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Credit Unions Recognize Team Member Achievements; Greylock Federal Announces Promotion of New Branch Manager

Photos of Adam Remshifski, Ally Songstad, and Shari Beauchemin

A few credit unions, including PenFed Credit Union and American Heritage Credit Union recognized their team members for their achievements, and Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of a new Branch Manager for one of its branches.

Recognitions:

  • PenFed Credit Union highlighted its continued success in further increasing capital and liquidity in 2024 and the incredible value PenFed provides to the community at its 2025 annual meeting. PenFed Chairman Ed Cody recognized five employees of the year for their outstanding service and contributions to the credit union. This year’s award recipients are:
    • Brian Keeler, senior team lead for learning and talent development, recognized for implementing a new collections training model that immediately saved PenFed $20,000.
    • Bruno Buccolo, director of collateral support and servicing, recognized for enhancing and scaling PenFed’s consumer loan servicing practice and saving the credit union $500,000.
    • Matt West, VP of home loans default consumer mortgage and member experience, mortgage servicing, recognized for his outstanding contributions to the mortgage sales team’s growth and success.
    • Carmen Rosas, senior manager of model risk management, recognized for significantly enhancing model risk governance, developing policies, spearheading working group meetings, and creating impactful reporting.
    • Monica Brooks, AVP of branch operations, recognized for her leadership and significant contributions to branch achievements and community engagement.
  • VyStar Credit Union proudly celebrates the achievement of Bryan Barber, VyStar AVP Payments and Sarah Cooke VyStar AVP, Payments Product Management have successfully earned the prestigious Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP) certification. This nationally recognized certification underscores VyStar’s commitment to delivering faster, safer, and smarter payment solutions that enhance the financial lives of its members.  
  • American Heritage Credit Union (“American Heritage”) proudly announces that Adam Remshifski, Senior Vice President of Marketing, has been named to South Jersey Biz magazine’s prestigious “20 Under 40” list. This annual recognition celebrates professionals making significant contributions to their industries and communities, and Adam’s selection underscores his strategic leadership and transformative influence on both American Heritage and the credit union movement nationwide.
  • At this year’s Annual Power Up conference, Montana’s Credit Unions proudly honored three exceptional individuals whose dedication, leadership, and passion have made a lasting impact on their credit unions and communities.
    • Rex Gaustad, Vice President and Senior Loan Officer at Daniels Sheridan Federal Credit Union, received the Philosophy in Action Award for his decades of service and unwavering commitment to the “people over profit” credit union philosophy.
    • Ally Songstad, Marketing & Community Relations Specialist at Billings Federal Credit Union, was named Young Professional (HYPE) of the Year for her creativity, leadership, and community engagement.
    • Jim Kenyon, President/CEO of Whitefish Credit Union, earned the Professional of the Year Award for his visionary leadership and advocacy for the credit union movement.

Promotions:

  • Greylock Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the promotion of Shari Beauchemin to branch manager of its Elm Street branch. In her role, Beauchemin manages an expanded team, and plays an active role in business development, promoting Greylock’s products and services. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, managing branch compliance, originating mortgage and home equity loans, originating and underwriting consumer loans, and maintaining an extensive variety of member accounts. Additionally, Beauchemin is a Notary Public and is authorized to provide Medallion Signature Guarantees, a service that ensures the authenticity of signatures on securities transactions.

Appointments:

  • The Maine Credit Union League and Synergent are pleased to announce the appointment of their 2025–2026 Board of Directors. These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People. The new nine-member board includes the following members:
  • Velera announced the appointment of a new executive committee for its Board of Directors. The following continuing board members are now serving in executive roles:
    • Cathie Tierney, president and CEO of Community First Credit Union, Wis. (Chair)
    • Rob Stuart, president and CEO of OnPoint Community Credit Union, Ore. (Vice Chair)
    • Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union, Mich. (Treasurer)
    • Chris Shockley, president and CEO of Virginia Credit Union, Va. (Secretary)
    • Frank Weidner, president and CEO of Wings Credit Union, Minn. (Past Chair)
    • Additional Velera Board of Directors members include:
      • Christine Blake, president and CEO of Cardinal Credit Union, Ohio (Associate Director)
      • Craig Esrael, president and CEO of First South Financial Credit Union, Tenn.
      • Todd Lane, president and CEO of California Coast Credit Union, Calif. (Associate Director)
      • Maria J. Martinez, president and CEO of Border Federal Credit Union, Texas (Associate Director)
      • Joan Opp, president and CEO of Stanford Federal Credit Union, Calif.
      • Rudy Pereira, president and CEO of Premier America Credit Union, Calif.
      • Sean Rathjen, CEO of Consumers Credit Union, Ill.
      • Andrew Rosen, president and CEO of Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Hawaii
      • Amy Sink, CEO of Interra Credit Union, Ind.
      • Nathanael Tarwasokono, president and CEO of Allegacy Federal Credit Union, N.C.
  • Jovia Financial Credit Union has announced the appointment of a new Chairman and the reorganization of its nine-member Board of Directors. As part of its democratic process, Matthew T. McDonough, Esq. was appointed Chairman of the Board. Additional leadership appointments include Victor Patino as First Vice Chair, George Zweier as Second Vice Chair, Dr. Ahmet Karagozoglu as Treasurer, and Fred Schaefer as Secretary. Rounding out the Board are directors James Campbell, Kamille Wolff Dean, Michael Ippolito, and George Plevretes.

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