Corlinda Wooden, Unitus Community Credit Union:
As the Chief Retail Officer for the Portland, Ore.-based Unitus Community Credit Union ($1.7 billion in assets, 105,932 members), Corlinda Wooden is considered a change agent and fearless in her pursuit of finding solutions and bucking the status quo. In this fast-paced, competitive environment, she is respected for her thoughtful approach and calm demeanor. Wooden oversaw the launch of Unitus' Virtual Branch that has connected members with the inspirational service they expect from the comfort of their homes. In 2022, the Virtual Branch conducted nearly 23,000 live chats, which was an 18% increase over 2021 and nearly 3,000 members joined Unitus through the online application process. Her leadership skills make her an incredible asset to the credit union movement. Her positive, solution-focused approach to leadership gives her the ability to innovate, inspire and succeed.
Heather Andrade-Neumann, Golden 1 Credit Union:
In her time as EVP and Chief People Officer for the $20 billion Golden 1 Credit Union, Heather Andrade-Neumann has overseen the credit union's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, enterprise development and the effectiveness of the entire organization. It's been her mission to foster a company culture where all employees feel they can create change and make a difference for members and communities, while forging a fulfilling career path. Under her leadership, Golden 1 launched G1 Insiders, an internal communications platform, where employees connect, engage, and celebrate with one another. She also introduced Golden 1's Remote Work Program, which has helped attract and retain talented individuals post-pandemic.
Amanda Habansky, Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union:
Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union ($95 million in assets, 10,443 members) in Petersburg, Va., has been led by its CEO Amanda Habansky – and she has a vision of the future to directly help members accomplish great things. As a Community Financial Development Institution (CDFI), Habansky has guided the credit union to take a holistic approach to lending. While helping 11% of its members increase their credit scores by 50+ points and saving members more than $6 million in interest by offering payday alternative loans, Habansky has initiated the Affordable Home Ownership Program. By providing this empowering product, the credit union has been able to get several members into a home of their own.
Chad Meadows, VyStar Credit Union:
As Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the Jacksonville, Fla.-based VyStar Credit Union ($13.6 billion in assets, 901,612 members), Chad Meadows has taken the credit union to the next level by supporting its employees, members and communities the credit union serves. Meadows led the way to innovate and enhance VyStar's suite of mortgage lending products to offer more than just traditional loan options. Those loan options include the Military Heroes and Everyday Heroes mortgage programs, VA Mortgage Program, FHA Mortgage Program, as well as the conventional mortgages VyStar offers. This suite of products helps more members from diverse backgrounds enjoy the dream of homeownership. Meadows also oversaw the initiative to enhance the member digital experience to include 90 new and enhanced features.
Erin Mendez, Patelco Credit Union:
Erin Mendez, president/CEO of the Dublin, Calif.-based Patelco Credit Union ($9.6 billion in assets, 478,565 members), has led the credit union's evolution from an efficiency-driven, rate- and fee-focused institution into a mission-driven organization focused on the financial health and well-being of the communities it serves during her tenure. She has transformed the culture at Patelco by operating on the philosophy that growth and revenue will follow when Patelco takes care of its members and team members. This has meant deploying programs focused on working families and ensuring Patelco provides the resources necessary to help all members achieve financial success. Since Mendez arrived at Patelco Credit Union in 2013, she has transformed the organizational culture to a focus on members, team members and the communities they serve. During this time, Patelco grew from $3.9 billion to over $9 billion in assets.
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Greg Mitchell, First Tech Federal Credit Union:
With over 36 years in the financial services industry and serving more than 10 years as the President/CEO of the San Jose, Calif.-based First Tech Federal Credit Union ($16.9 billion in assets, 650,424 members), Greg Mitchell has devoted his career to championing the credit union movement and successfully helping underserved communities. Mitchell's leadership style has been described as people-before-profits and a "virtuous cycle of goodness." He selflessly prioritizes progress for equitable economic and societal change fostering everyone's personal and financial well-being. These are key traits of a successful leader and have helped make First Tech one of America's largest and leading credit unions today.
Debra Schwartz, Mission Fed Credit Union:
Since 2008, Debra Schwartz has served as President/CEO of the San Diego-based Mission Fed Credit Union, which has seen remarkable success under her guidance and now holds $6 billion in assets, almost 300,000 members, more than 671 employees and 34 branches in San Diego County. With more than 25 years of financial services leadership, Schwartz is committed and dedicated to the community she serves with her active participation in civic, industry and nonprofit boards, including chair and executive committee roles. As a female leader in the financial industry, Schwartz has made a concentrated effort over the years to elevate women leaders in the traditionally male-dominated banking and credit union industry. Her leadership style, grounded in empathy and inclusivity, has built an equitable and inclusive workplace.
Toni-Ann Sforza, Municipal Credit Union:
As New York-based Municipal Credit Union's first-ever Chief People & Experience Officer, Toni-Ann Sforza has taken on this new position with outstanding results while juggling multiple roles at the credit union. This newly-created position at the $4.2 billion MCU reflects Sforza's expanded role as head of the credit union's Retail and Service operations, in addition to her duties as its Chief Human Resources Officer. Although it is very rare for an HR officer to become the head of a business line, Sforza proves it can be done. Her resolute focus on employee engagement, creating a values-driven culture, and inculcating team satisfaction led to simultaneous improvements in HR outcomes across the board.
Mike Shockley, True Sky Federal Credit Union:
The Oklahoma City-based True Sky Federal Credit Union ($917 million in assets, 61,960 members) has an extraordinary leader who has dedicated more than 20 years to the success of the credit union. Mike Shockley began as teller in 2002 and today is the credit union's Chief Lending Officer. During his time at True Sky, Shockley has focused on how the credit union can better serve the underserved markets and truly make a difference in the lives of its members through financial education. In the past year, Shockley has led the credit union through a merger, delivered new loan products, and implemented loans for the underserved in our communities as well as solar loans and retail lending, which has led to strong credit union growth.
Dan Stoltz, SPIRE Credit Union:
President/CEO Dan Stoltz at SPIRE Credit Union ($2.1 billion in assets, 157,204 members) in Falcon Heights, Minn., has achieved a lot in his 13 years as the credit union's leader. When Stoltz took the position during the Great Recession, SPIRE was in tough financial shape and its future was uncertain. Under his leadership, SPIRE nearly doubled its assets from 2009 to 2017, growing from $563 to $977 million, and has just experienced five consecutive years of record income. In the past two years, Stoltz attracted four mergers/partnerships, and in the last four years, SPIRE has almost doubled in size, becoming increasingly complex and a fundamentally different company. Under Stoltz's leadership, SPIRE has expanded to 22 branches, 370 employees, and is one of the fastest growing credit unions in the nation.
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Mike Valentine, BCU:
The Vernon Hills, Ill.-based BCU ($5.8 billion in assets, 347,640 members) has been led by its President/CEO Mike Valentine for nearly three decades. He is a force for compassion and results – living BCU's Purpose in all that he does. He prioritizes employee well-being, keeping organizational shared values of Inclusion, Courage, Integrity, Collaboration top of mind. He values direct, one-on-one conversations with employees, partners and members — always wanting to learn and gather actionable feedback. Valentine builds meaningful relationships, encouraging everyone to take what they do seriously, but never to take themselves too seriously. He delivers regular business updates to all employees and connects the dots between member well-being and the organization performing well financially. He is the first to credit others for BCU's success as an industry leader in growth, member experience, capital, ROA and innovation.
Tonita Webb, Verity Credit Union:
In her first two years as CEO of the Seattle-based Verity Credit Union, Tonita Webb is an exemplary leader making a significant impact in her field. As one of the few Black, female CEOs of a credit union and financial institution, she brings a unique perspective and remarkable leadership qualities and achievements that set her apart and garner widespread recognition from peers, organizations and communities. She harnesses the power of tools, data and technology to drive decision-making that ensures financial prosperity for all, especially underserved communities. Webb is a role model, inspiring and empowering those around her. She's positioned Verity Credit Union well for long-term success and her impact will positively improve the community for years to come.
Corlinda Wooden, Unitus Community Credit Union:
As the Chief Retail Officer for the Portland, Ore.-based Unitus Community Credit Union ($1.7 billion in assets, 105,932 members), Corlinda Wooden is considered a change agent and fearless in her pursuit of finding solutions and bucking the status quo. In this fast-paced, competitive environment, she is respected for her thoughtful approach and calm demeanor. Wooden oversaw the launch of Unitus' Virtual Branch that has connected members with the inspirational service they expect from the comfort of their homes. In 2022, the Virtual Branch conducted nearly 23,000 live chats, which was an 18% increase over 2021 and nearly 3,000 members joined Unitus through the online application process. Her leadership skills make her an incredible asset to the credit union movement. Her positive, solution-focused approach to leadership gives her the ability to innovate, inspire and succeed.
Heather Andrade-Neumann, Golden 1 Credit Union:
In her time as EVP and Chief People Officer for the $20 billion Golden 1 Credit Union, Heather Andrade-Neumann has overseen the credit union's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, enterprise development and the effectiveness of the entire organization. It's been her mission to foster a company culture where all employees feel they can create change and make a difference for members and communities, while forging a fulfilling career path. Under her leadership, Golden 1 launched G1 Insiders, an internal communications platform, where employees connect, engage, and celebrate with one another. She also introduced Golden 1's Remote Work Program, which has helped attract and retain talented individuals post-pandemic.
Amanda Habansky, Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union:
Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union ($95 million in assets, 10,443 members) in Petersburg, Va., has been led by its CEO Amanda Habansky – and she has a vision of the future to directly help members accomplish great things. As a Community Financial Development Institution (CDFI), Habansky has guided the credit union to take a holistic approach to lending. While helping 11% of its members increase their credit scores by 50+ points and saving members more than $6 million in interest by offering payday alternative loans, Habansky has initiated the Affordable Home Ownership Program. By providing this empowering product, the credit union has been able to get several members into a home of their own.
Chad Meadows, VyStar Credit Union:
As Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the Jacksonville, Fla.-based VyStar Credit Union ($13.6 billion in assets, 901,612 members), Chad Meadows has taken the credit union to the next level by supporting its employees, members and communities the credit union serves. Meadows led the way to innovate and enhance VyStar's suite of mortgage lending products to offer more than just traditional loan options. Those loan options include the Military Heroes and Everyday Heroes mortgage programs, VA Mortgage Program, FHA Mortgage Program, as well as the conventional mortgages VyStar offers. This suite of products helps more members from diverse backgrounds enjoy the dream of homeownership. Meadows also oversaw the initiative to enhance the member digital experience to include 90 new and enhanced features.
Erin Mendez, Patelco Credit Union:
Erin Mendez, president/CEO of the Dublin, Calif.-based Patelco Credit Union ($9.6 billion in assets, 478,565 members), has led the credit union's evolution from an efficiency-driven, rate- and fee-focused institution into a mission-driven organization focused on the financial health and well-being of the communities it serves during her tenure. She has transformed the culture at Patelco by operating on the philosophy that growth and revenue will follow when Patelco takes care of its members and team members. This has meant deploying programs focused on working families and ensuring Patelco provides the resources necessary to help all members achieve financial success. Since Mendez arrived at Patelco Credit Union in 2013, she has transformed the organizational culture to a focus on members, team members and the communities they serve. During this time, Patelco grew from $3.9 billion to over $9 billion in assets.
Advertisement
Greg Mitchell, First Tech Federal Credit Union:
With over 36 years in the financial services industry and serving more than 10 years as the President/CEO of the San Jose, Calif.-based First Tech Federal Credit Union ($16.9 billion in assets, 650,424 members), Greg Mitchell has devoted his career to championing the credit union movement and successfully helping underserved communities. Mitchell's leadership style has been described as people-before-profits and a "virtuous cycle of goodness." He selflessly prioritizes progress for equitable economic and societal change fostering everyone's personal and financial well-being. These are key traits of a successful leader and have helped make First Tech one of America's largest and leading credit unions today.
Debra Schwartz, Mission Fed Credit Union:
Since 2008, Debra Schwartz has served as President/CEO of the San Diego-based Mission Fed Credit Union, which has seen remarkable success under her guidance and now holds $6 billion in assets, almost 300,000 members, more than 671 employees and 34 branches in San Diego County. With more than 25 years of financial services leadership, Schwartz is committed and dedicated to the community she serves with her active participation in civic, industry and nonprofit boards, including chair and executive committee roles. As a female leader in the financial industry, Schwartz has made a concentrated effort over the years to elevate women leaders in the traditionally male-dominated banking and credit union industry. Her leadership style, grounded in empathy and inclusivity, has built an equitable and inclusive workplace.
Toni-Ann Sforza, Municipal Credit Union:
As New York-based Municipal Credit Union's first-ever Chief People & Experience Officer, Toni-Ann Sforza has taken on this new position with outstanding results while juggling multiple roles at the credit union. This newly-created position at the $4.2 billion MCU reflects Sforza's expanded role as head of the credit union's Retail and Service operations, in addition to her duties as its Chief Human Resources Officer. Although it is very rare for an HR officer to become the head of a business line, Sforza proves it can be done. Her resolute focus on employee engagement, creating a values-driven culture, and inculcating team satisfaction led to simultaneous improvements in HR outcomes across the board.
Mike Shockley, True Sky Federal Credit Union:
The Oklahoma City-based True Sky Federal Credit Union ($917 million in assets, 61,960 members) has an extraordinary leader who has dedicated more than 20 years to the success of the credit union. Mike Shockley began as teller in 2002 and today is the credit union's Chief Lending Officer. During his time at True Sky, Shockley has focused on how the credit union can better serve the underserved markets and truly make a difference in the lives of its members through financial education. In the past year, Shockley has led the credit union through a merger, delivered new loan products, and implemented loans for the underserved in our communities as well as solar loans and retail lending, which has led to strong credit union growth.
Dan Stoltz, SPIRE Credit Union:
President/CEO Dan Stoltz at SPIRE Credit Union ($2.1 billion in assets, 157,204 members) in Falcon Heights, Minn., has achieved a lot in his 13 years as the credit union's leader. When Stoltz took the position during the Great Recession, SPIRE was in tough financial shape and its future was uncertain. Under his leadership, SPIRE nearly doubled its assets from 2009 to 2017, growing from $563 to $977 million, and has just experienced five consecutive years of record income. In the past two years, Stoltz attracted four mergers/partnerships, and in the last four years, SPIRE has almost doubled in size, becoming increasingly complex and a fundamentally different company. Under Stoltz's leadership, SPIRE has expanded to 22 branches, 370 employees, and is one of the fastest growing credit unions in the nation.
Advertisement
Mike Valentine, BCU:
The Vernon Hills, Ill.-based BCU ($5.8 billion in assets, 347,640 members) has been led by its President/CEO Mike Valentine for nearly three decades. He is a force for compassion and results – living BCU's Purpose in all that he does. He prioritizes employee well-being, keeping organizational shared values of Inclusion, Courage, Integrity, Collaboration top of mind. He values direct, one-on-one conversations with employees, partners and members — always wanting to learn and gather actionable feedback. Valentine builds meaningful relationships, encouraging everyone to take what they do seriously, but never to take themselves too seriously. He delivers regular business updates to all employees and connects the dots between member well-being and the organization performing well financially. He is the first to credit others for BCU's success as an industry leader in growth, member experience, capital, ROA and innovation.
Tonita Webb, Verity Credit Union:
In her first two years as CEO of the Seattle-based Verity Credit Union, Tonita Webb is an exemplary leader making a significant impact in her field. As one of the few Black, female CEOs of a credit union and financial institution, she brings a unique perspective and remarkable leadership qualities and achievements that set her apart and garner widespread recognition from peers, organizations and communities. She harnesses the power of tools, data and technology to drive decision-making that ensures financial prosperity for all, especially underserved communities. Webb is a role model, inspiring and empowering those around her. She's positioned Verity Credit Union well for long-term success and her impact will positively improve the community for years to come.
Corlinda Wooden, Unitus Community Credit Union:
As the Chief Retail Officer for the Portland, Ore.-based Unitus Community Credit Union ($1.7 billion in assets, 105,932 members), Corlinda Wooden is considered a change agent and fearless in her pursuit of finding solutions and bucking the status quo. In this fast-paced, competitive environment, she is respected for her thoughtful approach and calm demeanor. Wooden oversaw the launch of Unitus' Virtual Branch that has connected members with the inspirational service they expect from the comfort of their homes. In 2022, the Virtual Branch conducted nearly 23,000 live chats, which was an 18% increase over 2021 and nearly 3,000 members joined Unitus through the online application process. Her leadership skills make her an incredible asset to the credit union movement. Her positive, solution-focused approach to leadership gives her the ability to innovate, inspire and succeed.
We are excited to present and recognize the CU Times LUMINARIES Class of 2023 Finalists who have proven themselves to be exceptional leaders in the credit union industry. This slideshow highlights the 12 finalists from our Executive Leadership – Individuals category of credit union leaders from all sizes of financial cooperatives from around the country. The LUMINARIES Class of 2023 Finalists are currently being reviewed by an incredible and diverse judging panel of experts from across the credit union landscape. A select group of winners will be announced live on stage during our awards dinner and gala, which is scheduled for Nov. 9, 2023 at the Disney's Yacht Club Resort in Orlando, Fla.
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Michael Ogden
Editor-in-Chief at CU Times. To connect, email at [email protected]. As Editor-in-Chief of CU Times since 2016, Michael Ogden has led the editorial team in all aspects of content strategy and execution, including the creation of the publication’s exclusive and proprietary research database of the credit union industry’s economic landscape. Under Michael’s leadership, CU Times has successfully shifted to an all-digital editorial product with new focuses on the payments, fraud, lending and regulatory beats. Most recently, he introduced a data-focused editorial product for subscribers that breaks down credit union issues into hard data, allowing for a deeper and more factual narrative for readers. In 2024, he launched the "Shared Accounts With CU Times" podcast, which offers a fresh, inside-the-newsroom perspective through interviews with leaders from the credit union industry and the regulatory world. He dives into pressing credit union issues, while revealing the personalities working behind-the-scenes to push the credit union world forward. His background includes years as a radio and TV anchor/reporter and a public relations and digital/social media manager, where he covered the food and music industries, as well as cooperatives and credit unions. Over the years, he has launched numerous exclusive video and podcast series, including a successful series of interactive backstage interviews with musicians at music festivals, showcasing his social media and live streaming production skills.
