VANCOUVER – The Credit Union Foundation of BC (CUFBC) announced today the appointment of three new Trustees to its board of directors. Joining the board will be Anita Cheng (Vancity Credit Union), Jana Lukasek (Bulkley Valley Credit Union) and Kirsten McElgunn (Prospera Credit Union). This brings the number of board members to twelve.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these three new trustees to our board” said David Lanphear, CUFBC president, and president of Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union. “Anita, Jana and Kirsten offer a broad range of experience from both within and outside of the credit union system, which will assist us in our goal of helping to support students in need across the province with their post-secondary endeavours.”
Anita Cheng
Anita Cheng is the Director of Member and Stakeholder Engagement at Vancity. She leads a team that designs and delivers engagement initiatives that contribute to the organization’s commitments in Climate Justice, Anti-Racism and Reconciliation. She is a strategic leader that is passionate about engaging and empowering teams to help this world to be more just and sustainable. Anita is also involved in her community, including mentoring young women leaders through the Bringing Women Together program.
“It is an honour to become a trustee of this foundation and to support our collective work of promoting and educating students of the credit union system. It’s great to come together collectively with our credit union cousins in the province with this shared interest in supporting our communities.”
Jana Lukasek
Jana is the current CEO of Bulkley Valley Credit Union (BVCU), having transitioned to the role after 13 years as the credit union’s Manager of Finance. Jana is also a director for two BVCU subsidiaries, Bulkley Valley Financial Services and Bulkley Valley Insurance Services. Jana is a resident of Smithers and a passionate promoter of co-operative principles and credit union values. Jana is active in her community and the credit union system as a member of a number of committees with Central 1 Credit Union and CCUA.
“I am a life-long learner and big supporter of post-secondary education, and I’m honoured to work with a group who make education more accessible for credit union members across BC.”
Kirsten McElgunn
Kirsten joined Prospera in September 2020 in the role of VP, Marketing and Member Engagement. Prior to joining Prospera, Kirsten consulted and previously held the roles of Chief Marketing Officer at Commonwealth Foreign Exchange, and Global Marketing Vice President for Western Union Business Solutions. Prior to that, she was with TELUS Communications for 11 years as the Director of Consumer Marketing. Kirsten is engaged in a variety of volunteer and fundraising opportunities and currently serves on the board of Finca Canada and Do Some Good.
“The link that education has to financial inclusion, better health, stronger communities and growing economies is undeniable. I’m proud to come together with like-minded individuals on behalf of the Credit Union Foundation of BC to support students in need of financial aid.”
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 British Columbia 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]