Access Credit Union - Leadership

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.

The Board consists of 12 Directors from four or more districts, as defined in the Credit Union’s Bylaws.

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 Conduct, Executive, and Nominations. 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

The Board consists of 12 Directors from four or more districts, as defined in the Credit Union’s Bylaws.

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

Kevin Beresford

Board Chair, Term 2022-2023

Curt Letkeman

Vice Chair, Term 2022-2023

Paul Cuthbert

Vice Chair, Term 2022-2025

Randy Schartner

Vice Chair, Term 2022-2025

Lesli Malegus

Director, Term 2022-2024

Ken Braun

Director, Term 2022-2024

Catherine Burns

Director, Term 2022-2023

Jim Neufeld

Director, Term 2022-2025

Justin Evenden

Director, Term 2022-2025

Sherry Woods

Director, Term 2022-2024

Jamison Masse

Director, Term 2022-2024

Marlene Michno

Director, Term 2022-2023

Previous Committee Experience

Chair, Board of Directors, Sunova Credit Union
Member, Audit Committee
Member, Governance Committee
Member, Nominations Committee

Kevin has been on the Sunova Credit Union Board for 14 years. He is committed to being part of a financial institution that ensures its members have the products and services they need.

A strong believer in the importance of providing quality healthcare to his community, Kevin served as CEO of a regional health authority. He retired after 30 years in Health Care Administration, and also worked as a provincial Physician Recruitment Liaison. His extensive leadership experience is an asset to the Credit Union’s Board.

Kevin is excited to work with his fellow Directors towards building a strong and progressive Credit Union, bringing positive benefits and opportunities to its members, communities, and staff.

Education

In addition to his designation of Certified Health Executive (Canadian College of Health Care Leaders), Kevin has completed numerous programs in healthcare, including radiologic technology and administration.
Kevin has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA). He has also successfully achieved Governance Leadership through Credit Union Executives Society (CUES).

Current Community Involvement

Stonewall and District Health Foundation

2021-2022 Committees

Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Chair, Governance and Human Resources Committee
Member, Community Investment Committee

Previous Committee Experience

Chair, Board of Directors, Access Credit Union
Chair, Audit and Operational Risk Committee
Chair, Community Investment Committee
Chair, Executive Committee

Curt has been a member of a credit union board for more than 20 years; first with Altona Credit Union, and then with Access Credit Union. He firmly believes that the credit union is an integral part of community growth and development, and strives to enhance the lives of members, employees, and communities through continuous sponsorship and engagement.

In support of this philosophy, Curt has been involved in coaching youth sports for over 25 years. He’s served on the boards of Altona Minor Baseball, South Central Minor Baseball, Oakview Golf Club, Stars Rec Hockey, and the Town of Altona Council.

Curt has widespread experience in Finance, Credit Management, and Governance. He’s spent the last 15 years as a Chief Financial Officer, and is currently working with the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative.

Education

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

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

Town of Altona, Councilor
Altona Bisons Junior Baseball Club, Coach & Manager
Seeds Community Church, Treasurer
Build a Village, Board Member

Previous Committee Experience

Chair, Noventis Credit Union Board of Directors
Chair, Governance Committee
Chair, Audit and Risk Committee
Chair, Strategy Committee
Member, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
Member, Credit Union Central of Manitoba Project Horizon Advisory Committee
Member, Credit Union Central of Manitoba Democratic Control Committee

Paul is a long-time Director, first serving on the Gimli Credit Union Board (1999-2010), then on the Noventis Credit Union Board (2010-2022), and now with Access Credit Union. He was the Board Chair for Noventis Credit Union from 2016 to 2022.

No stranger to working towards the betterment of his community, Paul dedicated 41 years to the Manitoba education system in various capacities. He retired in 2015 after 12 years as Superintendent/CEO of the Evergreen School Division, prior to which he was a teacher and a consultant. Since retiring, Paul has continued to provide educational leadership consulting services. Between 2015 and 2020, Paul was a mentor of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents.

Paul is a strong believer that credit unions can improve members’ lives and communities. He will continue to champion cooperative principles and the credit union system by giving back to Access’ members and communities. In particular, Paul feels credit unions serve not only a financial need for members, but also a social purpose, supporting the sustainability of communities, the environment, and the quality of life in Manitoba.

Education

Paul holds Master of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA). Paul also holds Certified Credit Union Director (CCD) designation through the Credit Union Executives Society (CUES).

Current Community Involvement

Learning for a Sustainable Future

2021-2022 Committees

Chair, Community Investment Committee
Member, Governance and Human Resources Committee

Previous Committee Experience

Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Crosstown Civic Credit Union
Chair, Audit and Operational Risk Committee
Chair, Credit and Market Risk Committee
Member, Executive Committee
Member, Governance and Human Resources Committee

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 has 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.

Randy 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.

Education

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

Current Community Involvement

FundingChange.ca, Board Member
Agoda International Canada Inc., Board Member

Previous Committee Experience

Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Sunova Credit Union
Chair, Board of Directors, Sunova Credit Union
Chair, Nominating Committee
Chair, Governance Committee
Member, Audit Committee

Lesli has served on the Sunova Board of Directors for 14 years.

She is a business owner, running a local travel agency in Selkirk for the past 26 years. Lesli finds fulfillment in providing opportunities for clients to experience new adventures and create lifelong memories.

With the merger of the three Credit Unions, Lesli is most excited for the members and staff. In particular, members will belong to a Credit Union that is committed to the communities it serves. In addition, staff will have many new career opportunities, which will enhance their personal growth, their interactions with the members they serve, and the overall success of the Credit Union.

Education

Lesli holds an ICD designation, granted by the Institute of Corporate of Directors.
She is an Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD), and has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

Current Community Involvement

Selkirk Food Bank
Rotary Club of Selkirk

2021-2022 Committees

Chair, Nominations Committee
Member, Risk Committee

Previous Committee Experience

Member, Audit and Operational Risk Committee
Member, Credit and Market Risk Committee
Member, Nominations Committee

Ken has been a credit union member since his parents first took him to open an account as a child. He proudly introduced his daughters to the credit union system recently through individual account openings, carrying on the family tradition of credit union participation.

Ken finds serving his local community both fulfilling and rewarding. He has served on the board of directors for three not-for-profit organizations, including two separate roles as committee chair.

He is currently the General Manager of a large home builder in Winnipeg. He has supervised four production facilities and a large logistics network, and now oversees day-to-day operations, develops and implements growth strategies, manages budgets, and evaluates performance and productivity.

Education

Ken obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. To enhance his formal education, Ken broadened his leadership skills through numerous management courses, including the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training for Managers, and the Mannaz Management Program in Malaysia.

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

Current Community Involvement

Pine Ridge Golf Club, Board Member

2021-2022 Committees

Chair, Audit Committee
Member, Nominations Committee

Previous Committee Experience

Chair, Audit and Operational Risk Committee
Chair, Nominations Committee
Member, Executive Committee
Member, Governance and Human Resources Committee
Member, Performance Review Committee

Catherine is passionate about building healthy communities, and has devoted a significant portion of her career to working as a strategic agent and catalyst for creating positive change in support of this outcome. A seasoned Audit Committee Chair and credit union board member, she is a formidable advocate for integrity, transparency, and accountability.

A member of the credit union system since 2006, Catherine brings leadership experience in governance, strategic planning, business performance reporting, risk management, merger integration, project management, change management, and process improvement.

Most recently, Catherine led the operational and capital planning and financial performance reporting areas for a newly created, $1.3B multi-service business entity. Her diverse industry knowledge spans the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors working for businesses delivering services in health care, insurance, post-secondary education, telecommunications, publishing, fund-raising, retail, and audit.

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-Rotman Director Education Program, and has attained her ICD.D.

In addition to her ICD.D, Catherine has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

Current Community Involvement

Winnipeg Jazz Festival

2021-2022 Committees

Member, Governance and Human Resources Committee
Member, Nominations Committee

Previous Committee Experience

Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Access Credit Union
Chair, Governance Committee
Member, Community Investment Committee
Member, Executive Committee
Member, Nominations Committee

Jim has been a member of a credit union board for more than 15 years; first with Heartland Credit Union, and then with Access Credit Union. He enjoys the positive impact that the credit union has on development of the communities it serves.

Jim has been the Administrator at C.W. Wiebe Medical Corporation in Winkler for over 20 years. He is responsible for leading a joint public-private venture to develop quality healthcare services for the community of Winkler and area. Prior to this, he managed Penner Foods, a leading Manitoba independent retail grocery firm, for 24 years.

His business management experience has instilled in him a strong corporate community responsibility that aligns with the cooperative principles to promote health and economic well-being.

Education

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

Current Community Involvement

Winkler and District Healthcare, Board Member
Winkler Affordable Housing Inc., Board Member

Previous Committee Experience

Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Sunova Credit Union
Chair, Audit Committee
Member, Nominations Committee

As a Director for over eight years, 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.

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

2021-2022 Committees

Chair, Risk Committee

Previous Committee Experience

Chair, Audit and Operational Risk Committee
Member, Community Investment Committee
Member, Executive Committee

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

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 lead three successful startups, directing each organization in the areas of customer service and technology.

Sherry is eager to share her unique knowledge and expertise to enhance the experiences and wealth of the credit union’s members, employees, and communities.

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.

Sherry 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

Previous Committee Experience

Member, Audit and Risk Committee

Jamison was elected to the Noventis Credit Union Board in 2019.

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 the past 11 years.

Jamison is excited to support 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.

Education

Jamison holds a Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) degree.

This spring, he expects to complete the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).

Current Community Involvement

Starbuck Recreation Board

Previous Committee Experience

Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Noventis Credit Union
Chair, Governance Committee
Chair, Audit and Risk Committee
Chair, Interlake Agencies Board
Member, Strategy Committee
Member, Corporate Responsibility Committee

Longstanding Directors of the Credit Union, such as Marlene, provide a respected example of community leadership. She joined the Eriksdale Credit Union Board in 1996, and from 2010 to present has been on the Noventis Credit Union Board, following the merger of several credit unions in the Interlake region.

With a background in finance and business management, Marlene is knowledgeable about human resources, and financial and governance administration. She is the secretary-treasurer of a Manitoba school division, ensuring legislative requirements are met while fulfilling accounting, budgeting, and fiscal management functions. Prior to her current employment, Marlene provided accounting and management training to small and medium sized businesses as part of a Community Futures organization.

Marlene is looking forward to the newly merged Credit Union achieving creative, member-focused solutions to its owners’ needs. She also acknowledges the importance of providing community support through various avenues.

Education

Marlene’s educational background is in accounting, and possesses a Certificate in Municipal Administration (CMMA) designation.

She has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program as well as the Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD) Program, both designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA). She is working on a Certified Credit Union Director (CCD) designation through the Credit Union Executives Society (CUES).

Current Community Involvement

Living Independence for Elders Inc. (L.I.F.E.)
Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission Inc.

Larry Davey

President and Chief Executive Officer

Myrna Wiebe

Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer

Bernice McClintock

Chief Experience Officer

Rich Harries

Chief Operating Officer

Brent Berzuk

Chief Risk Officer

Adam Monteith

Chief Marketing Officer

Leanna Beasant

Chief Financial & People Officer

Curtis Fines

Chief Administration & Subsidiary Officer

Kevin McKnight

Chief Audit Officer

Larry has worked in the financial services industry for more than 30 years. He has been a Chief Executive Officer of various amalgamated credit unions over the past 16 years, including Gimli Credit Union, Noventis Credit Union, and Access Credit Union.

Larry has served on the Credit Union Central of Manitoba Board since 2016. During that time, he has held the positions of Chair of the Investment Committee, Chair of the Audit Committee, and presently, Vice Chair of the Board. Larry is also on the board of the HSC Foundation. He previously served on the Canadian Credit Union Association Board.

Larry has completed his Graduate Degree in Business as well as his MBA through Athabasca University. Larry recently obtained his ICD.D designation through the Rotman’s School of Business University of Toronto.

Myrna has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. As a member of the executive team at Access, she is heavily involved in the development and execution of corporate strategy and board governance. Myrna also oversees the departments of Business Integration and Information Technology and Security, while also serving on the Risk & Advisory Committee of CUCM and several other system-related committees.

Myrna has been actively involved in a variety of volunteer organization boards, including South Central Cancer Resource, the NWU18 Host Committee for Hockey Canada, and the Women's Golf Executive at Minnewasta Golf & Country Club. She was also recently appointed to the Teacher’s Retirement Allowances Fund Board (Manitoba).

Myrna completed her Canadian Securities Course and Certified Financial Planning designation, then continued her education with a Certificate in Management at the University of Manitoba, and further obtained her Post Bac Diploma in Management, an MBA through Athabasca University, a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute, and recently obtained her ICD.D designation through the Rotman’s School of Business University of Toronto.

Bernice has worked within the credit union system in various leadership roles for nearly 30 years, including Senior VP of Retail Sales, Chief Operations Officer, and now Chief Experience Officer. Though Bernice has experience in wealth management, having obtained her Canadian Securities Course and PFP designation as a financial planner, she is passionate about optimizing our members’ experiences within our credit union. Bernice’s goal is to ensure a consistent, positive member experience no matter the channel chosen, from in-branch service to telephone service to online banking.

Bernice is a past member of the Human Resource Advisory Council for Credit Union Central of Manitoba and has served on the boards of the Elizabeth Fry Society, the Community Credit Counselling Society, and the Manitoba Marathon. Bernice volunteers for CancerCare Manitoba, Siloam Mission, and Canadian Blood Services. She also participates in the Asper MBA Executive Mentor Program.

Bernice holds her Certificate in Management (Honours) and a Professional Management designation.

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, People and Culture, and Administration Service departments.

Rich earned his MBA in 2015 and has completed education in areas such as Business Administration, 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 Human Resource Advisory Council for Credit Union Central of Manitoba and has served as a mentor in the National Mentorship Program. Rich also serves as the Chair of the Morden Police Board and as a board member with the Morden Community Development Corporation, Minnewasta Golf & Country Club, Morden & District Chamber of Commerce, and Morden Minor Hockey.

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 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, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University.

Leanna started at Sunova back in 2009 as an Associate. She transferred into the finance department and eventually accepted the position of Controller.

A few years later, Leanna decided to leave Sunova but she didn’t go too far. She stayed in the financial system and spent time at two different credit unions, moving up over the years, before returning in 2018 as our Vice President + Chief Financial Officer.

Curtis started his career with Sunova in 1994 as a part-time Member Service Representative in Stonewall. He moved up quickly and just five years after starting as an MSR, he accepted the managing partner position in Lac du Bonnet. In 2011, after managing a few branches, Curtis accepted the Vice President + Chief Operations Officer role, which he continues to work in today.

Kevin has more than 35 years’ experience in various executive and finance roles in his career. Kevin’s most recent position was the CEO role at Noventis Credit Union, a position he held for 10 years prior to the merger with Access. Kevin’s experience has also included CEO and senior finance roles in health care, education, wealth management, and auditing with the Canada Revenue Agency. In his role as Chief Audit Officer, Kevin oversees the internal audit and assurance activities for the organization.

Kevin has volunteered his in time with a variety of organizations, in the roles of Manitoba 4-H Leader, Board Director/Treasurer for Southwest Community Options, both Regional Director and President roles for the Manitoba Association of School Business Officials (MASBO), Chair of PROMISE Years Partnership, Member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) Health Roundtable (made up of three RHAs, three First Nations and the Provincial and Federal governments) and Director with the Regional Health Authorities of Manitoba. Kevin is also a long-standing member of the Canadian Horse Breeders Association and the Canadian Kennel Club.

Kevin achieved his Certified General Accountant designation (CPA, CGA) after attending the University of Manitoba. He then obtained his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Laurentian University and recently completed the Certified Credit Union Director (CCD) designation through the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES).