2025 CU Times Luminaries Finalists: Executive Leadership – Credit Union C-Suite

Sherry Bear – Civic Federal Credit Union

Chief Administrative Officer Sherry Bear led one of the most ambitious operational transformations in the credit union space this past year. Under her direction, Civic evolved from a digital-first institution into a $4-plus billion credit union focused on elevating experiences for members through a new statewide branch network. While its merger with Local Government Federal Credit Union took Civic from $119 million in assets to over $4 billion, it’s the physical presence via the branch network that made those member experiences real. Bear spearheaded the successful launch of 11 branches across North Carolina in just 12 months, an initiative that extended Civic’s reach into communities where local government workers are concentrated. Her measured, empowering leadership style fostered team cohesion and strategic clarity while ensuring every new location reflected Civic’s mission to serve the public sector.

Erika Smith – Credit Union 1

As COO for Credit Union 1 (CU1), Erika Smith is a visionary leader who exemplifies excellence in operational strategy, employee engagement and member experience. Under her leadership, CU1 has expanded its reach and deepened community impact through the strategic launch of three new branches, bringing essential financial services to underserved areas. Smith also spearheaded a reorganization of the branch structure, improving operational efficiency, empowering local leaders and advancing career development across the organization. In 2024, her deep commitment to CU1’s mission, people and communities was evident through her launch of numerous initiatives, including a reimagining of CU1’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) program and a new leadership summit.

Lisa Rodgers – UT Federal Credit Union

For two decades, Lisa Rodgers has served as the steady, strategic force behind UT Federal Credit Union’s operational and financial success. As both COO and CFO, she guided the organization through transformational growth, including surpassing $500 million in assets, expanding into new markets with the opening of its Springbrook Farm Branch in Alcoa, Tenn., and delivering record performance across key financial metrics. Over the past year, Rodgers played a pivotal role in a seamless CEO transition. Her innovation is also evident in the development and rollout of member-focused products, and through her overseeing of enhancements to UTFCU’s LUMIN digital banking platform.

Sandy Milton – Piedmont Advantage Credit Union

Sandy Milton is the kind of leader who makes excellence feel effortless, but it’s anything but. As COO, she has led with quiet power and transformational results. Her leadership has driven 31.53% increase year-over-year in new checking account openings, reduced attrition and fueled growth in core deposits, while also spearheading a frontline certification program that turns employees into financial counselors and advocates. As the Executive Sponsor, she led the operational success behind one of Fiserv’s most seamless core conversions to date, as publicly stated by Fiserv’s project leads, all while expanding digital access, championing employee development and ensuring that the credit union’s purpose of “More Than Banking. It’s Belonging.” isn’t just a tagline.

Joann Bergrud – North Star Community Credit Union

Joann Bergrud, COO at North Star Community Credit Union, is an exceptional leader whose influence is felt in every corner of the organization. With over 25 years of service, Bergrud has continually guided North Star Community through periods of growth, transformation and innovation – all while remaining grounded in the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Whether navigating large-scale system upgrades, developing digital strategies or driving organizational change, Bergrud brings a steady hand and a clear sense of purpose to every initiative she touches. Her vision has helped North Star Community evolve into a modern, responsive credit union without ever losing sight of its community roots.

Tim Lukomski – Great Lakes Credit Union

Beyond his financial acumen, CFO Tim Lukomski is a trusted partner and collaborative leader. He listens openly, shares his extensive expertise generously and consistently leads by example. Professionally, he continues to push himself to learn more to help the credit union succeed. Lukomski not only assists team members with their tasks, but helps them understand the “why” behind them and challenges them to continuously improve. And he makes time for anyone who is willing to learn regardless of how much work he personally has.

Mag Wangsuwana – Sunward Federal Credit Union

With a dynamic career in financial services spanning investment banking, commercial banking and now credit unions, CFO Mag Wangsuwana brings a rare blend of financial acumen, strategic vision and servant leadership to Sunward Federal Credit Union. Over the past year, he has driven impactful change by building a high-performing, mission-aligned team and championing innovation. Wangsuwana’s leadership has resulted in record-high employee engagement and retention, increased organizational collaboration and tangible growth through the launch of new deposit products and strategic partnerships with public entities. He has also prioritized leadership development, sponsoring emerging leaders in formal training programs to ensure sustainable growth.

Kelly Poldoski – Credit Union West

CFO Kelly Poldoski has led critical functions including loan servicing, accounting and operations, while managing all aspects of financial performance, such as budgeting, forecasting, liquidity and risk management. Her financial expertise ensures Credit Union West remains strong, stable and forward-focused. Poldoski also oversees key relationships with regulatory agencies, auditors and financial partners, ensuring transparency and compliance. Her dedication to members, employees and the community has made a lasting impact. Through her strategic leadership, financial knowledge and passion for service, Poldoski has helped shape a culture of excellence, making Credit Union West a stronger organization and a better place to work.

Brad Baker – GTE Financial

Throughout EVP and CFO Brad Baker’s 34-year tenure at GTE Financial, he has led numerous departments and strategic initiatives. Baker proactively innovates to navigate complex environmental conditions – most recently a global pandemic, economic recession and unrelenting hurricanes with historic damage in 2024. In 2019, Baker led an industry landmark, executing the first-ever credit union auto securitization. He also drove key changes related to CECL, achieved NCUA approval for secondary capital and diversified business-line revenue-drivers, and onboarded new fintechs in 2019 and 2023 that enable the advantageous sale and purchase of loans to facilitate liquidity and growth. His forward-thinking and integrated approach to accounting, treasury, legal, compliance and corporate real estate has been vital to providing value back to members and the community when they need it most.