CenterPoint Summer 2015

summer.2015

A publication of the Cooperative Credit Union Association, Inc.

Stories Inside: Insights from the Middle: Millennials, Gen-Xers and Boomers

06

10

CU Accelerate 2015 Offers Strategies, Solutions

26

Credit Unions Sponsor Students At MSBA Conference

Strengthen Your Core

Integrated Technology for the Heart of Your Institution Maintaining your health starts by strengthening your core. Maintaining the financial and operational health of your financial institution is no different. A strong and flexible core should be at the heart of your institution.

At COCC, we deliver the latest in relational core technology. The COCC INSIGHT platform provides our clients with strength at the core while integrating the best-of-breed in ancillary products. Our powerful core platform ensures that we can develop, integrate and deliver capabilities that you need, when you need them.

Through our unique cooperative structure, clients have a strong voice in determining the future of the technology at the core. The trust we have developed in this partnership structure is the foundation of COCC and we measure that commitment each quarter by client report cards and surveys.

With COCC, each client receives:

• The highest ratio of customer service staff to financial institutions

• The most ambitious visitation, training and education in the industry

• A mutual ownership structure that ensures our focus remains on our clients

• A voice in determining your future core technologies Exercise your right to learn how COCC can strengthen your core. Call us today at 888.678.0444 or visit our website at www.cocc.com

100 Executive Boulevard, Southington, CT | www.cocc.com | 888.678.0444

Cooperative Credit Union Association, Inc. www.ccuassociation.org 800-842-1242 Paul Gentile, President/CEO

EDITORS: Donna M. Bevilacqua Walter Laskos CONTRIBUTORS: Robert Delaney Bonnie L. Doolin William F. Nagle Charlotte Whatley

12

Table of Contents PUBLISHED BY

The Warren Group

Design / Production / Advertising custompubs@thewarrengroup.com 280 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 Phone: 617-428-5100 Fax: 617-428-5118 www.thewarrengroup.com

©2015 The Warren Group Inc. All rights reserved. The Warren Group is a trademark of The Warren Group Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Advertising, editorial and production inquiries should be directed to: The Warren Group, 280 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210.

Call 800-356-8805.

04 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 06 WHAT MATTERS NOW™: INSIGHTS FROM THE MIDDLE WITH MILLENNIALS, GEN XERS AND BOOMERS 08 CREDIT UNION NEWS

– Boston Firefighters Credit Union and Hanscom Federal Credit Union Recognized By CUNA – CU Accelerate 2015 Offers Strategies for Success in Today’s Financial Environment

08

– Hanscom Federal Credit Union Honored with Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award – Association Members Engage Nussle on Issues Facing Credit Union System – CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference Credit Unions Make Their Case

16 CREDIT UNION RISING STARS 22 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT – Credit Unions of Rhode Island Bowl Perfect Scores for Charitable Partner, Special Olympics Rhode Island

14

– Massachusetts State Treasurer Visits Nationally-Praised Model: Worcester Technical High School – Holy Rosary Credit Union Supports Farmington Police Good Behavior Campaign – Credit Unions of Rhode Island Sponsor State High School Basketball Tournament at URI – Credit Unions Sponsor Winning Student Bankers at MSBA Annual Conference – Northeast Credit Union President/CEO Adresses Students at Winnacunnet HS

27 CREDIT UNION PEOPLE 30 CALENDAR

25 summer.2015 | centerpoint | 3

M E S S AG E F RO M T H E P R E S I D E N T

| by paul gentile

ARE YOU REAPING THE BENEFITS? Learning From The Great New England Credit Union Show and Other Upcoming Events What did you think of the Great New England Credit Union Show? If you had the opportunity to attend, as I did, I’m sure you found it to be an enriching experience.

Walking the exhibitor showcase, meeting with scores of vendors and sponsors and learning about new products and technology is an invaluable opportunity. The knowledge gained can certainly be applied to further enhance and expand the services you provide to your members.

Now combine that with the depth of knowledge, insights and experience shared in the break-out and general sessions, and you can quickly see why this one-day event in Boxboro, Mass. had so much to offer.

The speakers selected for the sessions addressed a wide diversity of issues and topics. Recall the words of Tom Slefinger, senior vice president of institutional fixed-income sales from Balance Sheet Solutions, offering comparisons of Boomers and Millennials, and how we need to adapt to this new generation of consumers. Chris Skinner, who, according to the Wall Street Journal is one of the top-40 Fintech influencers globally, encouraged us to integrate things banks don’t care about, like communities and relationships, as they are the marketplace of social media.

These and other presentations addressing online lending, data breaches, cybersecurity, statement processing, interest-rate risk and more simply crowned the day with new ideas and educational insights for us to explore.

However, such educational opportunities do not end with the Great New England Credit Union Show.

Education continues at the Association’s conferences such as our recent CU Accelerate 2015 gathering in Chatham, Mass. and our upcoming Annual Meeting and Convention at the Mohegan Sun Resort in Connecticut. You won’t want to miss that event scheduled for October 21-23.

These conferences, combined with all the workshops, compliance webinars and professional development programs we host throughout the year, along with the very informative white papers and reports we distribute authored by the many service organizations and companies with whom we partner, all point to an exhaustive list of educational opportunities and the value they bring to you and the success of your credit union.

Yes, educational opportunities are plentiful at the Association. Be sure you and your staff take advantage of the value they offer.

Paul Gentile, president 4 | centerpoint | summer.2015

MEMBERS HOPE. CREDIT UNIONS DELIVER.

CUNA MUTUAL GROUP SUPPORTS. Serving members is what you do. And we’re committed to helping you do it. Contact your CUNA Mutual Group sales executive today at 800.356.2644 or visit www.cunamutual.com.

CORP-1103847.2-0215-0317 © CUNA Mutual Group, 2015 All Rights Reserved.

WHAT MATTERS NOW™: INSIGHTS FROM THE MIDDLE WITH MILLENNIALS, GEN XERS AND BOOMERS

In a mission to have a greater understanding of what matters to middle-income America, CUNA Mutual Group’s TrueStage consumer brand polled more than 25,000 individuals and 83 families across the country who discussed their view of success, their worries and their finances. What is it that middle-income America worries about?

How do they define their success? How can credit unions help them get beyond those worries and achieve their objectives? These were the questions that CUNA Mutual Group set out to find answers with its “What Matters Now™” study.

What CUNA Mutual Group found is that middle-income America sees financial stability and family as key drivers of success but differences abound across the generations. A strong area of discussion was how they define success. The answers may not be what you expect. Success is not about accumulating wealth or getting promoted at work. Success is far more personal and centered around relationships with and responsibility for the ones they love. They envision success as raising their children to be happy and capable adults, having good relationships with their spouses and partners, staying healthy and building financial security for themselves and their families.

One finding that really stood out is the degree to which middle-income America worries about the financial stability of its families – in fact, 62 percent worry on a daily basis. Debt is the main reason for those worries, as well as fears about something happening to a family member and the emotional and financial strain that would put on a household.

6 | centerpoint | summer.2015

The information was broken down by generation exploring how Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers compare in their particular definitions of success. A sampling of the study’s findings includes: MILLENNIALS Like the other generations, Millennials aspire to financial stability. For them, that means eliminating debt. Many feel the burden of student loan debt in particular – 42 percent of all 18 to 29-year-olds say that someone in the household has student loan debt. However, Millennials carry less credit card debt. Their average balance of $2,700 is well below the national average of $4,500, and 63 percent don’t have a card at all.

Millennials were least likely to have a plan for how to manage their finances – as 41 percent do not feel confident when it comes to making financial decisions. Not having a plan doesn’t mean they don’t have goals. For example, 72 percent say they want to maintain a good credit score, yet when 63 percent don’t have a credit card, they may be missing out on a traditional path to building good credit.

GENERATION X Among older Gen Xers, 62 percent say their income is the same or lower than it was five years ago. Many are struggling to keep up – 31 percent of younger Gen Xers say they’re “barely keeping up” or “slowly falling behind” on their debt payments.

Gen X expressed some of the strongest emotions about money. In 2014, Gen X averaged nearly 60 percent higher debt levels than people their same age carried in 2000. That’s despite having the sharpest drop in home-

ownership since the recession struck. They realize that financial setbacks today impact their lives now and in the future. Some feel overwhelmed to the point of resignation, while others are finding new ways to stay afloat.

Financial stability seems to feel more out of reach for this group than other generations.

Debt bogs them down and gets to be exhausting, forcing them to make compromises between what could be and what reality allows.

BOOMERS The recession upended many Boomers’ plans for retirement. Many who felt okay financially before the recession saw retirement account setbacks with limited time to recover their money. Like the other generations, Boomers also believe their own personal success is linked to being financially stable, which is intrinsically associated to how ready they feel for retirement. In fact, 82 percent agree that having enough money to be financially stable defines success.

Now in their 50s and 60s, Boomers are facing more chronic health issues and realizing how health is tied to success in life. They were more likely to say health (88 percent) is one of the top ways they define personal success.

By reviewing this study, credit unions will better understand what drives the worries, habits and goals for each generation and can develop services to meet each generation’s needs to achieve the success they so desire.

For a complete look at the study, please visit CUNA Mutual Group’s website at www.cunamutual.com and click on read more on the Resource Center page under the Research Library tab.

C R E D I T U N I O N N EWS

BOSTON FIREFIGHTERS CREDIT UNION AND HANSCOM FEDERAL CREDIT UNION RECOGNIZED BY CUNA

Bernie Winne, president/CEO (left) and Catherine Lydon, assistant VP of Member Service & Business Development, Boston Firefighters Credit Union accept the membership benefits award for the $100 million to $500 million in assets category from CUNA President/CEO James Nussle.

Two members of the Cooperative Credit Union Association were among nine credit unions that delivered top value to their members in the past year and were presented with CUNA’s Membership Benefits Awards at the opening general session of CUNA’s GAC held in March.

The awards, which were presented by Jim Nussle, CUNA president and CEO, and Bill Hampel, CUNA chief policy officer, are reserved for those credit unions that deliver the highest-quality direct financial benefit to their members.

Credit unions submitted dividend and loan rates and fees, which were then compared with bank rates and fees, and “we calculated how

David Sprague, president/CEO (left), and Paul Marotta, board chair, Hanscom Federal Credit Union, accept membership benefits award for the more than $500 million in assets category from Jim Nussle, president/CEO, CUNA.

each credit union’s members benefitted by using their credit union compared to local bank averages,” Nussle said.

“I realize this is one possible measure of the enormous value that credit unions deliver to their members,” Nussle added. “We haven’t counted, for instance, their local involvement, their member education or counseling. Certainly there are many ways that you can look at this, but these are the special services that credit unions provide.”

Boston Firefighters Credit Union was recognized in the $100 million to $500 million in assets category and Hanscom Federal Credit Union in the more than $500 million in assets category.

Rethink & Reshape consumber loan processing.

Built by Lenders

Lending 360 was designed by and for lenders. As such, special focus has been given to each feature to ensure maximum flexibility.

Lending 360 is a complete loan origination system, increasing efficiency, loans and membership. Built with the same high standards and commitment to innovation CU Direct is known for, Lending 360 was designed to help credit unions strengthen and grow their loan portfolio.

CU Direct Support

Not only will you gain access to our renowned support group, you’ll have a direct line to the Lending 360 decision-makers.

Seamless Integration

CUDIRECT.COM/LENDING360 (413) 214-2318 «» jennifer.brown@cudirect.com

8 | centerpoint | summer.2015

Lending 360 can integrate with nearly anyone. We have over 100 host integrations in place today!

Information Security The loss or compromise of sensitive data can have a devastating effect on your institution’s operation and reputation. Our Information Security Practice was built to help you identify and mitigate risks to your company’s data and infrastructure.

Services Risk Management & Compliance Risk Assessment Digital Forensics & Incident Response Disaster Recovery

IT Assurance

Penetration Testing Vulnerability Assessment Social Engineering

IT Audit

Compliance Gap Analysis IT General Controls

One Company, Many Solutions Business Solutions

Information Technology

(978)-538-9055 | 81 Main Street | Peabody, MA | gravoc.com

Information Security

Media Production

C R E D I T U N I O N N EWS

CU ACCELERATE 2015 OFFERS STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS IN TODAY’S FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT

New competitors. More regulation. An extended low-rate environment. Credit unions face more challenges than ever before, but opportunity is great for those credit unions that understand what it takes to strategically drive the credit union into the future.

The Cooperative Credit Union Association’s new educational opportunity – CU Accelerate 2015 – was designed to help attendees maneuver their credit union into the growth lane. Held at Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, April 24-26, the conference drew a record number of attendees for a full slate of education to develop the knowledge, tactics and strategies needed to be successful in today’s financial environment.

In his welcoming remarks, Association President Paul Gentile thanked the members for their support of the Association and its efforts to bring value to the credit unions. He offered attendees an overview of the health of credit unions on both the national and local levels. He also was proud to call attention to the debut of the Association’s new app designed with the first segment for CU Accelerate 2015 and encouraged everyone to download it.

Expert speakers throughout the weekend provided beneficial insights on the condition of today’s credit unions, the use of social media as an effective and affordable marketing tool, emerging payment trends, opportunities and pitfalls of credit union mergers, best practices for non-interest income and the rise of online lending. Through the use of the new 10 | centerpoint | summer.2015

Meredith Olmstead is a social media marketing consultant and founding partner of Social Stairway.

Her key message for credit unions using social media or deciding whether to make the commitment focuses on tying efforts to revenue in the long run.

She says to develop a strategy based on analytics.

Vince Passione, president/CEO of LendKey talked about three areas he sees as being highly influential to lending today: peer-to-peer lending; forces that are driving the change and the emergence of online marketplace lending.

CCUA app, presenters were able to poll attendees LIVE on a number of issues, which created a new dimension in each session. The speakers’ messages resonated with the group as they provided key approaches for their success.

CU Accelerate 2015 not only empowered attendees to participate in polling and submitting questions to the speakers using their hand held smart phones equipped with the association’s new app, it also invited everyone present to offer their anonymous input on the quality of the conference using the Happy or Not Kiosks. The kiosks display four buttons presenting a smiley face, a not so smiley face, a frowning face and an unhappy face. Attendees simply tap the icon which captures the overall assessment and fashioned into a report.

Gentile expressed his appreciation and thanks to the core sponsors of CU Accelerate 2015. “Because of the generous support of our sponsors, we were able to raise the bar

Based on current trends, former NCUA Chairman Dennis Dollar predicts that there will be approximately 4,000 credit unions by the year 2020.

Dollar pointed out a number of factors driving the consolidation.

Association President Paul Gentile leads a panel discussion dedicated to best practices for maximizing non-interest income with Anabela Pereira-Grenier, Pioneer Valley FCU in Springfield, Mass; Andrew Rogers, Westerly Community CU in Westerly, R.I.; and Andrew McGeorge, Service CU in Portsmouth, N.H.

of quality for the conference with the caliber of speakers who participated, while also raising the bar of value for our members,” he said. The list included: Major Sponsors - COOP Financial Services and CU Direct/Vero; Sponsors – Malauzai and UBS CU Advisory Services; and Supporter – LendKey. As the event ended, Gentile offered his view on the key to a successful credit union event. “We all like to go to nice venues, but content is king for a credit union conference.

We strive to put on a mix of the cutting-edge information credit unions should be aware of, coupled with knowing important operational and strategic issues,” said Gentile. “I also believe strongly in engagement. To see so many of our attendees participating in the online voting for the App was just tremendous. It’s the true way to get peer insight and for us at the Association to know what’s important to our members.”

C R E D I T U N I O N N EWS

HANSCOM FEDERAL CREDIT UNION HONORED WITH LOUISE HERRING PHILOSOPHY-IN-ACTION MEMBER SERVICE AWARD

Hanscom FCU Louise Herring Award: (From left): Paul Marotta, Chairman of the Board, Hanscom FCU; Association President Paul Gentile; and David Sprague, President/CEO, Hanscom FCU with the Louise Herring Award at CUNA’s GAC.

Hanscom Federal Credit Union headquartered in Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. was named a first-place winner for the Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award from CUNA at the GAC held in March. The award is given to credit unions applying the credit union philosophy to help better financial matters and increase financial education for members.

Hanscom Federal Credit Union’s winning entry ($1 billion asset category) concentrated on the assistance that the credit union developed for the federal employees in Massachusetts who experienced job furloughs, delayed compensation and a great deal of uncertainty due to the federal government shutdown that lasted 16 days. The credit union responded to the situation

with tools and services to help members and nonmembers manage their finances through that period. For example, the credit union offered a LifeLine Loan, a 0 percent APR interest line of credit for 60 days, equal to one month’s net payroll up to $5,000. In addition, the credit union waived penalties for premature withdrawals on term share certificates held by affected members as well as fees on loan skip requests. Members were able to take advantage of free financial management assistance, available at a time and place convenient for the member. The credit union’s package of information helped members assess their financial strengths and vulnerabilities by which they could then take action around their personal finances with greater confidence.

Smart businesses all over the region are outsourcing their IT to Innovative Business Systems. From managing your network to leveraging the cloud, we’ll be your IT department.

Call 800.584.4279 or visit www.for-ibs.com today.

Smarter Technology. Better Banking.

Easthampton, MA | Marlborough, MA

summer.2015 | centerpoint | 11

C R E D I T U N I O N N EWS

ASSOCIATION MEMBERS ENGAGE NUSSLE ON ISSUES FACING CREDIT UNION SYSTEM

CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle engages attendees at the open-forum discussion

More than 65 credit union representatives from throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island gathered on April 6 for an open-forum discussion with CUNA President and CEO Jim Nussle. Association President Paul Gentile hosted the discussion and welcomed Nussle to a 1.5 hour engagement that included time for members to greet Nussle one-on-one.

In his presentation, Nussle recalled his ComplySight_ad_HP_man_Layout 1 4/4/14 1:20 PM experience during the first several months of

his tenure at CUNA’s helm, especially taking time to review and re-evaluate CUNA’s value proposition and what it offers to member credit unions for their dues. For Nussle, the value proposition is focused intently on job one – advocacy. Parts two and three – to create awareness of credit unions and to foster service excellence – round out the proposition. He said if CUNA stays focused on these three aspects of the value proposition, credit Page 1 unions will win.

Winning for Nussle is a lot more than simply passing a bill. “To me, when the credit union industry is growing, that’s winning,” he said. Nussle also sees his mission as one that will inspire credit unions to become a lot stronger and to work a lot smarter.

Priorities that currently sit atop Nussle’s list include efforts to improve upon NCUA’s Risk-Based Capital proposal. He applauded Gentile’s league-leading efforts on behalf of the association in helping to shape NCUA’s first draft of the proposal.

Nussle also called attention to the way credit unions communicate as an industry, saying we can all do a better job. He emphasized the need to back up our advocacy efforts with good communications. “Improving communications, telling our story and expanding the advocacy involvement of everyone who has a stake in credit unions, from employees to members, will deliver winning results,” he said.

Ride The Wave With

ComplySight serves as your credit union’s universal compliance management tool providing tracking, visibility and measurement to address compliance initiatives through a single application.

Streamlines compliance management in your credit union.

Automatically delivers regulatory alerts and updates.

Designed specifically for credit unions by League InfoSight, CUNA and

How is Your n Credit Unio Managing ?

Compliance

The Cooperative Credit Union Association, Inc.

www.CCUAssociation.org

12 | centerpoint | summer.2015

They’ve always been the quietest.

Now they’re the smartest.

The quietest self-service coin machines are now driven by our new Version 5 Software.

USER FRIENDLY

Intuitive 7” touch screen display enhances balancing, bag removal and reporting functionality

CUSTOMIZABLE BRANDING

Add your logo onscreen and to receipt headers and footers

ACCURATE

Advanced alloy count sensor detects coins by 16 different parameters.

Contact a Magee Consultant Today 800-347-1414 ext. 336 · tconklin@mageecompany.com · www.selfservicecoin.com © 2015 Magner Corporation of America. All rights reserved.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Introductory Rebate

C R E D I T U N I O N N EWS

CUNA’S GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS CONFERENCE CREDIT UNIONS MAKE THEIR CASE

Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey (front far right) met with credit union officials during the GAC. Markey views credit unions as an oasis in the financial services marketplace.

Matthew McGinn, Legislative Assistant to Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline spends time with the credit unions leaders. The group expressed their thanks to the Congressman for his support of privacy legislation and his cosponsorship of member business loan legislation.

More than 100 credit union leaders from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island traveled to Washington, D.C., March 8-11 and joined more than 4,000 of their peers from across the country for CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC). Throughout the week, attendees had the opportunity to: • Listen to influential legislators, policymakers and credit union experts on the political landscape and its effect on credit unions; • Attend sessions on the hottest issues in the industry; • Distinguish new strategies for building and maintaining America’s awareness and trust; and, • During Capitol Hill visits – tell their story.

Cooperative Credit Union Association President Paul Gentile kicked off the week-long event for the group from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island with a special opening reception that featured NCUA Board Member Rick Metsger and Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks David Cotney.

During the Issue Briefing at the GAC for the same group, Gentile emphasized the importance of timing to carry the Association’s message to Capitol Hill. Key issues included: tax reform, regulatory relief, pri14 | centerpoint | summer.2015

Association President Paul Gentile proudly accompanied the credit union flag bearers of (from left) Rhode Island (David Suvall, Rhode Island Credit Union), New Hampshire (Ronald Covey, St. Mary’s Bank Credit Union), and Massachusetts (David Surface, St. Jean’s Credit Union) during the annual GAC opening ceremony, the Parade of Flags.

New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen (front center) met with credit union officials who thanked her for her support last year on privacy legislation and elevating the focus of the CFPB on the impact of their rulemaking on credit unions.

vacy, member business loans, mortgages and data breaches. NCUA and CUNA staff members provided commentary and overviews on each of the key issues as well.

Throughout the event, the group heard many impactful messages from an impressive list of speakers. Among those taking stage included Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, and NCUA Chair Debbie Matz who noted that credit unions can look for regulatory relief in the coming year.

Discussion with congressional leaders is vital and continuous throughout the year. The GAC marked another success and an opportunity to address a number of bills to provide relief for credit unions: privacy notifications, data breach, CFPB thresholds, member business loan cap and one- to four-family non-owner occupied exemption and supplemental capital. The Association afforded credit unions the opportunity to meet face-to-face with all members of the congressional delegations – all senators from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island and all staff from the House of Representatives for a total of 19 Capitol Hill visits.

The group departed Washington with positive messages and good feelings about their visits with Congress.

creating

C O O P E R AT I V E

POWER 2015 Annual Meeting & Convention

Education | Networking | Tradeshow Join your peers from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Further information coming soon.

OCTOBER 21-23, 2015 MOHEGAN SUN | UNCASVILLE, CT

Name: Amanda Grelha

Name: Amanda Valcourt

Age: 25

Age: 26

Title: Loan Officer

Title: Marketing Data Specialist

Credit union: STCU Credit Union

Credit union: Workers’ Credit Union

Credit union location: Springfield, Mass.

Credit union location: Fitchburg, Mass.

What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?

I believe that being a “crasher” at Crash the GAC 2014 has been the highlight of my career thus far. Not only did I come back with fresh ideas to help our credit union and the community, but I also came back with a vast new knowledge of credit union insights. From my experience at the conference, I became more confident in my position here, and I believe that I have grown not only as an employee, but as an individual as well.

Tell us about your community involvement.

I have been putting together ideas for our very own farmers market to embrace the credit union philosophy of serving the community. It is important for members of our community and those surrounding [it] to be able to provide fresh local produce to their growing families to ensure healthy growth and development. In turn, our community is helping their own farmers and vendors to succeed and prosper from their small business, which I am completely supportive of.

What do you consider your biggest success?

I believe my biggest success to be helping to create two new loan products for our institution. The first-time auto buyer and recreational vehicle products have helped grow our loan portfolio and new member base, and we have formed new relationships with dealerships that we would have never had business with before.

16 | centerpoint | summer.2015

What do you consider your biggest success?

The successful completion of the inaugural GiveBack Program. Our GiveBack Program is a unique way of sharing the financial success of the credit union with our members who help make it possible. … The more banking one does with Workers’ – like maintaining deposit accounts and utilizing our many loan services – the greater their potential payout could be. For 2013, the total GiveBack was over $2 million, and for 2014 it was over $2.5 million.

What attracted you to working with a credit union?

I originally started working in a small city municipal credit union as an internship for the last quarter of my senior year of high school.

I was initially attracted to this because I would not have to go to school for the last semester – what high school senior doesn’t want that? … Once I graduated, I decided to get a job in my field. I ended up working in the marketing department of a local manufacturing company, but [I] longed to be back in the credit union industry. Luckily, the marketing coordinator position opened up at Workers’ Credit Union, and I landed the job.

Now that you have been working in your credit union for several years, what do you like best about working in the credit union community?

The best part about working in the credit union community is the comradery, not only between co-workers and members, but also between those at other credit unions. The credit union spirit of “people helping people” still rings true.

SPONSORED BY

Name: Andrew Caputo

Name: Catherine Lydon

Age: 32

Age: 28

Title: Assistant Vice President – Branch Manager

Title: AVP of Member Service & Business Development

Credit Union: Workers’ Credit Union

Credit union: Boston Firefighters Credit Union

Credit Union Location: Leominster, Mass.

Credit union location: Dorchester, Mass.

Tell us about your community involvement.

I am involved with the United Way as part of the Community Impact Team. I am also active with the North Central Mass Chamber of Commerce, and I went through the 10-month Community Leadership Institute program offered through the North Central Mass Chamber. Additionally, myself and some of my branch team have helped out with preparing meals with ‘Kylee’s Kare Kits for Kidz.’

What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?

I consider the highlight of my career to be redirecting my career path and finding a passion for it along the way.

When the opportunity presented itself for me to further my knowledge in the credit union field, I dedicated everything I have in me to continue to pursue this passion and advance my career. I was able to reassure those who believed in me before I believed in myself that I was committed to success.

What attracted you to working with a credit union?

I came from one of the “bigger banks,” and throughout my time there I heard from many “customers” how credit unions were so much better than the bank I worked for. At that time, I didn’t understand why they were better, or what made them better specifically, but I do now. So, I guess the thing that attracted me to working with a credit union was [that] I wanted to see what all the fuss was about!

What do you consider your biggest success?

My biggest success will come to fruition this summer, when I graduate from the CUNA Management School in Madison, Wis. and have the designation of a certified credit union executive. This was a rigorous six-week program that taught me more about the credit union industry than I could have imagined possible.

Now that you have been working in your credit union for several years, what do you like best about working in the credit union community?

When members come into my branch, or call me on the phone because they are going through a difficult situation, I am empowered to help them. … I love being able to truly help people, be it my members or the people who work as part of my branch team.

Now that you have been working in your credit union for several years, what do you like best about working in the credit union community?

I really do believe that the philosophy of “People Helping People” is the best part about working in the credit union community. I have been able to meet individuals who share the same passion and drive as me. … I am confident that there is always a colleague willing to lend a helping hand when necessary, and they know I am more than willing to return the favor.

A Warm Congratulations to

Catherine Lydon For Being Named BFCU Rising Star

“Catherine is a tremendous asset to BFCU and we are proud to recognize her as our Rising Star” Bernie Winne, President/CEO

summer.2015 | centerpoint | 17

Name: Dawn C. Dawson

Name: Eliza M. Lavergne

Age: 37

Age: 30

Title: Vice President of Mortgage Operations & Secondary Market

Title: Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager

Credit union: Metro Credit Union Credit union location: Chelsea, Mass.

What do you consider your biggest success?

My biggest success is being a leader. Having a team around me that is loyal and dedicated and strives every day to work on developing their talents [as well as] watching them grow and succeed is by far my greatest accomplishment.

What attracted you to working with a credit union?

My career started in the mortgage industry in 1996, and I spent the majority of my career working in many roles within the mortgage industry. With the heightened compliance regulations and the condensing of available credit, I felt that the focus on working to help qualified borrowers finance homes was lost. Mortgage companies were putting too much time into reacting to the compliance changes, and lost focus on the borrower. I felt that the importance of assisting members at a credit union could bring back the gratification of being in the mortgage business, as well as work for an organization that has shown to be proactive in the changes as it relates to lending regulations.

Now that you have been working in your credit union for several years, what do you like best about working in the credit union community?

Working at a credit union proves that members are loyal to the organization as a whole, and that the entire mortgage team works together with the member from the time of sale and through the life of the loan. The relationship remains even after closing.

Credit Union: Navigant Credit Union Credit Union Location: Chepachet, R.I. Town of Residence: Exeter What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight of my career would be my advancement within the credit union from a teller to assistant vice president, by showcasing my managerial attributes, community involvement and dedication to my employees and team.

Tell us about your community involvement?

Being respected in the community has always been very important to me, and when presented [with] the opportunity to open a new branch location, I committed myself to being an active presence. I am a member of the local chamber organizations and participate in various community projects in Chepachet and neighboring towns and currently partnered with the Gloucester Police Department’s “Toys for Tots” Drive, to provide Christmas presents for underprivileged children in the area, and [with] the Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island, where I was given the opportunity to mentor unemployed individuals back into the workforce.

What attracted you to working with a credit union?

I started my banking career working for a smaller organization, Postal Employees Credit Union, and embraced the relationships I was able to build due to the small family atmosphere. When I started venturing into career advancement and opportunities with other financial institutions, I wanted to ensure that they still carried the same values and beliefs in member service. From the first day I was hired, I had a clear vision of what [Navigant] Credit Union had to offer, and its dedication to its employees and members.

Name: Douglas Lanzillo

Name: Heather Tancreti

Age: 40

Age: 33

Title: Assistant Vice President, Real Estate Lending

Title: Mortgage Sales Manager

Credit union: Homefield Credit Union

Credit union: Bellwether Community Credit Union

Credit union location: North Grafton, Mass.

Credit union location: Manchester, N.H.

What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?

I would probably say rescuing a home purchase for a young home buyer that was denied at the last minute, not because of her credentials, but due to the credentials of the condominium she was purchasing.

The property did not meet the secondary market criteria and her loan was denied two weeks before the expected closing. Her realtor sent her to us [and] we were able to use our portfolio loan program to rescue the financing – and we even made her original closing date without delay.

What do you consider your biggest success?

The Realtor Outreach program. Essentially, when I arrived, outreach was not something that was done with much success. We identified the need for increased relationships with the real estate community and our member base.

For over a year, I was out in the community talking to realtors, attorneys and members finding out what they knew about our mortgage offerings and what they were looking for from a prospective business partner. We launched a series of products, programs and activities that engaged the realtors and allowed for multiple co-branded opportunities. … Now, just over two years later, the Realtor referral portion represents approximately 44 percent of our closings.

What attracted you to working with a credit union?

The opportunity to work locally and be involved in the community in and around where I lived. Essentially, I was tired of working with the faceless names on Wall Street and needed to be working for the people I see and know every day on Main Street.

18 | centerpoint | summer.2015

Tell us about your community involvement.

I am involved in the Court Diversion Program, [which] allows kids who have been arrested to get a second chance and keep the arrest off of their permanent records. … Many of these kids have very tough lives and knowing that we are able to give them a second chance and hopefully help them to get on the right path is a rewarding experience.

What do you consider your biggest success?

So far my biggest success would be applying for and taking on my current position with Bellwether Community Credit Union. When I applied for this position, I had very little management experience and was going to be taking on many new tasks and job requirements that were way outside of my comfort level. I now look back almost three years later and am pleased with the progress I have made in building team unity and managing to grow the department.

What attracted you to working with a credit union? I didn’t know much about credit unions when I took my first position as a teller right out of college. I had heard that credit unions normally had better rates and services since they were member owned, and not stockholder owned. I thought the concept of a credit union instead of a bank was very intriguing, and I wanted to learn more. I had never done any banking with a credit union, so I was curious to see how it would differ from a bank. That was 12 years ago, and I’ve never looked back since – the credit union experience has been an excellent adventure!

SPONSORED BY

Name: Jon Roberts

Name: Kristy Methot

Age: 31

Age: 32

Title: Assistant Vice President, Business Analytics

Title: AVP of Financial Services

Credit union: Navigant Credit Union

Credit Union: Holy Rosary Credit Union

Credit union location: Smithfield, R.I.

Credit Union Location: Rochester, N.H.

What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?

I happened to join the Navigant team right as they were in the midst of their core conversion. We were converting not only our existing core to the new system, but various other platforms, as well. When we went to convert our existing commercial banking platform, we weren’t really offered any support from our existing vendor. Being able to successfully convert that commercial platform over to the new system was a fun challenge, and easily the highlight of my career at Navigant thus far.

What do you consider your biggest success?

My biggest success in life is, hands down, my four awesome kids. They are my motivation and the driving force in my life that push me to be the best person I can possibly be.

What attracted you to working with a credit union?

As my family grew and I was spending more time on activities within my community, I realized that I really wanted to work for an organization where giving back and a sense of community were just as important as the bottom line. When I looked at the different job opportunities available in the market, Navigant stood out to me as both a leader in the market place and the community. Coming in and meeting all of the people really solidified it for me, and I knew that I had found a place where there was a true sense of family and community.

What do you consider to be the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight of my career would be when the Holy Rosary Credit Union Dover branch that I was managing was named the “2011 Business of the Year” by the Dover Chamber of Commerce.

Tell us about your community involvement: I currently am an officer on the board of directors for the Rochester Chamber of Commerce [and] I am captain of the HRCU Crusaders Relay for Life team. I sit on several chamber committees, including [the] Annual Golf Tournament and Annual Chamber Bash. Aside from this, I represent HRCU at several community events and participate in local community fundraisers, such as Make a Wish and Toys for Tots.

What attracted you to working with a Credit Union?

The opportunity to work with people and the ability to make a difference in their lives. Whether it is through a conversation on how to save money, approving a teen’s first car loan or educating a member on how to increase their credit score, working with a credit union is simply rewarding.

Now that you have been working in your credit union for several years, what do you like best about working in the credit union community?

What I like best about working in the credit union community is the sense of family, the community involvement and the ability to make a difference in people’s lives. HRCU exemplifies “People Helping People” each and every day, and this is something I take pride in.

Name: Kim A Gelinas

Name: Nicolle Medeiros

Age: 44

Age: 27

Title: Senior Loan Officer/Financial Life Coach

Title: Retail Manger

Credit union: Pioneer Valley Federal Credit Union (PVCU)

Credit union: Naveo Credit Union

Credit union location: Springfield, Mass.

Credit union location: Somerville, Mass.

What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?

Being nominated for, and receiving, the 2015 Rising Star award and the 2014 Pioneer Valley Federal Credit Union All Star award. Being recognized by my peers and the credit union industry this year [has] made me feel special and appreciated.

Tell us about your community involvement.

Those that are closest to my heart are my donations to the Red Cross and the local food pantry, as well as my support to the local music scene.

What do you consider your biggest success?

Being a single, working mom, [and] growing my career, while maintaining a successful work-life balance has been my greatest success.

What attracted you to working with a credit union?

Initially, when I started my first credit union job in 1997, it was an opportunity to change career fields. I started at PVCU in December of 2000, and I am still here today. I really love working here and being a part of the credit union community.

Now that you have been working in your credit union for several years, what do you like best about working in the credit union community?

What I enjoy the most is knowing that I am making members happy and saving them money, as well as offering ideas for their financial growth. We change people’s lives for the better!

Tell us about your community involvement.

I have participated in, and helped raise funds for, the Walk for Lupus and the National Kidney Foundation Walk. I also contribute to Community Cooks, where on a monthly basis I cook or supply food for a youth group in Somerville. In addition, I support and engage my staff to raise money and collect items at the branch level, from our members and other employees, toward local charities that Naveo [supports].

What do you consider your biggest success?

Being the first and youngest in my family to graduate college with a bachelor’s degree has been my biggest success, along with being promoted to retail manager.

What attracted you to working with a credit union?

My parents had accounts at Naveo Credit Union, and I was always drawn to the idea of working at a bank when I was younger. I’ve been working at Naveo since I was 17 years old, and I’ve had the opportunity to experience different aspects of the banking industry within the same company.

Now that you have been working in your credit union for several years, what do you like best about working in the credit union community?

I appreciate the connection between our employees, members and people within the community, where most of us will get to know each other on a first-name basis, and sometimes beyond that. It’s really a personable financial industry like no other!

summer.2015 | centerpoint | 19

SPONSORED BY

Name: Robert M Eydenberg

Name: Shaylah Begley

Age: 38

Age: 26

Title: AVP, Contact Center Manager

Title: Assistant Treasurer, Branch Manager

Credit union: Metro Credit Union

Credit union: Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union

Credit union location: Chelsea, MA

Credit union location: Methuen, Mass.

What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?

For me, the highlight of my career so far is being able to work for an organization that understands and cares about its members, the community and its employees.

What do you consider your biggest success?

Hopefully my biggest success has not yet been achieved; that said, if I had to identify one specific thing, it would be taking our Call Center at the credit union into a full-service Contact Center in 2014. Not only did we introduce new technology to support this initiative, but we also launched new services to our members to provide greater levels of service.

What attracted you to working with a credit union?

The sense of community and caring about the members that they serve.

I previously worked for a large Boston-based bank, and there was a huge disparity between doing what was right for the customer and making sure that you always met goal. In the credit union space, we still make our goals, but I do not feel that I ever have to compromise doing what is best for the member with the flexibility that is provided to me.

Now that you have been working in your credit union for several years, what do you like best about working in the credit union community?

One word: community. It is “people helping people” to achieve financial goals and dreams.

20 | centerpoint | summer.2015

What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?

Mentoring and coaching the talented members of my team. … Empowering a group of young professionals to achieve individual and professional success is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. I count myself very fortunate to work with them.

What do you consider your biggest success?

My greatest success thus far has been helping develop bilingual financial education materials. One of the unique aspects of my branch is our demographic. Our member base is young (with an average age of 37), new to credit and predominately Latino. In 2014, our branch opened 2,167 new memberships. With these new members came a realization that there was a great need to bring [financial] education … into the Spanish-speaking community. To successfully do this, presentations surrounding credit and mortgage education needed to be created and delivered in Spanish. My team was instrumental in helping to achieve this goal by volunteering their personal time to ensure this project was successful. We spent countless hours creating, practicing and delivering this information. As a result, the credit union is now able to provide financial training, in Spanish, to our members and to community groups in need of this service.

What attracted you to working with a credit union?

I have always wanted to work in a field where I can truly make a difference.

Working at a credit union has allowed me to combine my financial services experience with my passion for helping people in more meaningful ways.

Congratulations TO OUR RISING STARS:

urt o c l a V a ata Specialist AmanMd arketing D “ Amanda is an outstanding person, a great listener and

problem solver who understands how to work with others to achieve common goals for our Credit Union. ”

Andrew

Assistant V

ice Preside

Caputo

nt, Branch

Manager

“ Andrew is a great example of emulating the

credit union’s tagline of “Doing What’s Right for the Member.” ”

- Nicole Curtin, AVP Marketing and Communications, Sales Development Manager

workerscu.com | 978-345-1021 | Like us!

Live or work in Massachusetts? You can become a member.

- Judy Bourgault, AVP, Regional Manager

C O M MU N I T Y I N V O LV E M E N T

CREDIT UNIONS OF RHODE ISLAND BOWL PERFECT SCORES FOR CHARITABLE PARTNER, SPECIAL OLYMPICS RHODE ISLAND

Special Olympics Rhode Island athlete Michael Lucca bowled with the Wave Federal Credit Union team during the event.

And the winning team…Westerly Community Credit Union along with Special Olympics Rhode Island athlete Chris Lussier pictured with the trophy. From left are William and Marie O’Leary; Wayne Lagasse, Chris Lussier, and Courtlen Fout.

22 | centerpoint | summer.2015

The Credit Unions of Rhode Island annual “Strike for Gold” Bowling Tournament for Special Olympics Rhode Island, held in March, was a tremendous success. Twenty-three teams representing nine credit unions, Special Olympics Rhode Island and the Association raised a record-breaking amount of $24,568 for Special Olympics Rhode Island.

“For 100 years, credit unions in Rhode Island have been and continue to be true to their philosophy of helping people in the communities they serve. We celebrate that philosophy by supporting our charitable partner, Special Olympics Rhode Island.

Every year, we are so excited by the way our credit unions step up to support the amazing athletes as part of Special Olympics. This bowling tournament continues to be impressive eight years strong and all the credit union teams have a lot of fun and a great time for a worthy cause,” said David Dupéré, chairman of the Association’s Social Responsibility Committee from Wave Federal Credit Union.

Special Olympics Rhode Island Executive Director Dennis DeJesus thanked the credit unions for their participation and recognized Chris Lussier, an athlete who has won Gold Medals at the USA Games in Nebraska (2010) and New Jersey (2014) and at the World Games in Greece (2011) for Unified Golf. “It is through your generosity and support we are able to provide year-round competition in 25 sports for the 3,000 athletes in our program,” stated DeJesus. “We greatly value this outstanding partnership and we know the Credit Unions of Rhode Island embrace the vision of Special Olympics – acceptance, respect and inclusion.”

The tournament competitions are always a major part of all the fun as bowlers wait patiently to hear which team raises the most or the team that wins the coveted trophy. This year, additional levels of competition were added. For the first time in five years as Greenwood Credit Union held the record, a new team took home the tournament trophy. The Westerly Community Credit Union Team of Wayne Lagasse, William O’Leary, Marie O’Leary and Courtlen Fout had an impressive three-string score of 1,937.

Greenwood Credit Union’s Team placed second with a score of 1,863.

The fundraiser provided the opportunity to bring the credit union community together in an activity that featured some spirited and skilled competition but provided the opportunity for all, regardless of bowling ability, to have a good time. As stated by Dupéré, “We are grateful for the generous support and effort from Special Olympics Rhode Island, the credit unions, the bowlers and many vendors who participated in this event. It would be very difficult to reach our goal of $65,000 without their support.”

Send Us an Email

info@ebankdiscovery.com

Call Us

(212) 315-9100

Visit Our Website

ebankdiscovery.com

C O M MU N I T Y I N V O LV E M E N T

MASSACHUSETTS STATE TREASURER VISITS NATIONALLY-PRAISED MODEL: WORCESTER TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Worcester Technical High School students participated in a roundtable discussion with Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg.

After completing a tour of the Worcester Technical High School (WTHS) facility, Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg attended a roundtable discussion that included student-led presentations on the topics of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Also in attendance were the school’s leaders, the Worcester Superintendent, members of the treasurer’s office and staff from the Cooperative Credit Union Association.

Other technical school administrators and principals look to WTHS as a model of experiential learning, student preparedness and dual-credit; and thanks to the association’s efforts to move forth legislation for mandatory financial literacy in the high school curriculum, the school received grant money as part of a pilot program targeted to “gateway communities.” Eleven high schools in 10 Massachusetts communities were chosen to receive a grant to demonstrate effective implementation of high school financial literacy.

The students in the finance and marketing course of study presented on their three organically-created financial literacy training programs: one targeting WTHS seniors, one targeting ESL students at Quinsigamond Community College and one targeting adults and families working through the Worcester Housing Authority. The presentations included topics such as basic banking terms, budgeting and student loans, and were delivered using pre- and post-tests, handouts, PowerPoint presentations and interactive exercises, all designed by the students and under the guidance of Worcester Credit Union leaders.

Other presentations, delivered by the Robotics and Automation students and the Hospitality students, focused on entrepreneurship and explained the support of using both mentors and the Network 24 | centerpoint | summer.2015

The student-run Worcester Credit Union branch at Worcester Technical High School.

for Teaching Entrepreneurship. Goldberg then fielded questions from the students and touched on some of the goals of her office: wage equality, financial literacy and college affordability.

The Worcester Credit Union has invested in a school branch in the facility since the year the new facility opened in 2006. Since that time, the credit union has advanced over 100 students through its program, with a 25 percent transfer rate of new hires for the credit union.

ELEVEN HIGH SCHOOLS IN 10 MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITIES WERE CHOSEN TO RECEIVE A GRANT TO DEMONSTRATE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF HIGH SCHOOL FINANCIAL LITERACY. “I am so proud of the strong public-private partnership between Worcester Credit Union and Worcester Technical High School. The model we have developed is not only sustainable but also pools financial education resources in an innovative manner building a format to replicate within the school and beyond, stated Worcester Credit Union President and CEO Karen Duffy.

C O M MU N I T Y I N V O LV E M E N T

HOLY ROSARY CREDIT UNION SUPPORTS FARMINGTON POLICE GOOD BEHAVIOR CAMPAIGN

Farmington PD & Crowleys Good Behavior Campaign 3-9-2015.JPG: From left: Sheila Walter, Farmington Branch Manager, HRCU; Kristy Methot, AVP Financial Services, HRCU; Judy Crowley, Owner, Crowley’s Variety & Grill; Chief John P. Drury, Farmington Police Dept.

The Farmington, N.H. Police Department and Crowley’s Variety & Grill made a lot of news, appearing on NBC Nightly News.

After the two teamed up to reward town residents for surviving one of the coldest and snowiest winters in recent memory, word spread nationally of the police department that was giving out free French fries and pizza to citizens demonstrating good behavior.

Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU), which has a branch in Farm-

ington, certainly took notice. The credit union made donations to the police department and Crowley’s to help keep their good behavior promotion going through the spring.

“At HRCU, we strive to support greatness when we see it within our community,” said Kristy Methot, assistant vice president of financial services at HRCU. “When we heard about this program and the goodwill it was creating in Farmington, we just wanted to help any way we could.”

In March, the Farmington Police Department started recognizing good behavior such as using crosswalks or helping a neighbor with snow removal by handing out gift cards for free food, which were donated by Crowley’s.

“I want to get our officers out there interacting with that 99 percent of the population that we don’t normally interact with, the law abiding citizens,” said Farmington Police Chief Jay Drury. “This is a perfect way for us to do just that.” He also thanked both HRCU and Crowley’s for their support.

The campaign became a bigger success than anyone expected, raising the spirits of residents and garnering nationwide media coverage.

CREDIT UNIONS OF RHODE ISLAND SPONSOR STATE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT AT URI

Participating at the 2015 Credit Union Championships Press Conference on Friday, March 13 were from left to right front row - Kenneth Poyton, PGE Federal Credit Union; David Suvall, Rhode Island Credit Union; and Annette Janovic, Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union. (l to r – back row) Nancy Seale and Gina DePalo, Rhode Island Credit Union; Thomas Mezzanotte, Rhode Island Interscholastic League; Ellen Ford, People’s Credit Union; Jason McHugh, Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union; and Donna Gregson, Pawtucket Credit Union.

For twenty-five years, the Credit Unions of Rhode Island have been the lead sponsor of the Credit Union High School Basketball Championships, a tournament that determines which boys and girls high school basketball teams can call themselves number one in the state. Through the generosity of the state’s credit unions, theses student athletes get to play this game of a lifetime at a tournament-quality venue, the Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island.

The event is a true partnership every step of the way. Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union plays a central role in organizing the event from fundraising to volunteer coordination and event logistics. The Credit Unions of Rhode Island through the Cooperative Credit Union Association actively support this effort by contributing time, money and enthusiasm.

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League, which is the governing body for high school student athletics, has been a tremendous partner and graciously makes a big effort to recognize the support that they get from the Credit unions of Rhode Island. During the tournament, visitors to the Ryan Center saw banners and signs everywhere recognizing the credit union sponsorship of the event. In addition, credit unions were thanked with pro-credit union messages by the announcers throughout the game, and credit union leaders were called on to help distribute trophies to the participants during the post-game ceremonies.

The event took place with the semi-final games on Saturday, March 14 and the finals on Sunday, March 15. The skills displayed by the athletes during the games kept the scores neck and neck throughout the entire tournament. In the end, the state champions were: Girls – Bay View 52 vs. La Salle 39; Boys – La Salle 61 vs. Barrington 51. summer.2015 | centerpoint | 25

C O M MU N I T Y I N V O LV E M E N T

CREDIT UNIONS SPONSOR WINNING STUDENT BANKERS AT MSBA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Metro Credit Union’s student bankers from Peabody and Chelsea High Schools pictured outside the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

The Massachusetts School Bank Association (MSBA) held its 2015 Spring Conference at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. A total of 300 school students from 23 schools across the state came together to compete in one of three areas: Banking Bowl, Marketing Competition or Product Development. The theme was “Money, Safety, Banking and You.” Students demonstrated their financial literacy by preparing and participating in one of the three events.

Metro Credit Union’s student bankers from its branch at Peabody High School had a near-sweep in the competitive part of the conference in two out of three categories. The team took home first place in both “product development” and “marketing,” and two students won the conference’s essay contest.

The credit union also sponsored students from its Chelsea High School branch. Metro works closely with faculty and staff at both

MSBA Committee President Carole Martyn stands with Dracut High School student and $500 scholarship winner Phyllis Njoroge.

schools throughout the year to ensure the presence of the school-based branches creates opportunities to teach children about financial literacy and, especially, the important values of savings and money management.

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s financial education team coached 30 students from both Dracut and Lowell High Schools in preparation for the event. Local students fared well in their competitions, with Dracut High School placing second in the “marketing” competition.

In addition, Phyllis Njoroge of Dracut High School was awarded a $500 college scholarship. She responded to the following question, “Explain your most important lessons you have learned from your school’s banking program and how you will utilize this knowledge in the future.”

The CEOs from both credit unions were proud of all the students representing their high schools and sponsoring credit unions.

NORTHEAST CREDIT UNION PRESIDENT/CEO ADRESSES STUDENTS AT WINNACUNNET HS

NECU Presents to Winnacunnet JAG Program: Timothy J. Collia, NECU President and CEO, presents to the Winnacunnet High School’s JAG program. Students enrolled in this program range from freshmen to seniors.

26 | centerpoint | summer.2015

Northeast Credit Union President and CEO Timothy J. Collia delivered a presentation to a class of students enrolled in the Jobs for America’s Graduates ( JAG) program at Winnacunnet High School. JAG is a statewide program for youth who seek to make the most of their high school education and pursue career and postsecondary educational interests.

“The focus of the Winnacunnet High School JAG program is to support students in their academic achievements and to give them opportunities to develop leadership skills through Career Association activities,” said Megan Murtha, Winnacunnet High School JAG teacher. “It was great to have Tim Collia speak to our students. He presented real-world experiences including: how to obtain employment at a financial institution,

financial responsibility and how to begin and stay on a successful financial path that includes opening savings and checking accounts while in high school. He gave our students wise advice on building a credit history with the do’s and don’ts when it comes to a person’s credit score. Students took away useful information on how to begin building a successful financial future.”

“I always enjoy getting into the community to promote the benefits of banking with a credit union,” said Collia. “We have generations of members that begin with children opening a kid’s savings account or teenagers opening up student checking accounts. It was a pleasure to present to these students on the importance of financial responsibility and discuss their options for a career in banking.”

C R E D I T U N I O N P EO P L E Murphy Joins Members Plus Credit Union Team as EVP

John J. Murphy

Members Plus Credit Union in Medford, Mass., announced that John J. Murphy has joined its team as executive vice president.

According to President and CEO Al Santoro, “John’s appointment will contribute to our continued growth by providing the services our members need and strengthen our commitment to the com-

munities we serve.”

Murphy will manage the credit union’s deposit services, collections, compliance and information technology departments.

Prior to joining Members Plus, Murphy was most recently president of Salem Seaport Credit Union and senior vice president of Reading Cooperative Bank. He also served as first vice president and director of operations for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.

A resident of North Reading, where he is town moderator and former chairman of the board of selectmen, Murphy is always active in business and community affairs. In addition to earning a master in business administration in the Northeastern University Executive MBA Program, Murphy is a graduate of Suffolk University and the New England School for Financial Studies.

Dumoulin Named VP of Business Expansion at Service Credit Union; Van Rossum Named CAO Service Credit Union President and CEO Gordon Simmons announced the appointments of Gerald Dumoulin as vice president of business expansion and David Van Rossum as chief administration officer.

Gerald Dumoulin Dumoulin comes to Service Credit Union, headquartered in Portsmouth, N.H., through a merger with Guardian Angel Credit Union, located in Berlin, N.H., where he held the position of president and CEO. He has more than 40 years of financial service experience, having been employed

by Guardian Angel Credit Union since 1974.

He served as chairman of the New Hampshire David Van Rossum Credit Union League, Northern Chapter President and currently on the Berlin Industrial Development Board as treasurer. He received a B.S. in business administration from the University of New Hampshire.

In his new role at Service Credit Union, Dumoulin will identify, coordinate, recommend and execute all matters pertaining to Service Credit Union involvement in the Coos County, N.H. community. He is responsible for the effective execution of business expansion and relationship management activities regarding member growth and service initiatives.

“Mr. Dumoulin’s commitment to the greater Coos County community is without equal. He has a clearly demonstrated track record of the spirit of the credit union movement of people helping people,” said Simmons. “His addition to the Service Credit Union senior leadership team is a great match.”

Van Rossum will cultivate community, business and political relationships in the communities that Service Credit Union serves as the credit union’s primary representative.

Van Rossum joined the Service Credit Union Board of Directors in 1990 and has served, with distinction, in the various board officer posi-

tions over his 24-year volunteer career with Service Credit Union. His prior employment experience includes serving as chief financial officer (CFO) for Endicott lnterconnect Technologies, Inc. Van Rossum spent 20 years with Tyco International and was vice president and CFO of Tyco Telecomm from 1997-2002. More recently, he was at Russound, Inc. as its CFO and chief operations officer.

He earned his MBA degree from the University of Southern New Hampshire. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Hampshire.

GFA Federal Credit Union Appoints Vice President of Business Development GFA Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Gardner, has appointed Paulo DeOliveira, Jr. to vice president of business development. DeOliveira brings more than a decade of industry experience and will serve business members in the central and eastern part of Massachusetts.

He previously served as assistant vice president Paulo DeOliveira and business consultant at another local financial institution. DeOliveira also serves as an adjunct professor at Fitchburg State University, teaching undergraduate business courses in the areas of investments and basic finance.

His duties include serving small to mid-sized businesses and organizations, managing SBA lending opportunities and working closely with businesses to provide better business banking solutions.

“We are excited to have Paulo join the GFA team,” said Senior Vice President of Lending Joan Moran. “His knowledge and experience will help us continue to meet the needs of local businesses that will ultimately strengthen our local economy,” she added.

DeOliveira earned his MBA from Fitchburg State University.

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Announces New Hires and Promotions

Barry Cohen

Rose Ruggiero

Nicole Dawson

Mark S. Cochran, president and CEO of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union of Lowell, Mass., announced the following hires and promotions: Barry Cohen was hired as vice president of operations. Cohen, of Malden, Mass., has 16 years of experience in the financial services industry and extensive experience in operations management. He holds a master’s degree in leadership and human resources from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in human services from UMass Boston.

Rose Ruggiero was hired as assistant vice president of collections. She has 26 years of financial services experience and holds dual master’s degrees in organizational leadership and global business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She is an experienced manager who will help to further improve the credit union’s services.

Nicole Dawson was hired as the assistant vice president of human resources and has 10 years of experience in the human resources field. During her career in human resources, she has been involved in various disciplines including full-cycle recruitment, on-boarding and performance management.

Continued on next page

summer.2015 | centerpoint | 27

C R E D I T U N I O N P EO P L E

Continued from previous page

St. Mary’s Credit Union Announces Officer Promotions

James F. Petkewich

Sherrie L. LeBoeuf

Christine G. Monteiro

Maria L. Penniman

Guillermo Castillo

St. Mary’s Credit Union, headquartered in Marlborough, Mass., announced the recent promotions of five credit union officers.

James F. Petkewich of Leominster, Mass., has been promoted to senior vice president of the retail division. Petkewich joined St. Mary’s Credit Union in 2006 as vice president of retail. He oversees the credit union’s retail division, including the credit union’s six branches and security as well as facilities management.

Sherrie L. LeBoeuf of Uxbridge, Mass., has been promoted to vice president of human resources. She previously served as assistant vice president. She is a member of the credit union’s senior management team. LeBoeuf joined the credit union in 2005 as an HR generalist. LeBoeuf oversees all human resource functions including recruiting, compensation and benefits and employee relations.

Christine G. Monteiro of Hudson, Mass., has been promoted to vice president and branch manager. Monteiro joined St. Mary’s Credit Union in 2004 as branch manager for the credit union’s Hudson branch. She has served on numerous technology project teams and played a leadership role in several business banking initiatives.

Maria L. Penniman of Hudson, Mass., has been promoted to vice president and branch manager. Penniman joined St Mary’s Credit Union in 1998 as a branch manager. She manages the credit union’s Northboro Road branch in Marlborough as well as the credit union’s Member Outreach Center. She has led several sales initiatives and has been instrumental in the credit union’s business development efforts.

Guillermo “Billy” Castillo of Webster, Mass., has been promoted to assistant vice president and branch manager. Castillo joined St. Mary’s Credit Union in 2005 as a branch manager. He manages the credit union’s South Bolton Street branch in Marlborough.

St. Mary’s Bank Credit Union Announces Hitchcock as New Member of Board of Directors St. Mary’s Bank Credit Union located in Manchester, N.H., announced Elizabeth (Liz) Hitchcock as its newest board member elected to a oneyear term, increasing the board to a total of nine directors.

Elizabeth Hitchcock “Liz has made great contributions to the community through her extensive volunteer work in Southern New Hampshire,” said Gina Balkus, chairman of the St. Mary’s Bank Board of Directors. “She is an active leader in the community, and we are happy to welcome her expertise to our board.”

She is an entrepreneur, technologist and arts and culture enthusiast.

28 | centerpoint | summer.2015

She is a trustee at the Currier Museum in Manchester; she serves on the Steering Committee for Leadership Greater Manchester; she is a member of the Entrepreneur’s Foundation (an initiative of New Hampshire Charitable Foundation); and she sits on the Grant Making Committee.

She has over 10 years of experience in the technology field, having held leadership roles in web development, sales engineering and management of sales and marketing.

Hitchcock resides in Manchester with her husband Jeremy and their three children.

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s Aller Selected as Spokesperson for American Heart Association

Employees of Jeanne D’Arc CU show their support for the American Heart Association by wearing red. Seated, center, is American Heart Association spokesperson for Massachusetts, Jessica Aller, and standing fourth from the left is Jeanne D’Arc CU President/CEO Mark S. Cochran.

Jessica Aller, financial education specialist with Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union in Lowell, Mass., has been selected as one of two spokespersons for the American Heart Association in Massachusetts for 2015.

“This is an incredible honor for me,” Aller said. “I hope my story will create an increased awareness of heart disease and encourage others to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.”

Aller, 29, was born with a congenital heart defect and has undergone three heart surgeries. Today, the Tyngsboro resident lives a full and active life, but always keeps heart health at the forefront of her mind.

She was selected as spokesperson after volunteering to help support the American Heart Association in any way she could.

“We are very proud of Jessica’s many accomplishments, and particularly of how she never let her heart condition prevent her from reaching for her goals and living an active life,” said Mark S. Cochran, president and CEO of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union.

In support of Aller and the American Heart Association, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union celebrated a Wear Red Day in March during which employees were given the opportunity to donate to the American Heart Association.

Navigant Credit Union’s Cano Among Winners in the SBA Rhode Island District’s Annual Awards Program Navigant Credit Union, located in Smithfield, R.I., announced that Vice President of Business and Community Development Sandra Cano was named the Financial Services Champion by the Rhode Island office of the U.S. Small Business AdSandra Cano ministration as part of its Small Business Week Awards. Cano was recognized at special luncheon in May, along with other winners.

Holy Rosary’s Credit Union’s Lucien Gagne Honored for 50 Years

sending our borrowers thank you cards. When he was nominated to serve as a founding member of the board of directors for Triangle Member Services Group LLC, he did not hesitate. Adam will always be remembered as a dedicated, hardworking individual who cared about the people he worked with and members he served,” said Simard.

Libby Celebrates 30 Years with New Hampshire Federal Credit Union

Lucien “Lou” Gagne (center) was honored at HRCU’s Annual Meeting for 50 years of service to the credit union. Gagne was presented with a plaque of recognition from HRCU Chairman of the Board of Directors Dana R. Flanders (left) and President and CEO Brian Hughes (right).

During Holy Rosary Credit Union’s Annual Meeting in March, the credit union recognized Lucien “Lou” Gagne, who was celebrating 50 years of service to the credit union, dating back to 1965.

Gagne, a longtime member of the HRCU Board of Directors, currently serves on the council of trustees.

“It is with great pleasure to honor Lou tonight, as he was critical in the growth of our credit union,” said HRCU President and CEO Brian Hughes. “Not only was he one of our first members and a dedicated volunteer, but as Rochester’s most popular barber, he would always subtly sing the credit union’s praises into the captive ears of his customers.”

Triangle Credit Union Honors Former Board Member Gureckis

Triangle CU President/CEO, Maurice D. Simard, Jr. (far left) and Triangle CU Board Chairman, Rick Holder (far right) present a commemorative plaque to the family of Adam Gureckis, Sr., who was a strong supporter of the credit union movement.

During Nashua, N.H.-based Triangle Credit Union’s 76th Annual Meeting in February, Board Chairman Rick Holder and President and CEO Maurice Simard, Jr. presented a special honor of appreciation to the family of former board member and credit union supporter Adam Gureckis, Sr. (1924-2014). Gureckis served the credit union for 40 years in multiple capacities.

“Adam could always be counted on to complete tasks, such as the 100 percent verification of accounts, reviewing loan files and

Susan J. Libby joined New Hampshire Federal Credit Union as a loan officer on April 23, 1985, during the heyday of interest rates at or above 10 percent APR, alongside the sweeping popularity of the use of credit cards in everyday life.

Susan J. Libby In a few short years, Libby’s attention to detail and talents in working with members in sensitive situations led her to a promotion to collections manager, where she diligently worked to get members’ finances back in order. Her success in the collections area and her widening knowledge of lending and compliance led to Libby’s appointment to assistant vice president of lending in 1994.

Today, Libby has broadened her skill set and is assistant vice president of sales and service operations, where she oversees debit and credit cards, ACH and the credit union’s share draft programs.

If you ask her co-workers what makes Libby remarkable, they will tell you it is her ability to remember every member she has worked with, and all of the details surrounding their situations.

Pioneer Valley Credit Union Extends Retirement Wishes to LaBelle and Hoffman Pioneer Valley Credit Union (PVCU), located in Springfield, Mass., extended retirement wishes to Betty LaBelle, branch manager of the Savage Arms Branch and Calliope “Cal” Hoffman, administrator of compliance and technolBetty LaBelle ogy.

LaBelle began her journey with the credit union movement back in 1976 at the Savage Arms Employee Credit Union (SAECU) where she ran the credit union operations for more than three decades, wearing many hats (sometimes simultaneously) as teller, lender, operations and management.

Calliope Hoffman In 2013, SAECU merged with PVCU and LaBelle stayed on board during the transition and throughout 2014 as the branch manager for Savage Arms. Although she is formally retired, LaBelle will assist PVCU part time at the main office in the collections department.

Hoffman joined the PVCU team in 2008 after being a small business owner for many years in a successful cutting-edge organization. Originally hired as a teller, Hoffman’s talents and experience led to her becoming the compliance and technology administrator in 2009, a role that later grew to involve facilities and other projects. During her retirement, Hoffman plans to stay involved with her many activities throughout the community and to explore the world. summer.2015 | centerpoint | 29

C R E D I T U N I O N C A L E N DA R SPECIAL EVENTS

Executive Roundtable June 23 – Doubletree Hotel, Westborough, MA Credit Unions of Rhode Island Charity Golf Tournament July 20 – Crestwood Country Club, Rehoboth, MA Massachusetts Charity Golf Tournament August 12 – Juniper Hills Golf Course, Northborough, MA Cooperative Credit Union Association Annual Golf Tournament September 3 – Red Tail Golf Club, Devens, MA Hike-the-Hill 2015 September 16-17 – Credit Union House, Washington, DC

CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS Cooperative Credit Union Association Annual Meeting and Convention October 21-23 – Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT

Small Credit Union Conference November 8-10 – Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel, Providence, RI

SEMINARS AND SCHOOLS

Credit Union Boot Camp July 15........... America’s Credit Union Museum, Manchester, NH Credit Union Boot Camp September 16...................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA BSA Update September 22....................................Angelica’s, Middleton, MA

Training Network October 15............................................ CCUA, Marlborough, MA

Young Professionals Network September 1......................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

CHAPTER MEETINGS Pioneer Valley Chapter 23rd Annual Pioneer Valley Chapter Scholarship Golf Tournament July 8 .................................... Oak Ridge Golf Club, Agawam, MA

WEBINARS

When a Borrower Dies: Next Steps & Best Practices June 16 New Account Series: Properly Handling Fiduciary Accounts: Authority, Ownership, Access & Liability June 17

From Frontline to Teller Supervisor: Developing Skills & Making a Smooth Transition June 25 Understanding Asset/Liability Management Concepts June 30

IRA Advanced October 7..................................................CCUA, Marlborough, MA

Small Credit Union Exam Program: Three-Prong Approach to Internal Controls, Recordkeeping & Lending July 14

NETWORKS Compliance Network Compliance Network Meetings Sponsored by: Macpage September 2......................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA November 4.......................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

Finance Network September 15....................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

Financial Education Network September 29....................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

HR Network June 18................................................ CCUA, Marlborough, MA October 8.............................................. CCUA, Marlborough, MA December 3.......................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

Lending Network Lending Network Meetings Sponsored by: CU Direct September 23....................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

Marketing & Business Development Network Marketing & Business Development Network Meetings Sponsored by: Synergent October 29............................................ CCUA, Marlborough, MA

Small Credit Union Network October 27............................................ CCUA, Marlborough, MA

30 | centerpoint | summer.2015

Garnishments, Subpoenas, Summonses, Levies: Handling Official Demands for Member Funds August 20 Financial Literacy Fundamentals for New Directors: August 25 Facebook: Update on System, Strategies, Techniques & Tips August 26

Advanced ACH Specialist Series: Defining & Identifying Third-Party Senders September 2

Managing E-SIGN, E-Statements & E-Disclosures July 8

Bankruptcy & Collections December 9......................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

Website & Social Media Compliance August 19

IRA Series: Processing IRA Rollovers & Transfers June 23

IRA Essentials October 6...................................................CCUA, Marlborough, MA

Bankruptcy & Collections December 8......................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

Best Practices for Commercial Lending & Commercial Loan Portfolios August 12

HR Series: Essential Recordkeeping from Hiring to Firing August 27

Required Compliance Series: Compliance Regulations for the Frontline July 7

Credit Union Boot Camp November 18....................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

CFPB Income Verification Rules for Self-Employed Borrowers: Tax Implications for Qualified Mortgages August 11

Stress Testing Your Loan Portfolio: Regulations, Risk & Impact on Value June 18

Consumer Lending Basics September 24 ..................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

BSA Update November 17....................................... CCUA, Marlborough, MA

WEBINARS

Director Series: Understanding the Board’s Role in Cyber Security Risk July 15 When a Depositor Dies: Next Steps & Best Practices July 16 Credit Unions in a Consolidating Industry: Acquiring Another Institution or Branch July 21

Members for Life: Creating an Effective Member Retention Plan September 3 HR Series: HR Danger Zones: Regulations, Requirements & Best Practices to Keep You Out of Trouble September 9 Loan Concentration Management: Evaluation, Risk Tolerance & Regulatory Guidance September 10 Loan Underwriting Basics: Interviewing, Credit Reports, Debt Ratios & Regulation B September 15 Managing the 8 Categories of Risk Assessment September 16 Director Series: UDAAP for the Board & Senior Management September 17 Imaged Documents: What to Keep, What to Destroy, What Holds up in Court?

September 22 Regulator Guidance & Issues in ATM Security September 23

Developing Your UDAAP Program: Policy, Procedures, Risk Assessment & Audit July 22

IRA Series: Auditing IRAs Step-by-Step September 24

Your Member Has Filed Bankruptcy, Now What?

July 23

Required Compliance Series: Compliance Regulations for Deposit Operations September 29

Check Handling: Holds, Stop Payments, Official Checks & More July 28

Mortgage Advertising: Keeping Your Promotions Compliant September 30

Advanced ACH Specialist Series: Does Your Originator Agreement Meet NACHA Rule Requirements?

July 29

Call Report Preparation: Advanced Lending Schedules, Including Schedule A Specialized Lending and More October 6

Regulatory Oversight of Third-Party Vendors: Due Diligence, Management & Contracts July 30

Powers-of-Attorney & Living Trust Documents: Guidelines for Deposit Accounts & Loans October 7

New Accounts Series: Business Account Signature Cards & Resolutions August 4

Regulation E Requirements for Debit Card Error Resolution: Processing, Disclosure & Investigation October 8

Fair Lending Comparative File Review August 5

Advanced Financial Literacy Update for New & Experienced Directors: ALM Primer & New Financial, Accounting & Risk Issues October 14

Call Report Preparation: Basic Lending Schedules August 6 USPAP Issues & Best Practices for Residential Appraisal Reviewers: Avoiding Violations August 10

Advanced ACH Specialist Series: Understanding & Navigating ACH Rules for ODFIs October 20

Intelligent solutions to connect your credit union with your members.

Partner with the Synergent team to make connecting with your members easier than ever. From the most powerful, flexible core processing platform, the latest in mobile payments technology, to member data mining for targeted marketing, Synergent has the tools to tie your credit union to successful growth.

View our video gallery at synergentcorp.com to see how credit unions connect using integrated solutions for member convenience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Fred Barber, Account Executive fbarber@synergentcorp.com or 800-341-0180, ext. 593

CORE PROCESSING WITH SYMITAR’S EPISYS PAYMENT SERVICES DIRECT MARKETING SERVICES

CorpMktgMassLgAd_85359.indd 1

1/23/15 10:43 AM

The future of banking...

www.nes-group.com