Meet our volunteer Board of Directors for PROCU
Melisa D. Lindsay-Lipkins, CRPC®, Chairman
OnPoint Community Credit Union
Melisa Lindsay-Lipkins is the Vice President of Wealth Management & Investment Services at OnPoint Community Credit Union. Starting her career in financial services in 1996, she has had experience in all aspects of the client investment experience and seeks to build and promote a team of financial professionals of the highest caliber.
Melisa brings her professional and personable approach to serving the members of OnPoint Community Credit Union. Through Raymond James Financial Services, she provides the necessary framework that allows for the personalization of complex investment portfolios constructed to meet the unique financial goals of myriad clients.
Melisa earned the CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR designation from the College for Financial Planning® in 2008. She also currently holds securities licenses 7, 66, 24, 53 as well as Oregon Life & Health Insurance license. In addition to her professional accreditation, she is a graduate of Washington College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and is a current MBA candidate of Pacific University.
Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Melisa resides in NW Portland with her family and spends her time participating in local running events, traveling, and indulging in the Portland food scene.
CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR and CRPC® are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning®.
OnPoint Community Credit Union
Melisa Lindsay-Lipkins is the Vice President of Wealth Management & Investment Services at OnPoint Community Credit Union. Starting her career in financial services in 1996, she has had experience in all aspects of the client investment experience and seeks to build and promote a team of financial professionals of the highest caliber.
Melisa brings her professional and personable approach to serving the members of OnPoint Community Credit Union. Through Raymond James Financial Services, she provides the necessary framework that allows for the personalization of complex investment portfolios constructed to meet the unique financial goals of myriad clients.
Melisa earned the CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR designation from the College for Financial Planning® in 2008. She also currently holds securities licenses 7, 66, 24, 53 as well as Oregon Life & Health Insurance license. In addition to her professional accreditation, she is a graduate of Washington College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and is a current MBA candidate of Pacific University.
Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Melisa resides in NW Portland with her family and spends her time participating in local running events, traveling, and indulging in the Portland food scene.
CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR and CRPC® are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning®.
Teo Trandafir, Vice Chair
UW Credit Union
Teo is responsible for the overall strategic direction and success of Wealth Management at UW Credit Union and provides leadership to the team. Teo has been an executive in the wealth management industry since 2000, developing extensive experience in investment program management and enhancing the client experience. He most recently served as assistant vice president at Partners Retirement and Wealth Management in Burbank, California. Prior to joining Partners Federal Credit Union in 2007, Teo held various management positions in the industry. In addition, he serves on the board for the Product & Research Organization for Credit Unions (PROCU), as well as the School of Human Ecology’s Personal Finance Advisory Board at UW-Madison.
Teo has bachelor degrees from California State University San Bernardino and a master’s degree in finance from University of Redlands. He also attended the Euromed School of Management in France.
Teo’s passion for serving members resides at the core of his management philosophy – providing the best service experience possible. In fact, he encourages and supports his team in their efforts to increase their knowledge of the industry in order to improve the member experience. Teo looks for ways to improve members’ financial lives and works to foster this guiding principle in his staff.
UW Credit Union
Teo is responsible for the overall strategic direction and success of Wealth Management at UW Credit Union and provides leadership to the team. Teo has been an executive in the wealth management industry since 2000, developing extensive experience in investment program management and enhancing the client experience. He most recently served as assistant vice president at Partners Retirement and Wealth Management in Burbank, California. Prior to joining Partners Federal Credit Union in 2007, Teo held various management positions in the industry. In addition, he serves on the board for the Product & Research Organization for Credit Unions (PROCU), as well as the School of Human Ecology’s Personal Finance Advisory Board at UW-Madison.
Teo has bachelor degrees from California State University San Bernardino and a master’s degree in finance from University of Redlands. He also attended the Euromed School of Management in France.
Teo’s passion for serving members resides at the core of his management philosophy – providing the best service experience possible. In fact, he encourages and supports his team in their efforts to increase their knowledge of the industry in order to improve the member experience. Teo looks for ways to improve members’ financial lives and works to foster this guiding principle in his staff.
Najib Khan, Treasurer
Langley Federal Credit Union
Najib Khan is the Vice President of Langley Financial Services which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Langley Federal Credit Union located in Newport News, VA. He is responsible for managing all aspects of the investment services division and the independent insurance agency for Langley FCU. He also serves as the Investment Program Manager for the Langley Investment Services.
He has worked with clients for over 15 years in the financial services industry. He currently sits on Cetera Investment Service’s Leadership Council and Technology Council. In addition, Najib has a passion for serving his community. As board member with Junior Achievement of Hampton Roads, he helps foster a positive environment for young people to reach success. Junior Achievement promotes financial capability, work and career readiness and business ownership to children in Tidewater region of Virginia and millions of students across the country.
He is originally from Fairfax, VA, currently residing in Virginia Beach, VA with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, going to see live music, and spending weekends at the beach.
Matthew Snively, Secretary
Elements Financial Federal Credit Union
Matt joined the investments industry with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. in 1992 and has been a Senior Vice President at Elements Financial Federal Credit Union ($2.2 billion assets, 100,000 members) since 2006. He currently serves on the credit union’s executive leadership team and leads the Wealth Management Department.
Matt earned a B.S. from Ball State University, an MBA from the University of Indianapolis.
Matt was named the Indiana Credit Union League’s Emerging Leadership Award in 2009 and a “Top 20 Program Manager” by Bank Investment Consultant Magazine 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2017. He was also named a "Top Credit Union Director" by Kehrer Bielan in 2021. Elements Financial Wealth Management was named “Program of the Year” at LPL in 2017 and 2018. Matt holds FINRA Series 7, 8, and 63.
Elements Financial Federal Credit Union
Matt joined the investments industry with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. in 1992 and has been a Senior Vice President at Elements Financial Federal Credit Union ($2.2 billion assets, 100,000 members) since 2006. He currently serves on the credit union’s executive leadership team and leads the Wealth Management Department.
Matt earned a B.S. from Ball State University, an MBA from the University of Indianapolis.
Matt was named the Indiana Credit Union League’s Emerging Leadership Award in 2009 and a “Top 20 Program Manager” by Bank Investment Consultant Magazine 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2017. He was also named a "Top Credit Union Director" by Kehrer Bielan in 2021. Elements Financial Wealth Management was named “Program of the Year” at LPL in 2017 and 2018. Matt holds FINRA Series 7, 8, and 63.
Holly Grellier
First Tech Federal Credit Union
The majority of my 20-year career in the financial services industry has been spent working at Credit Unions with a focus on the Investment Services arena. I am passionate about creating amazing member experiences and promoting the value of credit unions.
As the Vice President of Investment Services Operations at First Tech Federal Credit Union, my responsibilities include overseeing the operations, technology, compensation, and data governance functions of the Investment Services Division, Addison Avenue. As the largest Credit Union Investment Services program in the nation, Addison Avenue has over $4 billion in Assets Under Management, 30 Financial Advisors, and primarily serves members in the technology industry.
Prior to joining Addison Avenue, I worked in both a Compliance and Project Management capacity for the Golden 1 Credit Union and Golden 1 Financial Services, respectively.
In a voluntary capacity, I dedicate time to industry, community, and a commitment to learning. I currently serve on the Raymond James Technology Advisory Council. Outside of the office, I enjoy volunteering in the Chemistry Lab at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI); as a classroom instructor for Junior Achievement; the Oregon & Placer County Food Banks; Credit Unions for Kids, and the Children’s Miracle Network. I am also an avid fan of transit and vintage rail travel which has lead me both to volunteer at the California State Railroad Museum and to serve on transit committees to promote alternate commuting options.
First Tech Federal Credit Union
The majority of my 20-year career in the financial services industry has been spent working at Credit Unions with a focus on the Investment Services arena. I am passionate about creating amazing member experiences and promoting the value of credit unions.
As the Vice President of Investment Services Operations at First Tech Federal Credit Union, my responsibilities include overseeing the operations, technology, compensation, and data governance functions of the Investment Services Division, Addison Avenue. As the largest Credit Union Investment Services program in the nation, Addison Avenue has over $4 billion in Assets Under Management, 30 Financial Advisors, and primarily serves members in the technology industry.
Prior to joining Addison Avenue, I worked in both a Compliance and Project Management capacity for the Golden 1 Credit Union and Golden 1 Financial Services, respectively.
In a voluntary capacity, I dedicate time to industry, community, and a commitment to learning. I currently serve on the Raymond James Technology Advisory Council. Outside of the office, I enjoy volunteering in the Chemistry Lab at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI); as a classroom instructor for Junior Achievement; the Oregon & Placer County Food Banks; Credit Unions for Kids, and the Children’s Miracle Network. I am also an avid fan of transit and vintage rail travel which has lead me both to volunteer at the California State Railroad Museum and to serve on transit committees to promote alternate commuting options.
Tom Mitchell, CFP®
OneAZ Credit Union
Tom Mitchell joined OneAZ Credit Union to lead OneAZ Wealth Management in 2017 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona. The team of OneAZ Wealth Advisors serves and advises members across 20 credit union branches. Prior to joining OneAZ Wealth Management, Tom led the Flagship Financial Group team located at American Airlines Federal Credit Union (AAFCU) in Fort Worth, TX. Before AAFCU, Tom was the Regional Vice President of Cetera Investment Services and had responsibility for new business development for the western half of the United States.
In 2001, Tom created and led the Insurance and Investment Services division of Omega Financial Corporation, a bank holding company based in Pennsylvania. Tom also served as National Marketing Director for Security First Group (SFG), a MetLife Company. His SFG responsibilities included new financial institution client acquisitions and sales management. In 1991, Tom was instrumental in the inception of Spectrum Financial Network, a third-party marketing firm specializing in community-based financial institutions in the mid-Atlantic states. Other highlights throughout Tom’s 30-year career in the financial services industry include personal insurance, investment sales production, and serving as an adjunct instructor for Pennsylvania State University, where he created and taught a 3-credit undergraduate Personal Finance course.
Tom is an accomplished public speaker and has spoken at numerous seminars, webinars, and conferences. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from Pennsylvania State University, the Certified Financial Planner™ certification, Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 registrations held through LPL Financial, and various insurance licenses.
OneAZ Credit Union
Tom Mitchell joined OneAZ Credit Union to lead OneAZ Wealth Management in 2017 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona. The team of OneAZ Wealth Advisors serves and advises members across 20 credit union branches. Prior to joining OneAZ Wealth Management, Tom led the Flagship Financial Group team located at American Airlines Federal Credit Union (AAFCU) in Fort Worth, TX. Before AAFCU, Tom was the Regional Vice President of Cetera Investment Services and had responsibility for new business development for the western half of the United States.
In 2001, Tom created and led the Insurance and Investment Services division of Omega Financial Corporation, a bank holding company based in Pennsylvania. Tom also served as National Marketing Director for Security First Group (SFG), a MetLife Company. His SFG responsibilities included new financial institution client acquisitions and sales management. In 1991, Tom was instrumental in the inception of Spectrum Financial Network, a third-party marketing firm specializing in community-based financial institutions in the mid-Atlantic states. Other highlights throughout Tom’s 30-year career in the financial services industry include personal insurance, investment sales production, and serving as an adjunct instructor for Pennsylvania State University, where he created and taught a 3-credit undergraduate Personal Finance course.
Tom is an accomplished public speaker and has spoken at numerous seminars, webinars, and conferences. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from Pennsylvania State University, the Certified Financial Planner™ certification, Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 registrations held through LPL Financial, and various insurance licenses.
Jeffrey Thatcher, CFP®
Visions Federal Credit Union
Jeff Thatcher joined Visions Federal Credit Union as the Managing Director of Visions Investment Services with the purpose of building a leading full-service relationship based financial planning division for all members to help provide them with financial strategies for important life and financial milestones. Prior to joining Visions FCU, Jeff spent the last 13 years managing the Financial Services department for Hudson Valley Federal Credit union. During his tenue at Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Jeff built and managed one of the top Financial Services programs nationwide, and in 2014 was named one of the top 50 program managers nationally by Bank Investment Consultant magazine*.
Jeff has the distinction of being a registered Financial Representative for more than 25 years. His extensive background in finance and a high quality of member service provides him with a comprehensive foundation that will benefit the members of Visions FCU.
Jeff has earned the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, ™ which required completing a rigorous 2-year course and passing the national exam. CFP® professionals must meet the Financial Planners Standards Council standards in education, experience, examination and ethics. CFP® professionals must also have 30 hours of continuing education every year and agree to abide by the CFP® Code of Ethics to renew their right to use the credential annually.
Jeff is married with two children and two Labrador dogs named Buddy and Lucky. He is an active member in the community and currently volunteers and is a board member for two organizations.
*Ranked by Bank Investment Consultant magazine on several criteria, including percentage growth in team assets, percentage growth in team production, production per advisor, number of advisors and number of licensed branch employees.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Visions Federal Credit Union and Visions Investment Services are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial.
Not NCUA Insured Not Credit Union Guaranteed May Lose Value
Visions Federal Credit Union
Jeff Thatcher joined Visions Federal Credit Union as the Managing Director of Visions Investment Services with the purpose of building a leading full-service relationship based financial planning division for all members to help provide them with financial strategies for important life and financial milestones. Prior to joining Visions FCU, Jeff spent the last 13 years managing the Financial Services department for Hudson Valley Federal Credit union. During his tenue at Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Jeff built and managed one of the top Financial Services programs nationwide, and in 2014 was named one of the top 50 program managers nationally by Bank Investment Consultant magazine*.
Jeff has the distinction of being a registered Financial Representative for more than 25 years. His extensive background in finance and a high quality of member service provides him with a comprehensive foundation that will benefit the members of Visions FCU.
Jeff has earned the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, ™ which required completing a rigorous 2-year course and passing the national exam. CFP® professionals must meet the Financial Planners Standards Council standards in education, experience, examination and ethics. CFP® professionals must also have 30 hours of continuing education every year and agree to abide by the CFP® Code of Ethics to renew their right to use the credential annually.
Jeff is married with two children and two Labrador dogs named Buddy and Lucky. He is an active member in the community and currently volunteers and is a board member for two organizations.
*Ranked by Bank Investment Consultant magazine on several criteria, including percentage growth in team assets, percentage growth in team production, production per advisor, number of advisors and number of licensed branch employees.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Visions Federal Credit Union and Visions Investment Services are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial.
Not NCUA Insured Not Credit Union Guaranteed May Lose Value
Kim Jaime
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
Kim joined the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union in 2011, and currently manages the Financial Planning and Investment Services department. In this role, she manages the day-to-day operations of the investment team and guides the growth and direction of the program. She has worked in financial services for over two decades in a variety of sales and management roles and brings strong marketing and client service experience to her current position. Alaska USA has over $7 billion in assets and more than 650,000 members in all 50 states and around the world. With a full range of financial services in over 75 branches in Alaska, Arizona, California and Washington.
Kim holds a BS from Arizona State University. She is passionate about helping others in her community and serves on the finance committee for the Eyak Permanent Fund Settlement Trust, as well as, the investment advisory commission for the Municipality of Anchorage Trust Fund. Kim resides in Anchorage and enjoys spending time with her family and friends camping, fishing, rafting, boating and skiing.
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
Kim joined the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union in 2011, and currently manages the Financial Planning and Investment Services department. In this role, she manages the day-to-day operations of the investment team and guides the growth and direction of the program. She has worked in financial services for over two decades in a variety of sales and management roles and brings strong marketing and client service experience to her current position. Alaska USA has over $7 billion in assets and more than 650,000 members in all 50 states and around the world. With a full range of financial services in over 75 branches in Alaska, Arizona, California and Washington.
Kim holds a BS from Arizona State University. She is passionate about helping others in her community and serves on the finance committee for the Eyak Permanent Fund Settlement Trust, as well as, the investment advisory commission for the Municipality of Anchorage Trust Fund. Kim resides in Anchorage and enjoys spending time with her family and friends camping, fishing, rafting, boating and skiing.
James Herring
RBFCU Investments Group
James Herring joined Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) in February 2019 to lead the investment services program. Headquartered in Live Oak, Texas, RBFCU serves more than 950,000 members and has 61 branch locations throughout the state. Through Ameriprise Financial Institutions Group, a channel of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, the investment services program comprises 14 financial advisors with approximately $850 million in client brokerage assets.
In his role, James is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the program, as well as the day‑to-day operations, including business development, recruiting, compensation, compliance, practice management, leadership and training. He also manages various functions at the credit union such as IRA services and trust services.
Prior to joining RBFCU, James served in various positions which helped him to develop a well‑rounded approach to financial planning and a strong focus on the member experience. He leads his team with a passion for serving members and an inherent philosophy to help people, which resonates well with RBFCU’s philosophy of “People Helping People.”
Previously a financial advisor, James received numerous production awards during his career with Thrivent Financial. Additionally, over the course of his leadership role at RBFCU, the investment services program has consistently ranked in the top five programs of CUNA Mutual Group for production. James has a degree in business administration from the University of North Texas and currently holds a Series 7 and 66 registration.
James is married with four children and is an active member in his community, as he regularly volunteers at church and youth sports organizations. His support for the community extends to local nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and Church Under the Bridge.
RBFCU Investments Group
James Herring joined Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) in February 2019 to lead the investment services program. Headquartered in Live Oak, Texas, RBFCU serves more than 950,000 members and has 61 branch locations throughout the state. Through Ameriprise Financial Institutions Group, a channel of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, the investment services program comprises 14 financial advisors with approximately $850 million in client brokerage assets.
In his role, James is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the program, as well as the day‑to-day operations, including business development, recruiting, compensation, compliance, practice management, leadership and training. He also manages various functions at the credit union such as IRA services and trust services.
Prior to joining RBFCU, James served in various positions which helped him to develop a well‑rounded approach to financial planning and a strong focus on the member experience. He leads his team with a passion for serving members and an inherent philosophy to help people, which resonates well with RBFCU’s philosophy of “People Helping People.”
Previously a financial advisor, James received numerous production awards during his career with Thrivent Financial. Additionally, over the course of his leadership role at RBFCU, the investment services program has consistently ranked in the top five programs of CUNA Mutual Group for production. James has a degree in business administration from the University of North Texas and currently holds a Series 7 and 66 registration.
James is married with four children and is an active member in his community, as he regularly volunteers at church and youth sports organizations. His support for the community extends to local nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and Church Under the Bridge.
Russ Gochneaur, AWMA, AAMS, CRPC, CRPS
Columbia Credit Union
Russ Gochneaur is the Vice President of Investments & Insurance at Columbia Credit Union, which serves the needs of more than 108,000 members across the SW Washington and Portland metro areas with a community-minded, member-first approach honed since the credit union’s founding in 1952.
In his role as Program Manager for CUSO Financial Services, L.P., Russ is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Investments & Insurance team as well as day‑to-day operations, including business development, recruiting, compensation, practice management, leadership and training. Russ has 32 years of experience in the financial services industry and holds FINRA Series 4, 7, 24, 53, 63, and 65.
Russ currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Symphony, while also having served on the Boards of the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce, NAIFA of Central Iowa, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jasper County and the Ankeny Golf & Country Club. Russ and his wife, Denice, are originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and currently reside in Washougal, Washington. In their spare time, the pair enjoy golfing, hiking, cycling and scuba diving.
Columbia Credit Union
Russ Gochneaur is the Vice President of Investments & Insurance at Columbia Credit Union, which serves the needs of more than 108,000 members across the SW Washington and Portland metro areas with a community-minded, member-first approach honed since the credit union’s founding in 1952.
In his role as Program Manager for CUSO Financial Services, L.P., Russ is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Investments & Insurance team as well as day‑to-day operations, including business development, recruiting, compensation, practice management, leadership and training. Russ has 32 years of experience in the financial services industry and holds FINRA Series 4, 7, 24, 53, 63, and 65.
Russ currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Symphony, while also having served on the Boards of the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce, NAIFA of Central Iowa, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jasper County and the Ankeny Golf & Country Club. Russ and his wife, Denice, are originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and currently reside in Washougal, Washington. In their spare time, the pair enjoy golfing, hiking, cycling and scuba diving.
Samantha White
Elements Financial Federal Credit Union
Samantha has been with Elements Financial since April of 2019. She is the Private Client Administrative Assistant, helping the Private Client team with any operational needs. Prior to joining Elements, Samantha worked for another financial institution as a Universal Banker and has also worked in a couple of other fields outside of the banking world.
This will be Samantha's first year as Conference Coordinator for PROCU.
Elements Financial Federal Credit Union
Samantha has been with Elements Financial since April of 2019. She is the Private Client Administrative Assistant, helping the Private Client team with any operational needs. Prior to joining Elements, Samantha worked for another financial institution as a Universal Banker and has also worked in a couple of other fields outside of the banking world.
This will be Samantha's first year as Conference Coordinator for PROCU.
Contact Us.
If you'd like more information about PROCU, the Conference, Roundtables or our Board; please contact Samantha White at swhite@elements.org