Introduction
The 2025 annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 26 and will be available to view on our website on Saturday, March 29.
Below are the candidates running:
Board Candidates
Ron Hastie
Jena Miller
Darcy Phillips
Jon Ruiz
Supervisory Committee
Erik Kupka
Cathi McNutt
Kristen Rutherford
Board Candidates
Ron Hastie
Years of Credit Union Membership – 24 years
Education
- BA Accounting 1984 – Evangel College, Springfield, MO
- Certified Public Accountant Licensing 1987
Work Experience
- 34 Years Public Accounting
- Owns Ronald Hastie, CPA Firm in Olympia Since 1989 (specialize in Business Accounting, Taxes and Consulting)
- Owns RJ Homes since 1989 (general contractor)
- Owns RJ Development since 2006 (senior housing, single family housing, multifamily housing development and construction)
Credit Union Service
- Board of Directors
- Executive Committee
- Supervisory Committee – Board Liaison
- Facilities Committee
- Partners/CUSO Committee
- Sales & Delivery Committee
Community Service
- Northwest University Board Member, Treasurer
- Life Manor Senior Housing Community, Board Member
- Washington State CPA Society, Member
Candidate Statement to the Membership
- WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE BOARD AND CREDIT UNION?
I have served for 21 years and I feel I contribute a good understanding of credit union finances and risk along with a heart for the credit union Mission and Vision of contributing to the communities it serves.
- WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?
I believe the credit union provides great value and service to its members and communities.
Jena Miller
Years of Credit Union Membership – 7 years
Education
BS Computer Science & Mathematics – University of Portland
Work Experience
- EDB, Product Operations Consultant
- Mesophere/D2iQ, Director of Corporate Data Operations
- Mesophere/D2iQ, Director of Worldwide Customer Support Engineering
- Mesophere/D2iQ, US Customer Operations Engineering Manager
- Basho Technologies, Support Engineer
- Amazon, Software Development Engineer
- Umpqua Bank, Software Audit Intern
Credit Union Service
- Board of Directors
- Associate Board Member
- Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Committee
- Administrative Committee
- Governance Committee
- Supporting our Communities Committee
- Supervisory Committee – Board Liaison
Community Service
- Girls Who Code; Section Leader
- Society of Women Engineers; Member
- SOAR Athletic Boosters, Tumwater School District; Web Developer
- Tumwater School District; CTE Community Advisor
Candidate Statement to the Membership
- WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE BOARD AND CREDIT UNION?
I am a young professional with expertise in technology. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, I can provide valuable insights not only into existing solutions but also into future possibilities, enhancing communication between the credit union and its members and making their lives easier. Additionally, I share a perspective common to many members, as I am raising three young children in our communities.
- WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?
As a Pacific Northwest native now raising my own three sweet daughters here, I believe in the unique spirit that defines our region. I would like to contribute to the strong, positive bond that the credit union has with both my local community and those across the Pacific Northwest.
Darcy Phillips
Years of Credit Union Membership – 5 years
Education
- Central Oregon Community College
Work Experience
- Cornerstone Community Housing; Executive Director
- Holt International; Director of Sponsorship
- Symantec Corp.; Technical Support Manager
- Eugene Christian Fellowship; Pastoral Staff
Credit Union Service
- Board of Directors
Community Service
- Eugene Chamber of Commerce; Board Member
- Better Housing Together; Board Member
- Local Government Affairs Council; Past Board Member
- Early Learning Alliance-Governance Consortium; Past Board Member
Candidate Statement to the Membership
- WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE BOARD AND CREDIT UNION?
As a board member, I bring a strategic mindset focused on optimizing opportunities for growth and success. With a passion for maximizing potential, I excel at identifying what’s working well and making it even better, driving excellence in all areas.
- WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?
I want to serve on the Board because I am passionate about contributing to an organization that prioritizes people and community. As a board member, I have the opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of the credit union, ensuring we continue to deliver meaningful value to our members.
Jon Ruiz
Years of Credit Union Membership – 7 years
Education
- M.B.A., University of Colorado
- Master’s of Strategic Studies, US Army War College
- B.S., Forestry, Colorado State University
Work Experience
- Retired
- City of Eugene – City Manager
- Cities of Fort Collins, Colorado; Ogden, Utah; Fresno, California: Various local government experiences, including public works, finance/budgeting, economic development, transportation, planning, public safety, parks/recreation, utilities
- US Army Reserves, Colorado National Guard
- Active Duty US Army Reserves; Retired Rank: Colonel
Credit Union Service
- Board of Directors
- Executive Committee
- Supporting our Communities Committee
Community Service
- 15th Night, Eugene; Founder
- Veterans Housing Project, Eugene; Founder
- Oregon PeaceHealth Community Board; Board Member
- United Way of Lane County; Board Member
Candidate Statement to the Membership
- WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE BOARD AND CREDIT UNION?
Having spent over 35 years in city government, most recently as Eugene City Manager, I believe I offer the credit union a deep understanding of how communities work and how the credit union can positively impact the communities in which it operates. I also offer extensive executive leadership, policy and governance experience.
- WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?
To provide members with opportunities to develop and maintain their financial well-being, and find possibilities for all community members to experience financial stability.
Supervisory Committee
Erik Kupka
Years of Credit Union Membership – 41 years
Education
- Bachelor of Arts
- Juris Doctorate
Work Experience
- Ingram, Zelasko & Goodwin, LLP; Attorney/Partner
- Grays Harbor County and Thurston County District Courts; Former Judge Pro Tem
Credit Union Service
- Supervisory Committee
- Board of Directors
- Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Committee
- Facilities Committee
- Sales & Delivery Committee
Community Service
- The Mayday Foundation; Director
- YMCA of Grays Harbor; Former Director/Past President
- Aberdeen Library Board; Former Director
- Montesano Youth Soccer League; Former Director/Past Vice-President
Candidate Statement to the Membership
- WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE AND CREDIT UNION?
The Supervisory Committee is essential to a financially sound institution. My experience and background will contribute to the enhanced roles and responsibilities of the Supervisory Committee where growing regulation, law, compliance requirements and expanding services is critical to our ongoing success in the twenty-first century.
- WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE?
The service to our organization is both challenging and rewarding in intangible ways. I find both personal growth and satisfaction in being part of something special while working together to be a better committee and organization.
Cathi McNutt
Years of Credit Union Membership – 6 years
Education
- Bachelor of Science – Accounting; University of Oregon
Work Experience
- Retired
- United Way of Lane County, Chief Financial Officer
- Jones & Roth, CPAs; Partner
Credit Union Service
- Supervisory Committee
Community Service
- United Way of Lane County
- Professional Women’s Forum; Board President, Treasurer
- American Institute of CPAs (AICPA); Past Review Advisory Board; and Past Board President
Candidate Statement to the Membership
- WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE AND CREDIT UNION?
I spent many years as a credit union external auditor. I understand the guidelines and regulation credit unions are subject to, as well as the financial complexities they possess. I can offer my experience, insight and objectivity. I have the character and strength to be in a position to provide support and oversight and question when there is something that needs explanation.
- WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE?
I believe in credit unions and have been part of this credit union’s history and growth for many years. I enjoy the challenging conversations, understanding the credit union’s strengths, and seeing the opportunities. I feel I have value to offer the credit union and its members.
Kristen Rutherford
Years of Credit Union Membership – 15 years
Education
- Masters of Accounting, University of Oregon
- BS Accounting, Linfield University
Work Experience
- Roseburg Forest Products; Sr. Director of Accounting and Corporate Controller; Corporate Financial Controller; Director of Accounting, Assistant Corporate Controller
- Levi Strauss & Co; Technical Accounting and Treasury Manager
- Iberdrola Renewables; Senior Financial Reporting Accountant
- Ernst & Young LLP; Audit Manager, Audit Senior, Staff Accountant
- Grant Thornton LLP; Audit Associate
Credit Union Service
- Supervisory Committee
Community Service
- Monroe Jr Dragons; Youth Sports Program, President and Board Member
- Oregon Society of CPAs; Member
Candidate Statement to the Membership
- WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE AND CREDIT UNION?
I have an extensive accounting and auditing background. I am always good at asking important questions and looking at risk and how that may improve the oversight of the internal audit department.
- WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE?
I want to serve the credit union to ensure our community members continue to have access to credit unions and I think the role the credit union plays in their communities is important. I think I can add value with my previous background and work history.