CANDIDATE PROFILE

"As a former credit union director with a passion for the co-operative banking model, I am a youthful entrepreneur with a unique perspective. With an education in software development and an MBA, I will provide strategic leadership for challenges faced by Alberta credit unions."

Statement of intent

My formal education in software development and master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of Alberta will provide strong board representation and innovative strategies which will benefit Servus members.

As a former board director of a mid-sized community-based credit union, I enjoyed serving our members from 2013-2017. I had been elected for my second term prior to moving to Edmonton in 2017.

I joined the co-operative model as a member when I was only 15 years old, when I received my first business loan. Credit unions have helped me grow my businesses, real estate portfolios, my children’s educational savings and personal retirement plans.

I became a challenging steward and community leader for my local credit union, serving on nearly all committees, with a primary interest in corporate governance. My father-in-law, retired VP of Credit for Servus, has encouraged me to continue my passion for the credit union system.

My prior participation in Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) courses and attendance of conferences such as the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) Conference in Belfast, Ireland have given me direct experience with the credit union system and strategic insights into the challenges faced by credit unions globally.

Servus’s Noble Purpose is “Shaping member financial fitness.” What does that mean to you?

Shaping member financial fitness means taking a holistic approach to members’ financial well-being by providing trusted advice.

In a fast-growing digital economy, access to financial products and services is becoming increasingly available through AI (instant credit approvals online). What’s lacking in the digital experience, is trusted advice and guidance for a well-rounded portfolio.

Shaping member financial fitness means providing advice on retirement planning, mortgage rates and renewal terms to provide potential cost savings, helping members save for their children’s future education and providing reliable customer service for daily financial needs. Fintech companies are unable to provide these services.

Ultimately, shaping member financial fitness is setting mutually beneficial goals with your advisor to help safeguard the future.

What makes Servus Credit Union different than other financial institutions?

Through my former Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) training courses, I learned about the co-operative business model, which distinctly sets itself apart from other financial institutions.

What I appreciated most in my education was learning that credit unions were the first financial institutions to lend on reputation rather than on strict financial credit strength criteria. Being a co-operative doesn’t alleviate the pressures of fiduciary and profitability obligations, as credit unions are operated on the same principles of good business. However, unlike banks which benefit their shareholders, Servus Credit Union offers profit sharing through its common share dividends.

Unlike the big banks, Servus focuses on Albertans’ needs, with a wide footprint of rural and urban representation throughout the province. What’s more, Servus works closely with other credit unions in Alberta to offer member value such as providing free ATM withdrawals at affiliated credit unions.

What are the key issues or challenges facing the credit union system today?

Having attended the World Credit Union Conference (WOCCU 2016) in Ireland, I gained valuable insight into fintech impacts faced by all FIs. I learned valuable lessons on how the in-branch experience is continuing to evolve from less transactional to more experiential. That is to say, in a world of online banking and mobile deposits which are expected for free, it’s more essential than ever to increase branch dwell time as trusted wealth management professionals with the goal of increasing member wallet share.

Banking technology, members' data privacy and security come with significant implementation and management costs, which members believe is/should be included in their service, and are unwilling to pay additional fees. Therefore, I believe the key issues facing credit unions are shrinking margins, rising technology expenses and the reinvention of in-branch experiences within a changing digital landscape where members are spending less time face-to-face in the branch.

How will your skills and life experiences bring value to the collective Servus board?

As a youthful entrepreneur, real estate investor and former credit union director, I bring a unique perspective.

My formal education in software development paired with an executive MBA from University of Alberta will provide strategic leadership in the challenges faced by Alberta credit unions. My skills as a certified strategic planner and experienced corporate leader can help Servus navigate the inevitable changes demanded by a new generation of members as digital expectations and experiences continue to evolve.

I have experience developing balanced scorecards, reviewing credit union executive compensation, setting policy and governance, strategic planning and knowledge of the co-operative business model. I also wrote my MBA capstone on how businesses measure corporate social responsibility (CSR).

I’m passionate about the credit union system, having received my first business loan from Lakeland Credit Union at the age of 15, when I started my first business. Finally, I am a collaborative team player.