Montana’s Credit Unions recognizes credit union professionals at their annual Power Up conference and Bay Federal Credit Union announces two promotions within its leadership.

Recognitions

Four credit union professionals were recognized at Montana’s Credit Unions annual Power Up conference this week. The organization is proud to acknowledge the following individuals who demonstrate leadership beyond their credit unions, maintain unrelenting dedication to the credit union principles, and serve as mentors in their credit unions and communities:

• Professional of the Year: Jack Lawson, Clearwater Credit Union

• Young Professional of the Year: Erin Knerr, Fergus Federal Credit Union

• Mitch Reed Volunteer of the Year: Paul Dockter, Montana Credit Union

• Philanthropy in Action Award: Kelly Fleiner, Rocky Mountain Credit Union

Promotions

• Bay Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of David Torres to Assistant Vice President of Home Loan Sales. As Assistant Vice President of Home Loan Sales, Mr. Torres will continue to lead Bay Federal’s Home Loan Consultants, support our Financial Service Officers and the branch network, and focus on new and innovative ways for members to finance the homes of their dreams.

• Bay Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of Trisha Bennett to Vice President of Enterprise Applications and Project Management Office. This promotion comes on the heels of two successful milestones in Ms. Bennett’s career — earning her Project Management Professional certification from The Project Management Institute and being awarded the Credit Union’s 2023 Service Excellence Award. Ms. Bennett joined the Credit Union in 2019, where she began as Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Application and Project Management Office. During her tenure she demonstrated exemplary leadership and project management skills. Her contributions have been significant in streamlining Bay Federal’s operational efficiency and fortifying capabilities to deliver superior service to members.

• Fibre Federal Credit Union executives Shelly Buller and Ryan Sullivan have been promoted to Executive Vice Presidents. “Fibre Federal has experienced tremendous growth not only in asset and membership size, but also in transforming its service delivery channels to include a hybrid of in-person and digital service,” said Christopher Bradberry, President/CEO. “The creation of two Executive Vice President positions highlights the credit union’s commitment to member service and digital channels by grouping multiple departments into two divisions that concentrate on service & delivery and operations & compliance.”

  • Shelly Buller joined the staff at Fibre Federal in 1982 as an audit clerk. She has held many positions over the years, including Internal Auditor. She was promoted to SVP, Chief Operations Officer in 2019. Now, as the EVP/Chief Operations Officer, Shelly is the executive sponsor for the payment services, compliance, operations administration, and credit administration departments. In addition, she is responsible for the credit union’s enterprise framework of internal controls. Shelly has served on GoWest’s Regulatory Advisory Sub-Committee since its inception.

  • Ryan Sullivan began his career at Fibre Federal in 2012 as SVP/Chief Financial Officer. In 2023, he transitioned from finance to retail services, with the new title of SVP/Chief Revenue & Retail Officer. He was instrumental in the acquisition of TLC Federal Credit Union and positioning the credit union’s balance sheet to perform well during the past year of rate volatilities. His most recent focus has been on the credit union’s branch model, virtual member service, and digital lending platforms. Ryan is now EVP/Chief Retail and Revenue Officer. He is the executive sponsor for the credit union’s financial services center network, the digital experience center, consumer lending, member business services, mortgage operations, and the credit union’s group of financial planners.