The Credit Union Foundation of BC (CUFBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of new Trustee Aime O’Brien to its board of directors, as well as the conferring of Trustee emeritus status to two of its former directors, Gus Hartl and Jeff Shewfelt.
“We’re excited to welcome a new Trustee to our board as well as have the opportunity to honour two past directors” says Bill Corbett, CUFBC Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer at Stabilization Central Credit Union. “The position of Trustee Emeritus is conferred on a retiring Foundation trustee in recognition of long term and exemplary service to the Foundation. Gus and Jeff are both incredibly deserving of this title, having made invaluable contributions to the CUFBC during their time on the board.”
New CUFBC Trustee Amie O’Brien is the VP, Finance at Integris Credit Union. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has served on various boards in Prince George. In addition Amie is passionate about financial literacy and supporting youth. She has volunteered with Junior Achievement BC, teaching the “Economics for Success” course at the high school level, and she has volunteered as a mentor and Board trustee with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northern BC. Amie has also been involved in coaching children’s sport.
“Throughout my life I have advocated for education and mentorship for youth. I believe that through these avenues the future as a whole is much brighter. I look forward to supporting the work of the CUFBC, helping to increase the reach and visibility of this program and enabling students to reach their educational goals.”
Trustee Emeritus Gus Hartl’s career in financial services spans over 40 years but he found his home when he joined the credit union system in 1985. He especially enjoyed his time as the CEO of Aldergrove Credit Union (ACU) for the last 15 years of his career before he assisted ACU in a successful merger with Gulf & Fraser Credit Union in 2021, where he assumed the role of President until his retirement in 2022. During his time in the credit union system, Gus has been an advocate for the cooperative financial services model and has represented his community, his credit union and the industry on many committees and boards. Gus will tell you that some of his most rewarding work was during his time on the Credit Union Foundation of BC Board, where he had the privilege to act as President and work with many other wonderful system people. “The Foundation really is one of the jewels of the credit union system, providing financial support for people who are in need, helping them make a better life for themselves” says Gus. Now enjoying retirement, Gus intends to improve his golf game, travel, spend time with his family and grandkids, and continue to be an active member of his community.
Trustee Emeritus Jeff Shewfelt is the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Gulf & Fraser Credit Union. He has 34 years’ experience in the financial services industry, including retail and commercial lending, service delivery, human resources, marketing and strategy. Most importantly, he is in his 32nd year at Gulf and Fraser. He has a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Fellow of the Credit Union Institute of Canada. Jeff is most proud of the growth that Gulf & Fraser has experienced during his time at the credit union which has created opportunity for members, staff and the community. Jeff served as a trustee on the board of the Credit Union Foundation of BC for nine years and he is an advocate for the Foundation and the invaluable support it provides to people seeking to better themselves through education and skill development.
About the Credit Union Foundation of BC
Founded in 1958, The Credit Union Foundation of British Columbia is the province-wide philanthropic organization of the credit union system founded and funded by BC credit union members. The Foundation’s primary purpose is to provide education awards to BC resident post-secondary students in need of financial assistance for academic, technological or vocational training at accredited schools within the province. The Foundation also provides international support for cooperative programs and administers the Distinguished Service Award given to those industry leaders who have furthered the credit union movement in BC.
For further information please contact:
Nicole Eich, Program Manager
Credit Union Foundation of BC
[email protected]