Leadership

Columbia Credit Union white trees logo without text

Columbia CU Leadership

Columbia Credit Union is a cooperative financial institution with strategic leadership from our Board of Directors and audit oversight by our Supervisory Committee. Columbia CU is a state – chartered credit union regulated by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) at the state level and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) at the federal level.

Board of Directors

Joseph Vance

Chair

Headshot of Joseph Vance

Official Since: 2019
Director Since: 2019
Term Expires: 2025
Committees: Executive, Policy Review

Member Since: 2018

Residency: Ridgefield, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Education: University of Washington –JD, Law; Brigham Young University – BS, Sociology

Employment History: Shareholder, Landerholm, P.S. – 2023-Present; Partner, Miller Nash Graham & Dunn – 2006-2023; Associate/Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine – 1995-2006

Community/Volunteer Services: President, Rotary Foundation of Vancouver – 2017-2020; Board Member, Ridgefield School District – 2011-2023; Board Member, Boys & Girls Club of SW Washington – 2011-2015; Board Member, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra – 2007-2010

Headshot of Max Ault

Max Ault

Vice Chair

Official Since: 2019
Director Since: 2019
Term Expires: 2025
Committees: Executive, Financial Performance

Member Since: 2015

Residency: Ridgefield, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Education: Washington State University – BA Public Administration; Leadership Clark County, 2018

Employment History: Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, LSW Architects – 2020 – present; Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships, Washington State University – 2019-2020; Interim President/EVP, Columbia River Economic Development Council – 2014-2019; Operations Manager, Cascade Forest Conservancy – 2013-2014; Special Assistant, Office of the Chancellor, Washington State University Vancouver – 2013

Community/Volunteer Services: Board Member Emeritus, Carson College of Business, WSU Vancouver – 2016 – present; Board Member, Greater Vancouver Chamber – 2019 – present;  Board Member, Washington Economic Development Association, 2018-2020; Board Member, WSUV Advisory Council – 2018-2020; Board Member, Community Outreach & Engagement Committee, The Historic Trust – 2017 – present; Board Member, National Board of Advisors, WSU Carson College of Business – 2016 – 2023; Board Member, Cascadia Tech Academy Foundation – 2015 – 2019; Board Member, Innovative Services NW – 2014-2016

Headshot of Dena Strong

Dena Strong

Treasurer

Official Since: 2020
Director Since: 2020
Term Expires: 2026
Committees: Executive, Financial Performance (Chair)

Member Since: 2019

Residency: Camas, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Education: Washington State University – BS Business Administration

Employment History: President and Chief Executive Officer, Innovative Services NW – 2018-Present; Vice President of Operations, Innovative Services NW – 2016-2018; Principle, DM Strong Consulting – 2015-2016; President and CEO, Mikatomi Holdings – 2010-2014

Community/Volunteer Services: Member, Early Childhood Development Association of Washington – 2018-Present; Coach, Camas/Washougal Soccer Academy – 2016-2018

Headshot of Tracey Malone

Tracey Malone

Secretary

Official Since: 2020
Director Since: 2020
Term Expires: 2026
Committees: Executive, Board Development/Nominating

Member Since: 2011

Residency: Camas, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Education: Clark College – AA Degree

Employment History: Vice President, Halbert Construction Services – 2011-Present; Project Coordinator, Schlecht Construction, 1998-2011

Community/Volunteer Services: Director, Camas School Board – 2017-Present; Board Member, SW WA Contractors Association – 2009-Present; Board Member, Cascadia Tech Academy – 2015-Present; Committee Member, Providence Academy Property Committee – 2019-Present; Committee Member, Leadership Clark County – 2015-2023

Headshot of Judy Kuschel

Judy Kuschel

Director

Official Since: 2024
Director Since: 2024
Term Expires: 2027
Committees: Financial Performance

Member Since: 2002

Employment Status: Retired

Education: Oregon State University–BA, Political Science; Lewis & Clark College – Public Administration graduate work

Employment History: Board Member, Washington State Investment Board – 2014-2023; Corrections Specialist 4, Washington State Dept. of Corrections – 1996-2023; Public Utilities Specialist Econ Studies Section, Bonneville Power Administration – 1980-1984

Community/Volunteer Services: Executive Board, Washington Federation of State Employees – 2011-2023; Delegate/Board Member/Vice President, SW Washington Labor Council – 2007-2017; Domestic Violence Task Force Member, YWCA – 2005-2016

Headshot of Julianna Marler

Julianna Marler

Director

Official Since: 2019
Director Since: 2019
Term Expires: 2025
Committees: Policy Review

Member Since: 1985

Residency: Battle Ground, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Education: Washington State University – BA Business Administration; Clark College – Associates Degree

Employment History: Chief Executive Officer, Port of Vancouver USA – 2008-Present

Community/Volunteer Services: Board Member, Association of Washington Businesses – 2019-Present; Advisory Council, WSU – Vancouver – 2016-Present; Board Member, American Association of Port Authorities – 2017-Present; Board Member, Greater Portland, Inc. – 2016-Present; Board Member, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce – 2016-Present 

Headshot of Eric Sawyer

Eric Sawyer

Director

Official Since: 2017
Director Since: 2017
Term Expires: 2027
Committees: Board Development/Nominating

Member Since: 2015

Residency: Camas, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Education: Central Washington University, BS Communications

Employment History: Real Estate Agent, Windermere Northwest Living – 2022-Present;  Real Estate Broker, Real Living Real Estate – 2021-2022;  Area Manager, BBSI Preferred Payroll – 2009-2021; Mortgage Lending – 2000-2009; Business Relations, KNDO NBC – 1996-1999

Community/Volunteer Services: Board Member, Parks Foundation of Clark County 2024-Present; Founder and Board Chair, 100 Men 2017-Present; Board Chair, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce 2014-2015; Member, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce 2011-Present; Volunteer for Share House, Salvation Army, Mount St. Helens Institute, Gardner School, Humane Society and other Clark County non-profit organizations.

Headshot of Tim Schauer

Tim Schauer

Director

Official Since: 2021
Director Since: 2022
Term Expires: 2027
Committees: Policy Review

Member Since: 1990

Residency: Camas, WA

Employment Status: Semi-Retired; Self Employed, Part-time

Education: University of Washington – BS Civil Engineering

Employment History: President Emeritus, MacKay Sposito, Inc. – 2020-2022; President/CEO, MacKay Sposito, Inc. – 2008-2020; Civil Engineer/Planner, MacKay Sposito, Inc. – 1991-2008

Community/Volunteer Services: Board of Directors, Friends of the Children SW WA – 2024-Present; Board of Trustees, AAA of Washington, 2024-Present; Supervisory Committee Member and Vice Chair, Columbia Credit Union – 2021-2022; Commissioner, Vancouver Planning Commission – 2020-2021; Board Chair, AWB Institute – 2019-Present; Board Member & Chair, Association of Washington Business (AWB) – 2010-Present; Board Member & Chair, Economic Development Council (CREDC) – 2010-2017 and 2019-2023; Co-Chair, Stronger Vancouver’s ESC – 2010-2019; Board Member & Chair, Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) – 2008-2018

Headshot of Carol Van Natta

Carol Van Natta

Director

Official Since: 2017
Director Since: 2017
Term Expires: 2026
Committees: Board Development/Nominating

Member Since: 2016

Residency: Vancouver, WA

Employment Status: Retired 

Education: University of Missouri, Kansas City – MPA Nonprofit Management; Portland State University – BA English

Employment History: Executive Director, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Foundation – 2013-2019; Vice President, Oregon State University Foundation, Portland Office – 2008-2013; Vice Chancellor for Advancement, University of Washington, Tacoma – 2002-2008; Director of Development, College of Business, University of Denver – 2000-2002; Director of Development, Schools of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio – 1998-2000; Special Assistant to the President, University of Texas at San Antonio – 1993-1998; Development Officer, Henry W. Bloch School of Business and School of Education, University of Missouri, Kansas City – 1986-1993

Community/Volunteer Services: Board Chair, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra – 2022-Present; Board Member, Identity Clark County – 2013-Present; Board Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals Foundation – 2013-Present; Chair, Campaign for St. Luke Lutheran Church – 2013-Present; Past President, Association of Fundraising Professionals Oregon/SW Washington Chapter – 2011-2013; Board Member, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry – 2010-2013

Supervisory Committee

Headshot of Lynn Valenter

Lynn Valenter

Supervisory Committee
Chair

Official Since: 2021
Term Expires: 2027

Member Since: 2012

Residency: Camas, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Education: Cornell University – BS Hotel Administration; Washington State University – MBA Business

Employment History: Vice President, Finance and Treasurer, Reed College – 2021-Present; Vice Chancellor, Washington State University – 1997-2021

Community/Volunteer Services: Board Director, Columbia Credit Union – 2012-2018; Board Member and Chair, NACUBO – 2014-2021; Board Member and President, WACUBO – 2008-2021; Co-Chair Community Advisory Group, Member Executive Steering Group, Interstate Bridge Replacement Project – 2020-Present

Headshot of Kelly Love Zuercher

Kelly Love Zuercher

Supervisory Committee Member
Vice Chair

Official Since: 2015
Term Expires: 2027

Member Since: 1991 

Residency: Vancouver, WA 

Employment Status: Full-time 

Education: Washington State University – BA Humanities; Everett Community College – AA Communications 

Employment History: Marketing Director, Vancouver Clinic – 2021-Present; Chief Communications Officer, Clark College – 2019-2021; Community – Media Relations, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center – 2015-2019; CEO/President, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce – 2010-2015; District Director, U.S. Rep. Brian Baird – 2005-2010; News Reporter/Anchor KGW TV – 1991-2005; News Reporter/Anchor KUTV TV – 1987-1991 

Community/Volunteer Services: Board Director, Columbia Credit Union – 2015-2022; Prior Board Member: The Children’s Center, Association of Washington Business, Leadership Clark County and Workforce Southwest Washington. Board Member, TV Washington – 2020-Present

Headshot of David Sacamano

David Sacamano

Supervisory Committee Member

Official Since: 2022
Term Expires: 2025

Member Since: 2021

Residency: Ridgefield, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Education: Willamette University – BS Environmental Science; University of Oregon – BLA Landscape Architecture

Employment History: :  Business Unit Leader, Otak, Inc. – 2021-Present; Senior Consultant, Parametrix – 2020-2021; Senior Project Manager, WSP – 2009-2020; Team Lead, HDR – 2007-2009

Community/Volunteer Services: Housing Development Committee, REACH CDC – 2020-Present; Board Director and Committee Chair, REACH CDC – 2013-2023; Board Director, Affordable Community Environments – 2012-2014; Neighborhood Chairperson, DuBois Park Neighborhood Association – 2008-2013

Headshot of Christine Smith

Christine Smith

Supervisory Committee Member

Official Since: 2022
Term Expires: 2025

Member Since: 2004

Residency: Vancouver, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Education: Longwood University, BS Education; Washington State University, MBA Business Administration

Employment History: CPA, TDJ CPA, Inc. – 2018-Present; Accounting Manager/Internal Auditor/ Senior Accountant, City of Vancouver – 2004-2016; Senior Assurance Associate, KPMG – 2000-2004; Financial Examiner, Virginia State Corporation Commission – 1998-2000

Community/Volunteer Services: Secretary/Treasurer, Columbia Non-Profit Housing – 2005-2018 

Headshot of Alishia Topper

Alishia Topper

Supervisory Committee Member

Official Since: 2023
Term Expires: 2026

Member Since: 2009

Residency: Vancouver, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Education: Washington State University – BS Psychology; Washington State University – BA Foreign Language and Literatures; Portland State University – MPA Public Administration

Employment History: Clark County Treasurer; Director of Strategic Partnerships, Vancouver Public Schools; Senior Director of Development, Fort Vancouver National Trust; Director of Development, Columbia Springs; Director of Donor Relations, Portland State University

Community/Volunteer Services: Vice Chair, Community Action Advisory Board – 2019-Present; President, Washington State Association of County Treasurers – 2020-2023; Commissioner, Washington State Housing Finance Commission – 2017-Present; Councilmember, City of Vancouver – 2014-2018; Board Director, Council for the Homeless – 2015-2017; Board Director, Southwest Clean Air Agency – 2015-2018; Board Director, Columbia River Economic Development Council – 2013-2016; Board Director, Vancouver’s Downtown Association – 2011-2014; Board Director, Columbia Springs – 2010-2013; Board Director, Rotary Club of VMS – 2010-2013

A collage of member photos and the Columbia Credit Union logo under a title that says "Where you bank matters."

LEADERSHIP

Annual Meeting 2024

Columbia Credit Union’s Annual Meeting was held under Special Rules adopted by the Board on April 25, 2024. Attendance included members, the Chair-designated Parliamentarian, and Columbia Credit Union staff. Minutes from the 2024 Annual Meeting will be available here once approved following our upcoming Board of Directors Meeting.

On behalf of the membership, the Chair declared Eric Sawyer, Tim Schauer and Judy Kuschel elected to the Board of Directors and Kelly Love-Zuercher and Lynn Valenter to the Supervisory Committee. Finally, a special thanks to Marci White-Stumpf for her contributions on our Board after serving the maximum number of terms our Bylaws allow.

LEADERSHIP

A collage of member photos and the Columbia Credit Union logo under a title that says "Where you bank matters."

Annual Meeting 2024

Columbia Credit Union’s Annual Meeting was held under Special Rules adopted by the Board on April 25, 2024. Attendance included members, the Chair-designated Parliamentarian, and Columbia Credit Union staff. Minutes from the 2024 Annual Meeting will be available here once approved following our upcoming Board of Directors Meeting.

On behalf of the membership, the Chair declared Eric Sawyer, Tim Schauer and Judy Kuschel elected to the Board of Directors and Kelly Love-Zuercher and Lynn Valenter to the Supervisory Committee. Finally, a special thanks to Marci White-Stumpf for her contributions on our Board after serving the maximum number of terms our Bylaws allow.

CREDIT UNION BYLAWS

Catch up on the nuts and bolts.

CREDIT UNION BYLAWS

Catch up on the nuts and bolts.

Have an inquiry?

Email the Board of Directors at BoardMembers@ColumbiaCU.org.

Leadership Compensation