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The $4.4 billion, Folsom, Calif.-based SAFE Credit Union announced three board appointments.
Martha Lofgren was named board chair. Lofgren joined the board in 2022 and was named first vice chair in 2025. Lofgren replaces former board chair Richard Blumenfeld, retired regional managing partner with Arther Andersen LLP, who served as first vice chair from 2023-24 and treasurer from 2018-23. Blumenfeld remains on the board as a director. Lofgren is a partner and co-founder of the Sacramento-based Brewer Lofgren LLP and the former interim president/CEO of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Prior to co-founding Lofgren LLP, she worked for the San Francisco-based Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe (now the global law firm Orrick) and the San Diego-based Gray Carey Ames & Frye (now Behmer & Blackford LLP). Lofgren also held two key positions for the city of Folsom, city attorney and later city manager, from 1994-2006.
Bernadette Austin was named first vice chair. Austin joined the board in 2021 and most recently served as second vice chair. She is CEO of the Sacramento-based CivicWell, a nonprofit supporting leaders and communities impacted by the climate crisis. Austin's previous roles include lead positions with Domus Development, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, California Capital, Breast Cancer Network of Strength (formerly Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization) and New Connections.
Sonia Lewis, who has served on the board since 2020, was named second vice chair. Lewis served as first vice chair from 2024-2025 and board secretary from 2022-2024.
Carrie Birkhofer, president/CEO for the $1.8 billion, Capitola, Calif.-based Bay Federal Credit Union, was named a 2026 Silicon Valley Business Journal Woman of Influence. Launched in 2005, the recognition honors women in leadership, celebrating executive, business, education, nonprofit and community leaders for professional achievement and community impact. Since becoming president/CEO in 1995, Birkhofer has led the credit union from $70 million in assets to nearly $2 billion. She serves as treasurer on the Salinas Valley Health Foundation Board of Governance, and her previous honors include being named Woman of the Year by the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and being inducted into the Monterey Bay Business Hall of Fame in 2023.
The $9.9 billion, Santa Rosa, Calif.-based Redwood Credit Union announced three board re-elections.
Debra Watts was re-elected for a three-year term (2026-2029) and will serve as board chair. Watts has been a volunteer since 1976 and has held a variety of positions on the board. She retired after more than 37 years of service from the County of Sonoma, serving as the manager of the customer services division of the Permit and Resource Management Department. Watts also serves on the board of directors for RCU Services Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RCU.
David Gouin was re-elected for a three-year term (2026-2029) and will serve as vice chair. Gouin has served as an RCU volunteer official since 2008. He has over 30 years of public service with the County of Sonoma, City of Vacaville and the City of Santa Rosa, including 11 years as director of the Department of Economic Development and Housing, and Housing and Community Services, from which he retired in 2020.
M. Christina Rivera was re-elected for a three-year term (2026-2029) and will serve as treasurer. Rivera has served as an RCU volunteer official since 2014. After nearly 30 years of public service, she promoted to and retired from her role as Sonoma County's top executive officer in April 2026. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Baja California, México and completed Sonoma State University's MBA program.
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