FORUM Credit Union Announces New Executives

Kristi Lowell

Chief Marketing & Community Officer

FORUM Credit Union announces the promotion of two of its senior leaders, Michelle Baker and Kristi Lowell. Baker has been promoted to Chief People Officer, moving into this role as Jenny Budreau prepares for a June retirement and moves into the role of Chief Transition Officer. Lowell has been promoted to Chief Marketing and Community Officer, a newly added position to FORUM’s executive team.

Michelle Baker

Chief People Officer

Baker joined FORUM in 2015 as the Manager of Talent Development. She has led the department since 2019 and was promoted to Vice President of Organizational Development in 2021. Baker brings 25 years of experience to her new role, including national recognition for her team’s successful Talent Development strategy. She is co-host of the Career Dreams podcast, is a sought-after HR/Talent Development thought leader, and is the co-author of the book, Talent GPS: A Manager’s Guide to Navigating the Employee Development Journey. As Chief People Officer, Baker will be responsible for FORUM’s Human Resources and Organizational Development teams.

Lowell joined FORUM in 2004 and has served as the Vice President of Marketing, Vice President of Retail Delivery, and most recently, Vice President of Brand Strategy & Development. She also works closely with FORUM’s Advisory Council and the FORUM Foundation. Lowell has worked in the credit union industry for 28 years, with previous marketing roles at the Indiana Corporate Federal Credit Union and as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for a credit union data processor. As Chief Marketing and Community Officer, Lowell will be responsible for the Marketing Team, Community Engagement, and the Events Center.

“FORUM is proud to add Michelle and Kristi to its executive leadership team,” said FORUM CEO Doug True. “Both are dedicated to serving FORUM’s members and employees and bring a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise to their roles.”