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Board of Directors Elections
Board of Directors Elections
Elections open: March 25, 2026
Elections close: April 8, 2026
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Meet the Nominees
Andre Paseschnikoff
Barry Hoeppner (Endorsed)
Catherine Burns (Endorsed)
Curt Letkeman, CPA, ICD.D (Endorsed)
Kevin Antonyshyn
Marina R. James (Endorsed)
Paul Cuthbert (Endorsed)
Robert Reimer (Endorsed)
Taras Babick (Endorsed)
Ty Kushnir
Visaka Jackson
Yuanchao Li
Andre is passionate about strengthening communities through accessible, member-focused financial services and responsible innovation. A long-standing member of Access Credit Union since opening his first account in 2000, Andre brings both a personal connection to the cooperative system and a strong appreciation for the role credit unions play in supporting financial well-being at the community level.
He is a Professional Engineer with over 10 years of experience working across highly regulated industries, including financial technology, aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing. He currently works in the credit union technology space, partnering with credit unions to implement digital solutions that improve member experience, accessibility, and operational efficiency, with a focus on payments and collections. Through this work, he has developed strong sector knowledge and insight into digital transformation, vendor oversight, compliance, and risk management.
Andre values the cooperative principles of doing good, continuous improvement, and shared ownership, and he believes innovation should always be guided by strong governance and a member-first mindset. He is motivated by contributing thoughtful oversight that supports long-term sustainability and positive community impact.
Education
Andre holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Management from the University of Manitoba and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng).
Andre holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Management from the University of Manitoba and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng).
Barry is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified General Accountant. His career with Air Canada included keys roles as a specialist in Corporate Accounting & Consolidations and Senior Manager, Revenue Reporting & Control. After retiring from Air Canada, he accepted a term position as Controller for ESI Rail and then started Bottom Line Business Services providing expertise in finance and business management.
Barry’s previous board experience includes 10 years on the Board for Casera Credit Union, holding several executive roles during his tenure; Audit and Risk Committee Chair, Governance and Human Resources Committee Chair and board Vice-Chair. He completed the Credit Union Director Achievement program and optional courses.
Additional past and current experience include:
- President of Air Canada Pionairs, a global retiree organization of over 16,000 members.
- Air Canada Pension Committee
- Co-chair, Government Liaison - Canadian Federation of Pensioners.
- Royal Canadian Aviation Museum Treasurer
- Transcona Legion - Executive Committee
- Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Store - Treasurer
- Transcona United Church - Administration Committee, Food Bank
Barry brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge and ensures ethics, values and service are core in his every role. His work on an international level enables him to offer both a global and local perspective.
Barry grew up in Transcona and with his wife Gloria continues to make their home here. They are the proud parents of three children. He considers it an honor to serve our members and our communities as we navigate our way forward in this changing and challenging future.
Catherine is an incumbent Director.
2025 – 2026 Roles
- Chair, People & Culture Committee
- Member, Risk Committee
Catherine has been an Access (Crosstown Civic) Credit Union board member since 2012.
As a director her attention is focused on strategic decisions that support the organization’s long-term financial sustainability while respecting the co-operative values of “Do Good and Be Better” for members, employees, and community.
She believes that technology enabled innovation and employee development are key to delivering the financial products and personalized member experience our members expect.
Catherine is the principal consultant for her own practice offering CFO and business consulting services. She brings over 30 years of financial leadership experience across multiple business sectors to the board table when evaluating business investment decisions.
Catherine is the principal consultant for her own practice offering CFO and business consulting services. She brings over 30 years of financial leadership experience across multiple business sectors to the board table when evaluating business investment decisions.
She would be honoured to have the opportunity to continue serving as director, offering insights gained from her experience within governance, strategic planning, finance, audit, and risk management.
Education
Catherine is a Chartered Accountant, with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.
To better fulfill her fiduciary responsibilities, she completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Program (ICD.D) and Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program.
She is committed to staying abreast of industry and workplace regulations and trends, having recently earned Certifications in Human Resource and Compensation Committee Effectiveness and Generative AI for Business: Driving Growth and Competitive Advantage.
Current Community Involvement
Catherine has volunteered with many community boards and committees over the years including Leave a Legacy Manitoba, Concordia Hospital, the Winnipeg Jazz Festival and Gimli Blues Festival.
Curt is an incumbent Director.
2024 – 2025 Roles
- Chair, Board of Director – Access Credit Union
- Member, People & Culture Committee
- Ex-officio Member – Audit, Community Investment, Nominations, Governance and Risk Committees
Curt is the current board chair of Access Credit Union and has been a director for 26 years.
Curt has widespread experience in Credit Union board leadership. He currently represents Access on the Credit Union Central of Manitoba board where he chairs the Audit & Risk Committee and with the Large Credit Unions of Canada, made up of the largest 15 credit unions in Canada. He values relationships with members and employees, and is a team builder, having played an integral role in numerous amalgamation discussions and has worked as a Chief Financial Officer for the past 20 years.
Curt is proud of the staff at Access and the work they do serving its 208,000 members and the community support Access provides. He has been involved in coaching youth sports for over 25 years and volunteers with numerous non-profits and community organizations.
Education
Curt is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and also holds the designation of ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors, Rotman School of Management, the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program and the Certified Credit Union Director (CCD), a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute.
Curt is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and also holds the designation of ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors, Rotman School of Management, the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program and the Certified Credit Union Director (CCD), a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute.
Current Community Involvement
- Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Manitoba, Board Member
- Credit Union Central of Manitoba (CUCM), Board Member
- Concordia Hospital, Board Member
- Manitoba Junior Baseball League, Governor
Kevin sees tremendous opportunities for Access and is excited to contribute the insights and knowledge from his multi-disciplinary career to the success of Access, its employees, members and communities. He is a strategic thinker with strong business, financial and legal skills, who values integrity, community, inclusivity, family and the environment.
As an experienced credit union director, including in leadership roles of several committees, Kevin has a considerable understanding of credit unions, their employee and member needs (rural and urban), and the financial services industry. He also has extensive leadership experience on numerous other boards of foundations, regulatory bodies and industry associations. He has served in executive and committee chair roles and on governance, audit & risk, merger, investment, regulatory and other committees.
Kevin uniquely practices as an independent lawyer and professional accountant. He has assisted clients for 29 years with financial, taxation, corporate, employment and estate matters. He has also held positions of progressive management responsibility for 10 years in the agricultural/transportation industries in marketing, strategic planning, and financial roles. The breadth and depth of his cross-functional experience gives him a rare and valuable perspective.
Education
Kevin holds B.Comm.(Honours), MBA and LL.B degrees [University of Manitoba], and a CPA designation. He received the Manitoba gold medal as an accountant, achieving top marks in Canada in finance and taxation, and Dean’s Honour List and other awards in law school. He also completed a Strategic Management Course [University of Saskatchewan], a Leadership Course [Niagara Institute], and the CCUA Credit Union Director Achievement Program.
Kevin holds B.Comm.(Honours), MBA and LL.B degrees [University of Manitoba], and a CPA designation. He received the Manitoba gold medal as an accountant, achieving top marks in Canada in finance and taxation, and Dean’s Honour List and other awards in law school. He also completed a Strategic Management Course [University of Saskatchewan], a Leadership Course [Niagara Institute], and the CCUA Credit Union Director Achievement Program.
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.
Credit Union Leader and Community Advocate
- 25 years on CU Boards — Access, Noventis, Gimli
- Vice Chair and Governance Chair — Access CU
- Board Chair — Noventis CU (7 years)
- Director and Chair of Governance— Credit Union Central of Manitoba
Community Service and Leadership
Paul dedicated over 40 years to the Manitoba public education system, retiring as the Superintendent/CEO of the Evergreen School Division. Since retiring, Paul has continued to provide governance consulting services to school divisions and education organizations. Paul has also had the privilege of serving on many local and national volunteer boards, gaining invaluable insights and perspectives to inform his work as a credit union director.
Expertise: Governance • Sustainability • Strategic Leadership
Education
Master of Education degree, Certificate in Education, and Bachelor of Science degree.
Master of Education degree, Certificate in Education, and Bachelor of Science degree.
Credit Union specific director accreditation including;
- the Credit Union Director Achievement program - CCUA
- Advanced Certified Credit Union Director - Joseph L. Rotman School of Management
- Certificate of Directorship Excellence – CUES
Volunteer
- Board of Directors – Learning for a Sustainable Future
Committed to: Rural credit union branches • Member value • Community well-being
Paul continues to champion cooperative principles and the credit union system through his service. He is a strong believer that credit unions can improve members’ lives as well as the communities that we serve. Paul is an advocate for credit unions in rural communities, where they are often the only financial services provider. He feels that credit unions serve an important social purpose, supporting the sustainability of communities, the environment and quality of life.
Robert is excited to bring 42 years’ 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
Taras is an incumbent Director.
Taras Babick is completing his three term as Board member of Access Credit Union having previously served as Board member of Carpathia Credit Union since 1990.
He has served on several committees. Taras has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement program. His previous Board experience includes the Boards of Manitoba Health, Cancer Care Manitoba, and the Manitoba Arts Council. Taras was the Deputy Registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba for twenty years. He was responsible for Standards and the Manitoba Quality Assurance Program.
Taras is a practicing family physician in Winnipeg, and practices with his daughter Dr. Andrea Babick. He is the Medial Director of Holy Family Home. He is the founding artistic director of the Orlan Ukrainian Folk Ensemble. He is the Chair of the Wasyl Topolnicky Memorial Foundation and is a member of the Board of the St. Boniface Ukrainian Foundation.
Taras was installed as an honorary life member of the Canadian Medical Association. He is the recipient of both the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Medal. Taras is married to Patrusia. Their daughter Andrea is a family physician and son John is a Deacon in the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Ty Kushnir is a proud Manitoban and long-time member of Access Credit Union, living and working in Winnipeg. With a robust professional background in Commercial Lending and over a decade of experience in the financial sector, Ty brings a practical, member-first perspective to the Board of Directors. In his current role at the Manitoba Métis Federation, Ty supports the Red River Métis Power Corporation in developing renewable energy projects, further deepening his expertise in large-scale provincial development and sustainable investment.
Beyond his professional role, Ty is deeply committed to local governance and community development. He currently serves on the boards of Youth Employment Services and Our Own Health Centre, where he helps guide strategic growth and community impact. Ty believes that strong, locally governed credit unions are the backbone of Manitoba’s rural and urban economies, providing the stability and support necessary for residents and businesses to thrive.
Ty is running for the Board of Directors to apply his expertise in financial literacy, corporate governance, and values-based decision-making. His vision for Access Credit Union focuses on three key pillars: driving responsible growth to ensure the credit union remains a stable, long-term partner for families, farms, and small businesses; enhancing both digital and in-branch service excellence to meet members where they are; and maintaining a culture of integrity and innovation. By balancing transparency with a forward-thinking approach, Ty is eager to ensure that Access Credit Union continues to serve as a trusted financial partner for all members for generations to come.
I am Visaka Jackson, a female visible minority a dedicated and results-driven professional financial specialist with extensive experience in helping individuals and businesses navigate the complex landscape of personal and corporate finance.
I pride myself on staying ahead of industry trends and continuously expanding my knowledge base. The financial world is constantly evolving, with new regulations. I am committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring that the advice and guidance I provide reflect the most current best practices and innovative solutions available.
Education
Accounting Technicians of England accounting certification
Red Rever College Business Administration
Professional Bookkeepers of Canada
Volunteer
Volunteered at the Women’s Enterprise Center Winnipeg
Winnipeg Reginal Health Authority Community Health Advisor Committee
Also, I own an operate a home staging business in Winnipeg. I have worked with nonprofit organizations in Winnipeg where I have a passion to help people in need. I love to listen to Country and Jazz music.
Yuanchao Li
- Director of Long Han Law Firm
- Long Han Law Firm only provide free legal information to victims, especially for newcomers.
- Director of Long Han Education & Immigration Corporation
- Director of LX Properties Inc.
- Member of the Law Society of Ontario Lawyer and Paralegal Directory
- Notary Public for the Province of Ontario
- Class P1 License at Law Society of Ontario (P16372)
- Member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
- Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant R524966
- Member of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board (WRREB)
- Member of the Manitoba Real Estate Association
- Member of the Canadian Real Estate Association
- US CPA National Candidate (1119877)
Experiences
- International Student Immigration Advisor of Confederation College (2018 – 2020)
- Two years work experiences at Canada Revenue Agency of Canadian federal government
Education
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, International Business Major
- Wuhan University, English Arts Major
