Access Credit Union - Leadership at Access Credit Union

About the Board of Directors and Executive Management Teams

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Access Credit Union (the “Credit Union”) is a group of elected representatives that collectively oversee the activities and strategic direction of the Credit Union on behalf of the Members.

Directors meet regularly throughout the year, in Committees and at the Board, to set governing policies, to develop and implement strategic plans, to monitor and mitigate risks, and to ensure an appropriate internal control structure.

There are five standing Board Committees – Audit, Risk, Governance, and People & Culture. The Board has also implemented a Community Investment Advisory Committee comprised of both Directors and Employees.

The Executive Management Team, formed by Chief Officers in critical functions and lead by a Board-appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Credit Union.

Together, the Board and Executive Management Team ensure that the business conducted by the Credit Union reflects and upholds the Vision, Priorities, and Values in the short and long term.

About the Board of Directors and Executive Management Teams

Together, the Board and Executive Management Team ensure that the business conducted by the Credit Union reflects and upholds the Vision, Priorities, and Values in the short and long term.

Board of Directors
Executive Management Team

Board of Directors
Executive Management Team

Scott Beattie

Director, Term 2024-2027

Catherine Burns

Director, Term 2026-2029

Justin Evenden

Director, Term 2025-2028

Curt Letkeman

Board Chair, Term 2026-2029

Jamison Masse

Director, Term 2024-2027

Marina R. James

Director, Term 2026-2029

Randy Schartner

Director, Term 2025-2028

Sherry Woods

Director, Term 2024-2027

Robert Reimer

Director, Term 2026-2029

Robert Riddell

Director, Term 2025-2028

2024 – 2025 Roles

Chair, Risk Committee
Member, Audit Committee

Scott is an active user of Access Credit Union’s (Access) products and tools. He is keenly aware of the important role Access plays in the communities it serves and the leadership the organization provides throughout the province. As an Access board member since 2024, he acknowledges that concern for and investment in community starts with loans made to members – to households, businesses, and farms – and sponsoring local initiatives. Scott is passionate about the value of these loans and initiatives and is committed to helping the organization achieve its goals.

Since 1987, Scott has worked in the accounting field at firms in Winnipeg, Winkler, and Morden. In 2004, he became a sole practitioner because he enjoyed learning about individual needs and creating customized solutions. The firm changed to a partnership in 2023 and now employs seven people. In 2018, he undertook a small business venture with a new group of colleagues that continues to exceed expectations.

Scott received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community involvement.

Education

Scott is a Chartered Professional Accountant, having attained his certification through the Certified General Accountants of Manitoba program of studies.

Scott has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

Community Involvement
Scott’s work experience has also facilitated his participation on a number of past and present committees and organizations, including the 1999/2000 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, Hockey Manitoba, Minnewasta Golf & Country Club, the Candice Bergen/Hoeppner campaigns, Morden Community Thrift Store, the Solid Waste Area Management Project (SWAMP) landfill, and St. John the Evangelist Parish.

2024 – 2025 Roles

Chair, People & Culture Committee
Member, Nominations Sub-Committee

Catherine has been a credit union Board Member since 2012. She is passionate about building healthy communities and has devoted a significant portion of her career working and volunteering as a strategic agent in support of this outcome.

She is an innovative, adaptive leader with 30 years of experience across various sectors including health and social services, government treasury services, publishing, insurance, telecommunications, and post-secondary education. Catherine is currently the principal consultant for her own practice offering CFO and business assurance services.

Her core competencies include board governance, strategic and financial planning, financial reporting and analysis, organizational performance measurement, risk management, project management, change management, and process improvement.

She is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusivity, values integrity and transparency, and believes in the strength of the cooperative system.

Education

Catherine is committed to ongoing professional development. She is a Chartered Accountant, with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba.

She has completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Designation (ICD.D), as well as the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

Early in 2024, Catherine received her Certification in Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting from Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Canada.

Current Community Involvement

Concordia Hospital, Board Member
Jazz Festival Volunteer

2024 – 2025 Roles

Member, Audit Committee
Member, Risk Committee

As a Director since 2016, Justin appreciates the opportunity to make a difference in the communities the Credit Union serves.

Justin’s educational background and work experience in telecommunications, marketing, and business development provide him with a unique perspective of the Credit Union’s image and reputation. His extensive knowledge of rural and urban markets will be invaluable to the Board as it serves the expanded footprint of the new organization.

Justin is excited about the Credit Union’s increased ability to support communities. In particular, he is confident that the broad rural and urban reach and collective expertise across the province will positively impact members’ and communities’ experiences.

Education
Justin holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.

He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

Current Community Involvement

Coaches youth soccer in River Heights

2024 – 2025 Roles

Chair, Board of Directors
Member, People & Culture Committee
Ex-officio Member – Audit Committee, Community Investment Advisory Committee, Nominations Sub-Committee, Governance Committee, and Risk Committee

Curt has been a credit union board member since 1999. He believes the credit union exists to serve its members and build communities.

Curt has widespread experience in Credit Union board leadership, having served as Board Chair and Chairs of Audit, Governance, and Community Investment committees. He values relationships with members and employees, and is a team builder, having played an integral role in the amalgamations which have built Access. He’s a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and has worked as a Chief Financial Officer for the past 20 years.

In support of this philosophy, Curt has been involved in coaching youth sports for over 25 years. He’s served on Town Council and volunteered with the Manitoba Society of Management Accountants and numerous community organizations.

Education
Curt obtained his Certified Management Accounting degree and was valedictorian of his graduating class.

He is currently enrolled in the Institute of Corporate Directors to complete his Designation (ICD.D). He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

He is also a Certified Credit Union Director (CCD), a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute and the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management (Toronto).

Current Community Involvement

Certified Professional Accountants (CPA) Manitoba, Board Member
Build a Village, Board Member
Manitoba Junior Baseball League, Governor

2024 – 2025 Roles

Member, Audit Committee
Member, Governance Committee

Jamison has been a Board Member since 2019. He focuses on the Credit Union and its members, with an emphasis on two areas close to his heart: cooperative principles and community support. In particular, Jamison believes supporting smaller businesses throughout Manitoba makes towns more vibrant and offsets the urbanization effects that push prosperity into the cities.

He is also in favor of financing housing construction across Manitoba in a way that addresses severe shortages and a lack of density in communities. He recognizes that the Credit Union has the scale to make a difference by taking an active role in stimulating growth opportunities. This active role would benefit members in terms of returns on investments and financial products, in addition to concrete improvements in affordability and quality of life.

After spending the first 12 years of his professional career as a software developer and manager in Information Technology, Jamison transitioned to agriculture. He has been managing the family grain farm near Starbuck for over a decade.

Education
Jamison holds a Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba.

He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

Current Community Involvement

Starbuck Recreation Board

Marina R. James, MBA, is a senior executive and experienced board director with deep expertise in real estate markets, housing, financial oversight, and technology, data, and cybersecurity governance. Her career has focused on strengthening community-based organizations and ensuring they remain accessible, resilient, and responsive to the needs of rural, northern, and urban communities.

Marina currently serves as Secretary Trustee for the Mercury Care Home Trust for Grassy Narrows First Nation and as a Director with the Health Professions Advisory Council for Manitoba. Previously she served on the Board of Directors of Assiniboine Credit Union, and its Audit and Risk Committee and the Governance and Ethics Committee, and Manitoba Blue Cross. She also served as Chair of the Manitoba Hydro Electric Board, providing strategic, financial, and enterprise risk oversight.

Professionally, Marina served as Chief Executive Officer of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board, leading regulatory compliance, financial oversight, enterprise risk management, and technology modernization in a mortgage-driven real estate environment affecting families, farms, and small businesses across Manitoba. Her executive career also includes senior roles in economic development and mixed-use real estate asset management.

Marina holds an MBA from the University of Guelph and has completed extensive board education through the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), enterprise risk oversight, audit committee effectiveness, and board oversight of strategy. She also holds national certificates in ESG, Climate Leadership and Biodiversity Governance and CUDA.

Marina is committed to member-focused decision-making, responsible financial stewardship, and supporting the long-term strength of Access Credit Union.

2024 – 2025 Roles

Member, Community Investment Advisory Committee
Member, Risk Committee

Randy has been a Board Member since 2014. He inherently understands that people are the most important factor in the Credit Union’s success, and is energetic in the pursuit of member-driven focus, preferences, and experiences.

As a successful entrepreneur, Randy is acutely aware of the importance of custom lending solutions, and of relevant, secure technology options. He has more than 15 years of business leadership experience in multi-national environments. In that time, he built a reputation for operational excellence and innovative strategic thinking.

In the past two decades, Randy founded/co-founded four entrepreneurial start-ups. His most successful venture was purchased by Priceline.com, a public, multi-national company. He is also a Real Estate and Development entrepreneur.

Education

Randy has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

2024 – 2025 Roles

Chair, Nominations Sub-Committee
Member, People & Culture Committee

Sherry has been a Board Member since 2016. She shares her unique knowledge and expertise to enhance the experiences and wealth of the credit union’s members, employees, and communities. As an accomplished agricultural entrepreneur, Sherry is excited by the prospect of serving the collective Access Credit Union membership with new innovations and creative member-focused solutions.

Sherry has more than 20 years of experience in the agricultural industry. In particular, she has worked for two multi-national grain companies, and two independent agricultural firms. She has led three successful startups, directing each organization in the areas of customer service and technology.

She is enthusiastically involved in local communities, sharing her time and experience for the benefit of many worthwhile causes.

Education

Sherry graduated from Red River College with a Business Administration Certificate, and completed a certificate in Commodity Futures Markets from the University of Manitoba.

She has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

She is also a Certified Credit Union Director (CCD), a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute and the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management (Toronto).

Current Community Involvement

FP Genetics, Board of Directors, Director
FP Genetics, Chair of Governance Committee

Robert brings 42 years of varied experience in business and governance to enable Access Credit Union to best serve its members through innovative services while protecting the financial health of the members and our Credit Union.

Robert recently retired as the CFO at The Petals Group, the largest wholesale distributor of flowers and plants in western Canada. He was responsible for accounting, technology, regulatory compliance, and contributed leadership to human resources, operations and strategy.

Previously, Robert was a senior Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers for 35 years, responsible for building Canadian and regional practices in risk management, technology, cyber security, internal audit and management consulting. He advised private and publicly traded businesses in most industries across Canada.

Robert has advised Manitoba and Saskatchewan credit unions, including legacy Crosstown Civic, Carpathia, Access credit unions, and the prairie Credit Union Centrals. He brings ideas from consulting to Canada’s banks, investment and insurance companies, and Manitoba’s co-operatives.

Robert has been recognized as a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA, FCA) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the U of M. He achieved his Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designation at Toronto’s Rotman School of Business.

He is passionate about time with his wife, twin children and serving our community.

Active at Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church
Victoria Lifeline: Chair
Victoria Hospital Foundation: Past Secretary, Governance/Human Resources/Nominating Committee Chair, Audit/Risk Committee
Youth for Christ: Past Chair
United Way: Past Executive Committee, Technology Committee Chair
Asper Business Strategy coach
Hockey and soccer coach

2024 – 2025 Roles

Chair, Community Investment Advisory Committee
Member, Risk Committee

Robert is an experienced Credit Union Director having served on Credit Union Boards since 2007.

Robert is a strong supporter of the credit union system and the community initiatives that it supports. He believes that a strong credit union is, and will continue to be, an important part of the bedrock that supports its members and communities. He believes that Manitoba credit unions understand Manitobans and the communities that they serve.

Brought up on a Manitoba farm, Robert had a 40 year career in Information Technology and Data Processing. The last three decades were spent at one of Manitoba’s largest pension funds, the Civil Service Superannuation Fund (CSSF). He held the position of Director of Management Information Services and led a team of professionals in the development and design of the pension administration systems at the CSSF and the Municipal Employees Benefits Plan (MEBP).

For over 10 years Robert was a volunteer member of the Community Agencies Benefits Board. This board administers pensions and benefits for charitable organizations in Manitoba. There he held the position of vice chair and served on several committees.

Awards
Robert was honoured to receive an award from IBM recognizing his achievements in the area of digital transformation and system modernization.
Member Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame

Education
Robert holds a diploma of Applied Arts (Computer Analyst/Programmer) from Red River College.

He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

Current Community Involvement

TMUC food bank volunteer

Myrna Wiebe

President & Chief Executive Officer

Rich Harries

Chief Operating Officer

Brent Berzuk

Chief Risk Officer

Adam Monteith

Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Leanna Beasant

Chief Financial Officer

Curtis Fines

Chief Retail Officer

Marlin Froese

Chief Information Officer

Darcy Jacobs

Chief People & Culture Officer

Myrna brings a deep passion for service excellence and a strong commitment to community to her role as President and CEO of Access. With more than 30 years of experience in the credit union system, she has held several senior leadership positions that have shaped her collaborative and member-focused approach. As CEO, she is accountable to the Board of Directors and is responsible for driving the credit union’s long-term success, financial sustainability, and commitment to serving its members.

Myrna actively participates in the credit union system and fosters strategic partnerships within the broader financial services community. As the leader of Manitoba’s largest unions, she also contributes to the provincial and national credit union systems, serving on boards of both Credit Union Central of Manitoba and the Canadian Credit Union Association.

Myrna completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Designation (ICD.D) - Rotman Director Education Program, earned her Fellow of the Credit Union Institute of Canada (FCUIC) designation through Dalhousie University, a Certificate in Management from the University of Manitoba, and both a Post Baccalaureate Diploma and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University.

Beyond her professional role, she has been actively involved in a variety of volunteer organization boards, served on the Host Committees for provincial and national sporting events, and committed her time and leadership to the South Central Cancer Resource Board. Myrna was appointed to the Teachers’ Retirement Allowances Fund (TRAF) Board in 2018 and serves as Chair of the Investment Committee and is a member of the Winnipeg Women’s Conference Committee.

Since beginning his credit union career in 2002, Rich has advanced through a variety of leadership positions across different business lines. As Chief Operating Officer, Rich is responsible for the overall performance of the Business & Ag-Business Banking, Retail Banking, and Premises Departments.

Rich earned his MBA in 2015 and has completed education in areas such as Business Administration, Governance, Executive Leadership, and Strategic Leadership & Innovation. He is a proud recipient of the National Credit Union Young Leaders Award and scholarship, and is a past member of the National Young Leaders Committee.

Rich currently serves as a member of the Governmental Advocacy Advisory Group for Credit Union Central of Manitoba and on the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Advisory Committee for the Canadian Credit Union Association. Rich also serves as the Chair of the Morden Police Board and is past President for the Minnewasta Golf & Country Club.

Brent has been employed in the financial services field for more than 27 years. Initially engaged in commercial lending- and management-related roles with major Canadian Chartered Banks, his work saw him living and working in various locations throughout rural Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwestern Ontario.

For the past decade, Brent has been employed in the Manitoba Credit Union system in areas of specialized project work, governance and risk management, most recently holding the role of Chief Governance & Risk Officer. He also fulfilled the position of interim CEO of Crosstown Civic Credit Union (CCCU) prior to its merger with Access Credit Union in January 2021.

Brent’s volunteer work has included stints on the Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce, and as Chair of the former Rural Municipality (RM) of Siglunes Economic Development Corporation.

Brent is a graduate of the University of Manitoba where he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree. He also holds his Canadian Risk Management designation (CRM) awarded through the Global Risk Management Institute.

Adam has been in the credit union system for more than 15 years, progressing through both marketing and IT roles before moving to the Winkler/Morden area in 2015 as Vice President of Marketing at Access Credit Union. In his current role, Adam oversees all marketing, public relations, communications, and community investment functions within the organization, and is an advocate for the credit union system on both the provincial and national stage.

Adam is a Director and Chair of the Finance Committee for Southern Health – Santé Sud, Chair of the Corn and Apple Parade Committee, and previous Board Chair for the Leroi Community Foundation. He has also volunteered as Director of Recognition for the BC Seniors Games, Director of Media Relations for the World Jr A Hockey Challenge, and as Marketing Chair with the National Women’s Under 18 Hockey Championship.

Adam holds a Diploma in Computer Information Systems, a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from Thompson Rivers University, a Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management from Royal Roads University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University, and Masters Degree of Arts in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University.

Leanna emigrated to Canada from England UK in 2008 and joined the credit union system shortly thereafter in 2009. Leanna has worked for a number of Manitoba Credit Unions in a variety of leadership roles, responsible for functional areas including finance, HR, compliance, registered plans and internal audit. Leanna is currently the Chief Financial Officer for Access Credit Union, Manitoba’s largest Credit Union.

Prior to her move to Canada, Leanna achieved the UK accounting designation Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA-UK) and graduated from Bath University with a Masters degree in Business Administration. Leanna holds her Certified Public Accountant designation (CPA, CGA) here in Canada.

Leanna is a strong advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Accessibility in the workplace, and is dedicated to championing the rights and opportunities for all employees at Access. Leanna completed the DEI certificate from Cornell University and is a member of Canadian Credit Union Association’s DEI committee and Credit Union Central of Manitoba’s Human Resources advisory committee.

Curtis has been employed in the Manitoba Credit Union system for more than 28 years. He has progressed through many roles including Member Service Representative, Retail & Commercial Ag Lender, Managing Partner, and Chief Operating Officer.

As the Chief Retail Officer for Access Credit Union, Curtis oversees retail branches, wealth management, the Member Solutions Centre, and Hubert Financial.

Curtis has coached local sports for many years including softball and ringette. He is currently the Director with the Stonewall Minor Ball and past Director with the Interlake Phillies Softball Club.

Curtis is a graduate of the University of Manitoba where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Economics and has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University.

Marlin has dedicated over sixteen years to Access Credit Union. Starting as an IT Technician, Marlin has progressed through leadership roles in various payments and technology related departments and now serves as the Chief Information Officer. Throughout his career, Marlin has played a pivotal role in technology modernization and has been actively involved in supporting the successful mergers of thirteen credit unions, contributing to Access Credit Union’s growth into the largest credit union in Manitoba.

Marlin represents Access Credit Union at the provincial and national levels on a number of technical and payments related committees, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping technology strategy and planning for the wider Canadian credit union sector. Beyond technical expertise, Marlin was recognized as an award recipient in the 2014 National Young Leaders Program and subsequently served on the National Young Leaders Committee for a three-year term.

Marlin holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, an MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University, and a Master of Science in Information Systems from Minot State University. Marlin earned the Fellow of the Credit Union Institute of Canada (FCUIC) designation through Dalhousie University.

In addition to professional achievements, Marlin is deeply invested in community service. Marlin currently holds the roles of Vice President of the Winkler Flyers, Secretary Treasurer of the Falk Fehr Foundation, and actively coaches in Morden Minor Hockey. His past community contributions include serving as Board Director for CMHA MB and Winnipeg and as Board Chair for Genesis House.

Darcy is an accomplished strategic leader, bringing over seventeen years of experience in credit union operations, people and culture management, innovation, marketing, and enterprise technology. For the past decade, Darcy has held executive and senior management roles at both Noventis and Access Credit Union, where he has demonstrated his commitment to organizational excellence and effective leadership.

During his tenure, Darcy played a pivotal role in leading the People & Culture team through the complex integration process following the merger of six credit unions over the past three years. His leadership ensured not only the alignment of cultures but also the integration of systems and people, resulting in operational success. In addition to his work in culture and team integration, Darcy has overseen critical technological initiatives, including the recent implementation of the Credit Union’s Human Resources Information System, Workday. His career has been marked by a focus on cultivating high-performing leadership teams and enhancing employee engagement through forward-thinking management practices.

Darcy is committed to community service, dedicating significant personal time to organizations in the areas where he lives and works. His community roles have included serving as Vice President of the Westshore Community Foundation, and he currently holds positions as Vice President of Gimli Minor Hockey and Treasurer of the Parent Advisory Council. On a national level, Darcy serves as Board Chair of Credit Union National Benefits, a leading association responsible for providing benefits to credit unions across Canada.

Academically, Darcy holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree from the University of Manitoba and an MBA from Athabasca University. He has also achieved a Fellow of the Credit Union designation from Dalhousie University and holds a CUES CEO certification, earned through executive education programs at Wharton, Darden, and Cornell.