Redwood CU disbursed $800,000 in grants and support to more than 45 non-profit organizations in Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, San Francisco, and Sonoma counties. The grants will be used to meet the most pressing needs of people impacted in the areas of food and housing security (basic needs); health and financial wellness; and education and workforce development. Additionally, Redwood CU is offering members no-interest loans and payment relief.

L-R: Matt Chan, Santa Maria Valley Humane Society; Carolyn White CoastHills/Make-a-Wish Tri-Counties; Paul Cook, CoastHills CU President and CEO; Greg Eisen, Cabrillo High Aquarium; and Kira Farrell, CASA of Santa Barbara County. 

CoastHills CU unveiled its new headquarters in Santa Maria this month with two days of events, including a major donation to some local nonprofit organizations. After the ribbon-cutting for the new facility, CoastHills CU announced the donation of $25,000 to five local charities. Each nonprofit received $5,000.

 Pat Neighbors, president and CEO of Vocality Community CU and Matt Rees, CEO if Southern Humboldt Community Health District.

Vocality Community CU President and CEO Pat Neighbors welcomed the community-minded cooperation of the Southern Humboldt Community Health District and its CEO, Matt Rees, to provide members visiting the credit union’s offices with “touchless” sanitizer dispensers in response to local COVID-19 health concerns. Neighbors noted that it’s imperative for community leaders to work together during these times of crisis and the credit union is grateful for such a close relationship with the local hospital and other health care organizations in the area.  

Redwood CU has recently been ranked the 4^th healthiest credit union in the United States (out of approximately 5,400 credit unions), according to Glatt Consulting’s Credit Union Industry HealthScore, which measures credit union strength and growth.

Cordova High School students educational leaders and SAFE CU staff pose after opening a new SAFE CU branch at the Rancho Cordova California school.

SAFE CU celebrated the grand opening of its new high school branch at Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova, CA. It’s the third SAFE CU high school branch in the Sacramento area, joining branches at Rio Linda and Mesa Verde. The branches are staffed by students who connect their peers to financial solutions such as checking and savings accounts that help them learn the basics of money management. Through the high school branch program, SAFE CU also offers financial education to all students at the schools.

Redwood CU has promoted Johanna Szostak to branch experience manager of its Mendocino Avenue location. In her new role, Szostak is responsible for overseeing member service, staff management, and daily branch operations, as well as local community and business development efforts.

Christian Community CU's Board and Supervisory Committee has announced Blair Korschun as its new Chief Executive Officer effective March 23, 2020. Korschun's career spans more than 27 years. Since 2011, he has served as president and CEO of CU Direct Connect

Travis CU hosted a free community wellness event where residents learned the benefits (and costs) of credit cards, the different types of credit, the difference between a credit report and credit score, how to figure a credit limit, and how to build a good credit history.

LBS Financial CU announced new board member Dr. Larry D. Natividad. He is the Assistant Principal of Whitney High School within ABC Unified School District in Cerritos. Dr. Natividad has worked at ABC Unified School District since 2003. He has a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies and a Master of Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley. He received his California Teaching Credential from California State University, Fullerton, and has a Doctorate from the University of California, Irvine and California State University, Fullerton.

Silver State Schools CU announced its 2020 scholarship program that awards eight high school seniors with $2,000 scholarships renewable for up to four years, for a total of up to $8,000, to use towards higher education. Applicants must be Silver State Schools CU members. The scholarships are named after past and current board members.

SCE FCU spends Presidents' Day holiday giving back.

 SCE FCU gave back to the community and took part in a real-life simulation to help their team understand what it might be like to live on the brink of poverty. Nearly 200 team members helped Olive Crest, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse, by putting together 200 packages of personal care items (such as toothbrushes and shampoo). They also presented a donation of $5,000 to the organization. With the help of this donation, 30 young adults who enter the program will have the basics they need in their new home, such as towels, sheets, clothing, dishes, and more, so they can start their new adult life on the right foot.

Financial Partners CU has hired Erin Im as their senior management team as Vice President of Learning and Development. This new role within the retail division will be pivotal in aligning business goals with employee education to inspire increased performance levels. Im joins Financial Partners CU from Wells Fargo, where she held senior positions in human resources. 

America’s Christian CU recently hosted its sixth annual pet adoption event, Pause For Paws. Held at the credit union's main campus in Glendora, a record 40 pet service providers from across Southern California were represented at the Valentine’s Day-themed event on February 8.

Nick Clay, Redwood CU External Real Estate Manager.

Redwood CU as promoted Nick Clay to external real estate manager. In his new role, Clay will oversee the external mortgage loan officers as they support members through the home loan process. Clay joined Redwood CU in 2005, and has been promoted eight times in that span, moving from teller to member services, operations, branch services, and now real estate.

L-R: Carrie Ellinwood, lead lender relations specialist with the U.S. SBA Sacramento District Office; SAFE CU Business Development Officer Cindy Larson, SAFE CU Business Banking Officer Ben Kolada; and SAFE CU Business Development Officer Eric Grabin.

SAFE CU received the No. 1 Credit Union Lender Award for 2019 by the Sacramento District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SAFE CU has received the award numerous times since it started serving business members in 2007.

San Francisco FCU and San Francisco Bay Area Educators CU have entered into a merger agreement, effective Feb. 20, 2020. The 2,000 members of the San Francisco Bay Area Educators CU are joining nearly 47,000 San Francisco FCU members. Its only branch will become San Francisco FCU's seventh branch. 

Ventura County CU announced in 2019 the retirment of Joe Schroeder who has served as president and CEO of Ventura County CU since 2009.  Linda Rossi, the credit union’s current chief administrative officer, has been selected to fill the president and CEO role, effective April 2, 2020. Schroeder will remain in the employ of Ventura County CU, acting in a consulting role through year’s end.

Itzel Chavez Gomez, Youth Facilitator and Project Developer at Adelante Mujeres, speaks about the Chicas Makerspace. 

First Tech FCU was recognized for its support by Adelante Mujeres at its new “Makerspace” as part of its Chicas Youth Development Program. The new space is designed to inspire Latina girls to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM).

Christian Community CU donated $22,100 to missions and ministry projects through members donating their credit card reward points. Through the “Points for Missions” program, members have the opportunity to turn 10,000 reward points into a $100 donation. Since 2009, the “Points for Missions” program has given $272,000 to various missions organizations.

Members 1st CU partnered with the Honey Run Covered Bridge Association (HRCBA) to aid in the efforts to rebuild the Honey Run Covered Bridge that was lost in the Camp Fire in Chico, CA in 2018. In 2019, a public drawing was launched that consisted of an opportunity to win one of four 24” x 36” framed canvas prints of the Honey Run Covered Bridge. Additionally, a special donation challenge was presented by Members 1st CU where a $25 donation was made to the HRCBA for every checking account opened with a Honey Run Covered Bridge debit card. A total of $4,452.88 was contributed by Members 1st CU to the HRCBA.

New Redwood CU Lower Lake branch. 

Redwood CU announced the opening of its new, full-service branch in Lower Lake at 16095 Main Street, at the corner of Highway 53 and Highway 29. The new branch offers the community competitive personal and business loans, free checking, high-yield deposit options, home and auto loans, and concierge auto-buying services. Comfortable technology areas for members to bank online and quickly access information is also offered, with staff readily available to assist. There’s also a children’s activity area.

Travis CU is hosted a Super Saturday event on February 22 at Napa Valley College with free college financial aid workshops for the community. Students and their families who attended the workshops received assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California Dream Act (for eligible AB540 students), and the Chafee Grant application (for eligible foster youth).

SAFE CU launched the second phase of its game-changing SAFE Credit YOUnion campaign featuring its own staff members this week. The SAFE marketing team pulled from a rich pool of co-workers – from front-line staff to corporate executives--that represent the grand diversity of the Greater Sacramento region. Images of SAFE staff members will be portrayed on billboards along the Highway 50 and Interstate 80 corridors starting the week of Feb. 17. Staff members will also be featured in promoted social media campaigns.

American First CU associates present Nick the $50,000 grand prize.

American First CU awarded member Nick H. from Brea, CA, its grand prize of $50,000 in their newest savings program called Big Prize Savings. Big Prize Savings is designed to promote and encourage good saving habits by offering account holders a chance to win substantial cash prizes just for saving their money. The Big Prize Savings winnings will continue in 2020 with prizes of $1,000 each month, $10,000 each quarter, and a $50,000 grand prize at the end of the year.

California Coast CU has opened its newest San Diego County branch in the University City neighborhood. Located in the UC Marketplace at the corner of Governor Drive and Regents Road, the branch will celebrate its Grand Opening on Feb. 29.

Bay FCU Communications and Development Manager Jason Stidham.

Bay FCU has announced that Communications and Development Manager Jason Stidham has been selected to attend Crash the GAC 2020 by The Cooperative Trust and Credit Union National Association to represent the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. Stidham is the second consecutive participant from Bay FCU to be selected for the program.

Great Basin FCU's Alexander Christopher has been selected to attend Crash the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) 2020 by The Cooperative Trust and Credit Union National Association (CUNA) to represent Nevada. Crash the GAC is a non-stop, career-changing program for credit union young professionals that allows them to participate in the industry’s largest advocacy conference with complimentary registration, exclusive networking opportunities, leadership development tools, and mentoring sessions with industry leaders from organizations such as Filene Research Institute, CUNA, and National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF).

Christian Community CU's 2020 Scholarships for Success program is awarding $90,000 in scholarships. Awardees will receive multi-year scholarships of $1,000 per year. The scholarship program is open to members of Christian Community CU with a Checking Account (newly-opened or existing). To date, the credit union has given nearly $960,000 in scholarships.

Becky Perez, Branch Experience Manager at Redwood CU.


Redwood CU has hired Becky Perez as branch experience manager of its new Lower Lake branch at 16095 Main Street, at the corner of Highway 53 and Highway 29. In her new role, Perez is responsible for community and business development efforts, as well as overseeing member service, staff, and branch operations.

Bay FCU recently honored its top performing employees and announced the winner of its Service Excellence Award for 2019. The Service Excellence Award, Bay FCU;s most prestigious award for employees, was awarded to Education & Development Manager Mindy Cinelli. The Service Excellence Award goes to team members who consistently provide exceptional member service, live Bay Federal’s values of “People Helping People”, and exemplify its mission of making a real difference in the financial lives of its members

Travis CU is hosting a Super Saturday event on Feb. 22 at Napa Valley College with free college financial aid workshops for the community. Students and their families who attend the workshops will receive assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California Dream Act (for eligible AB540 students), and the Chafee Grant application (for eligible foster youth).

Compass Community CU has earned another superior 5-star rating from BauerFinancial. The credit union has maintained the highest 5-star rating for 39 consecutive quarters and excels in areas of capital adequacy, profitability, and asset quality.

Bay FCU members and employees raised more than $18,000 for the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Holiday Food Drive.

Bay FCU members and employees raised $18,690.61 for Second Harvest Food Bank’s Holiday Food Drive from Nov. 7 through Dec. 31, 2019. Non-perishable food items were also donated to Second Harvest food barrels at each location during the food drive.

Ventura County CU has promoted three of its team members to new roles within the credit union. Tina Estes now serves as vice president of marketing, and Beverly Armendariz is taking on the role of vice president of human resources. Edmond Sahakian is the new chief lending officer.

Vicki VannBerstein, America's Christian CU president and CEO.

America’s Christian CU has apointed Vicki VannBerstein as the new president and CEO, succeeding retiring CEO, Mendell Thompson, who has served for 34 years and been employed at America's Christian CU for 43. VannBerstein comes to the credit union from her role as executive vice president and chief financial officer of FirstLight FCU in El Paso, TX.

L-R: Sutter Medical Center Emergency Department Nursing Director Sheri Burns; SAFE CU Community and Advocacy Engagement Manager Amanda Merz; , Sutter Medical Center Foundation Executive Director Gregory Walaitis; and Sutter Medical Center Child Life Program Manager Amy Medovoy.

SAFE CU provided a $20,000 grant to Sutter Medical Center Foundation to support the Pediatric Emergency Room and Child Life Program at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. The funds will be used for equipment used in the program to benefit children and their families, as well as for environmental enhancements in the Pediatric Emergency Room to provide a cheerful environment and visual consistency with the pediatric unit in the Anderson Lucchetti Women’s & Children’s Center.

American First CU opens new branch in Fullerton.

American First CU has moved to its newly constructed branch in the Fullerton marketplace to better serve members in the area. In addition to its standard weekday hours, the branch has added Saturday express branch hours, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The former branch in La Habra is permanently closed. The relocation is part of the credit union’s lobby transformation initiative. The center features a Coinstar machine, kid’s zone, and an interactive digital kiosk. The branch is open to the community with associates ready to assist.

 
Nathan Cox, Travis CU SVP/Chief Lending Officer. 

Travis CU has hired Nathan Cox as the new senior vice president and chief lending officer. Cox will be responsible for  the strategic direction of consumer and real estate lending and commercial lending to include card services and collections.  Additionally, he will create, communicate, execute and sustain lending projects and strategic initiatives within the credit union that ensure “best practices” to accomplish the mission and strategic plan while meeting the financial needs of our members.

Tina Musgrave, Bay FCU Vice President of Marketing and Member Engagement.

Bay FCU has promoted Tina Musgrave to the position of assistant vice president of marketing and member engagement. In her new role, she will manage and direct digital marketing efforts to increase member engagement, drive revenue growth, and actionable insights to support the strategic vision of the credit union.

PremierOne CU Marketing Officers Chris Reyes and Mark Mendez were among those participating in the credit union’s Warm Coat & Toy Drive.  

PremierOne CU staff participated in several local events this past holiday season—ranging from collecting coats and toys to taking part in an annual Shop with a Cop shopping spree, to assisting at an event for local children who have developed cancer. 

First Tech FCU is hosting its first ever Dispute Summit on February 11, 2020 in Hillsboro, OR. Since 2017, First Tech FCU has been on a journey to automate the dispute process from intake to resolution. The credit union is hosting a free, daylong seminar to share its journey in the dispute process automation.

L-R: Francisco Bugarin of First Financial CU, Ingrid Stephanie Bryan, Annalee Avenue Elementary School principal, and Therese El Khoury of First Financial CU.

First Financial CU donated more than 100 toys to Annalee Avenue Elementary School in Carson, this past holiday season.