licenses and designations. He graduated from the University of Florida and received a Master of Science in management from Troy University. Preston is passionate about educating young military service members about the importance of financial literacy.