ValleyStar Credit Union announces Mendy Shaffer as its interim chief financial officer. She joins the executive team, working alongside her colleagues, to identify and secure investment and financing opportunities. Mendy joined the ValleyStar team in 2018 as the VP of accounting, creating efficient billing procedures and building the budgeting methodology for ValleyStar. In her new role, Mendy leads the oversight of accounting and financial functions such as investments, securities and asset liabilities to ensure the strength and security of ValleyStar’s financial assets. “Mendy has several years of expertise in the credit union industry, leading results-oriented teams and creating better processes with advanced technology,” said Mike Warrell, CEO of ValleyStar Credit Union. “Her skill set will advance sustainable and scalable strategies in financial technology and capital growth for ValleyStar, translating into value for our members.” Mendy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Averett University and her Master of Business Administration from Radford University. She obtained her American Bankers Association, Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Banking Leadership through The Wharton School, and attended the CUNA Financial Management School and Southeast Region Credit Union School of Management.
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The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) today published a research brief detailing how credit unions can increase membership, expand lending and improve the financial well-being of members—by focusing on those most in need. The Foundation partnered with Pelican State Credit Union, a Certified Community Development Financial Institution, to compile the brief. The document details the impact of the credit union’s Financial Wellness Program over the last three years. Originally launched in 2006, the program was designed to provide the immediate, low-dollar loans that Pelican members were seeking from predatory lenders, while improving the underlying financial well-being of each individual member. Pelican’s Financial Wellness Program offers members the chance to partner with a financial counselor to build and achieve financial goals or engage with workshops and educational resources at their own leisure. While open to all members, outreach prioritized members with low credit scores, financial literacy and credit union engagement. According to the brief, that intentional outreach has benefited both parties. Over the last three years, Pelican saw average monthly new memberships increase from 300 to 1,000—much of which has been attributed to word-of-mouth marketing. In addition, participants in the Financial Wellness Program directly referred over $5.3 million in loans during the three-year period. “The Foundation serves as a catalyst to improve people’s financial lives through credit unions,” said Gigi Hyland, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation. “Pelican State Credit Union’s unflinching commitment to improving the financial health and well-being of its members has shown what is possible. Our hope is by sharing this report system-wide, we can inspire similar focus and scale of credit union programs whose core is improving financial well-being for all.” Jeff Conrad, president and CEO of Pelican State Credit Union added: “It wasn’t too long ago that we had predatory lenders following members into branches, waiting for them to cash checks. Our members, our communities, were stuck in a vicious cycle. Individual products and solutions weren’t going to cut it. We needed a holistic financial well-being program that could improve the lives of our members. “This brief shows that credit unions can engage the most financially vulnerable members, build strong relationships with them in a short period of time, and deliver strong fiscal results.” The research brief is available here, with a supporting video that details that program. CU On The Water is the most unique learning experience for credit union executives. Luxury Learning, VIP Excursions, and Exclusive Keynote Speakers are just a few of the unique offerings this conference has to offer - all aboard a yacht. CU On The Water promises an experience like no other. Credit Union executives will experience two days of immersive workshops, presentations and VIP networking aboard the Venetian Lady Yacht on Miami’s Biscayne Bay. CU On The Water is the most unique learning experience for credit union executives. Luxury Learning, VIP Excursions, and Exclusive Keynote Speakers are just a few of the unique offerings this conference has to offer - all aboard a yacht. CU On The Water promises an experience like no other. Credit Union executives will experience two days of immersive workshops, presentations and VIP networking aboard the Venetian Lady Yacht on Miami’s Biscayne Bay. For those in attendance, the agenda is built to help spur on fresh ideas through a curated lineup of presenters from brands like Google, Pepsi, AdWorthy, Faraday and more. Sponsorship opportunities for organizations supporting the Credit Union Movement are available. Organizers have stated that sponsors will have uncommon access to credit union executives in a more intimate learning environment. Connecting with attendees away from the hustle and bustle of sessions promises to be an ideal environment for all. EmpowerFi™ CEO, Hilary Reed wants to remind those who are interested to attend to do so with a different mindset. “This event is all about a group of peers and motivational leaders coming together for something totally unique,” she said. “It’s really an opportunity to shift what you know about traditional conferences and credit union gatherings. CU On The Water will enable leaders to gather with other credit union decision-makers as well as experts from national brands outside of the industry. The event will ignite new personal networking relationships and spur extraordinary ideas. Reed continued, “Even outside our immersive learning sessions, we’ve sought to bring unique touches to this event. We’ve collaborated with local guides and partners that will provide our attendees with a cultured Miami experience. We hope people will not only leave with rich ideas but with a refreshing taste of local food, music, and entertainment – representative of the diverse and multicultural Miami region.” Registrations are accepted through April 2022. It is highly recommended to sign up quickly, as the event is limited to the first 50 attendees. Visit CUOnTheWater.com to register and to download the complete CU On The Water guide. Alaska USA honored 12 members of Alaska’s armed services, the Military Spouse of the Year, and the Civic Leader of the Year at the 27th annual Alaska USA Military Appreciation Breakfast. The Service Person of the Year honorees, nominated by their supervisors, undergo a panel interview. These exceptional enlisted service members, representing each of the active-duty branches of the Guard and Reserve, were recognized and awarded for their outstanding achievements. Guests included the command teams of the 12 honorees, as well as representatives for Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Congressman Young. Alaska USA President and CEO Geoff Lundfelt, along with other Alaska USA officials and members of Alaska USA senior leadership team, were in attendance to recognize the awardees in-person for the first time since 2020. “As we returned to an in-person event, it was a nice reminder of how this small token of recognition, is truly appreciated by the service members who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Geoff Lundfelt, president and CEO, Alaska USA. “Each year this event provides an opportunity for us to look back at our history and think about our humble beginnings rooted in the military,” The Alaska USA Military Appreciation Breakfast takes place in conjunction with the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska’s annual Salute to the Military event. |
Author: Mike LawsonMarried to a most gorgeous and wonderful wife, raising 5 kiddos (including twins!), enjoy helping others tell their stories, and love surfing SoCal waves. Keep it simple. Archives
May 2024
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