Board of Directors

Meet Our Board of Directors

Valley Credit Union is a democratic financial institution that operates with the best interests of our customer-owners, community and environment in mind. You could play an integral role in shaping the future direction of this progressive, dynamic, and caring organization.

Martin Gillis - Chairman

Marty is currently the Chair of the Board for Valley Credit Union. He has been a member of the board for 19 years. He has been a director for a total of 32 years between Valley Credit Union and Avon Credit Union. Marty represented Valley Credit Union at Provincial, National, and International Conferences. 12 years on the Hantsport Town Council and 14 years with the Hantsport Fire Department. Has completed the mandatory Credit Union Director Training with many years of management experience in business.

Andrea Martin - Vice Chair

Andrea has been a director for 15 years. She is currently the Vice-Chair and was previously the Board Secretary. She's chaired various Valley Credit Union committees and is currently the Chair of the Audit Committee and represented VCU at several conferences: CU World Conference, CU Canadian Conference, and Atlantic Central meetings.

Andrea is active in her community associations and has held positions such as Director and President. While I currently do not have a position, I do volunteer to help at events and the occasional accounting assistance. I also volunteer to help Mud Creek Rotary at their Toonie Toss Count when asked.

Andrea completed the required training as well as electives which help in her responsibilities. She attends as many conferences as possible to gain extra insight into the “World of Credit Unions”. She is also a CPA, which allows her e the understanding of the financial aspects of the credit union.
 
Andrea is very committed to Valley Credit Union and firmly believes in the system.

Brian Sturney

Brian is a self employed small businessman, residing in the Village of Lawrencetown. Currently he is Captain of the Lawrencetown Volunteer Fire Department.

Brian has been a credit union member for 20 years and is committed to meeting the needs of the board and our valued membership. Brian completed the required director training and serves on a number of committees.

Brian's strengths and training have contributed to the Valley Credit Union Board of Directors for more than 12 years. He looks forward to continuing to meet the needs of our valued membership.

Carol Tobin

Carol Tobin has been a credit union member for more than 40 years.

Carol joined the Board of Directors for Valley Credit Union in 2006 and has served on a variety of committees over the years.

Carol brings a wide variety of experience, skills, and interest to the Board of Valley Credit Union. “I listen carefully, consider responsibly, and act responsively to the concerns and issues brought to the Board in order to address them constructively. I believe in collaborative and collegial means to identify new and better goals, ideas, and solutions to make good decisions and resolve problems, " said Carol, "I believe that at Valley Credit Union we can be leaders in incorporating sustainable practices in our operations and in offering environmentally friendly financial solutions. These are challenging times, especially for financial institutions.”

Richard F. Graham

Richard is a new member to Valley Credit Union, however, for the last 10 years he has been a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union through a volunteer sport organization he managed.

Richard is a member of the Kentville Rotary Club, a voting member of the Canadian Red Cross, and a member of their Nova Scotia Provincial Advisory Council.

Richard brings many years of skill and experience to the VCU Board of Directors. He has 41 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 36 years with CIBC, of which 25 years was as a commercial/corporate banker. Richard spent 10 years as a member of the Board of Directors of a national sport governing body. He volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross 15 years, predominantly in the areas of corporate governance and fund development. Richard also spent 5 years as a member of a Board of Directors of a professionally managed not-for-profit recycling company, whose mandated is to employ consumers with mental health challenges.

Wayne Fowler

Wayne is a member of Valley Credit Union. He is a local business owner, has major non-profit experience, and has been a community support organizer.

Wayne is very involved in the community and brings experience from these activities to the Board of Directors of Valley Credit Union. He is the President of the Credit Union Centre, Vice President of Western Valley Minor Hockey Association, a member of the Planning & Advisory Committee for the Village of Kingston, and a member of Valley #90 Masonic Lodge. Wayne was a key organizer for Kingston’s nomination for Kraft Hockyville in 2014 in which the arena received second place and $100,000 for upgrades.

Kathleen Hutchinson

Kathleen is a lawyer with Waterbury Newton. She has served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers, Big Sisters Annapolis Valley. Kathleen’s legal training will be an asset and bring valuable skills to the Board.

Reginald Rose

Reginald has previously served on the Shelburne Community Business Development Board (CBDC) for nine years. He served on Church and Exhibition Boards as well as the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation Board for five years, and was the Chair of the Investment Committee for two years.

Reginald has an understanding of Board Governance and business operations, which is an asset, and an interest in community organizations.He was a consultant with IG Wealth Management for 31 years and currently runs a stand-alone rural office and built a successful practice with no compliance issues.

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Jim Bell

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Christopher Killacky