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Build Your Credit Union & Your Community
Virtual AGM coming spring 2025SAVE THE DATE.
NDCU's 74th AGM
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 @ 7pm via ZOOM.
More details to come.
Contact Karla Whitaker @ AGM@nelsoncu.com for details or to RSVP.
Cast your vote for your Nelson Representative Area director - Director Statements and Voting Information
Nelson & District Credit Union’s Board of Directors has nine members. This year, five terms are expiring. An election will occur for the Nelson Representative Area only, with 4 individuals running for election to 2 positions. The remaining three positions are filled by acclamation.
Click here for the policy statements from nominee's and acclaimed directors can be found in the most recent issue of Dollars & Sense.
Election
Director Nelson Representative Area - Four candidates running for two, three-year terms:
-Zoë Creighton, Incumbent
Hello NDCU Members. It has been a great privilege to represent your interests on the board of directors for the past three years. What an incredible team. If re-elected I look forward to deepening my understanding of the dynamic environment in which we operate, while increasing my effectiveness on the board.
As NDCU grows and thrives as an independent credit union within an increasingly challenging regulatory and technological context, I will continue to draw upon my broad background in co-operative governance to support the board and management to make strong and inclusive decisions when determining NDCU’s strategic direction.
As the former co-executive director of the BC Co-operative Association (BCCA) and the current executive director of the Upper Columbia Co-op Council, I have established connections within the regional and provincial co-op and credit union sector, which have strengthened my current roles as NDCU’s Governance Committee Chair and Executive Committee Member.
I have served on the boards of the BCCA, the Kootenay Co-op, and Kootenay Co-op Radio. These positions have provided direct experience in the importance of collaboration, transparent decision-making, and clear communications to support strong board relationships with members, management, and staff.
I have lived in the Nelson area since 1992 and have seen NDCU’s positive impact on the communities we serve. My enthusiasm for re-election is grounded in a desire to deepen this impact and to support our credit union’s role in keeping this region economically, environmentally, and socially resilient through our mission of Enriching Lives Locally.
-John Dutton, New candidate
It’s an honour to be a candidate for election as a Nelson Area Representative.
One of my goals is to always participate on at least one board in an effort to give back to the community. My previous board experience includes being a member and chair of Slocan Riverwatch Society for four years, seven years on the Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism Board, and in June of 2025 I will have completed a seven year term as a government appointed member on the Selkirk College Board of Governors.
Professionally I am an entrepreneur, businessperson, and backcountry ski guide certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. In 2010, I started Nelson Whitewater Rafting Company and operated it for 10 years until covid hit in 2020. Since 2015 I have been the manager of the Prestige Marina and became a partner in 2019. As well, I am the owner of Nelson Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals. My wife Kristi and I own a rental property in Slocan Park which we are currently developing to add more housing. When we became members of the NDCU we found that the individualized service of a smaller bank far exceeded what we had experienced elsewhere, and the NDCU has been instrumental in helping us to achieve our goals.
Serving on a board is a wonderful opportunity for self improvement, to meet interesting and smart people, and to participate as a change maker in important organizations.
I hope to receive your vote for Nelson Area Representative.
Thank you.
-Colin McLure, Incumbent
Dear Nelson & District Credit Union Members,
I am seeking re-election as a Director for the Nelson representative area. It has been an honour to serve NDCU members as a Director for 17 years and to chair the Audit Committee for 16 of those years. As a Chartered Professional Accountant, I bring extensive financial expertise and a deep understanding of risk management, governance, and regulatory compliance. These are essential to safeguarding our credit union’s financial strength, operational efficiency, and long-term resilience.
The financial sector faces increasing challenges, from evolving regulations and technological advancements to global economic uncertainty. Recent U.S. trade policy proposals, including the potential for a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, could have far-reaching consequences for our local economy: raising costs for businesses, impacting jobs, and creating instability in financial institutions. Credit unions must be proactive in addressing these risks while maintaining financial stability, fostering growth, and continuing to support our members and communities.
I am committed to strengthening NDCU’s long-term success by supporting innovation in digital banking, enhancing member engagement, and ensuring we remain competitive in an ever-changing financial landscape. I also advocate for the continued success of our Community Investment Program, which has surpassed $4 million in funding for local initiatives. Preserving and expanding this program while maintaining strong financial health remains a key priority.
With my experience in financial leadership, governance, and risk management, I am dedicated to helping NDCU grow, adapt, and serve its members effectively.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
-Tanya Momtazian, New candidate
I am running for the NDCU Board of directors to further contribute to my community and to share my governance skills and experiences. I have served families in the West Kootenays as a Registered Midwife in Nelson since 2007. In 2014 I helped co-found Apple Tree Maternity which has a large, beautiful, low-cost space in the Community First Health Co-op. This space would not be possible without the support and foresight of NDCU to finance and value community services.
Currently I am the Board Chair of the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) which regulates approximately 75,000 health professionals in the province. Through my work with BCCNM on addressing indigenous specific racism in the health system, I continue on a journey to examine privilege, colonialism and cultural humility. I have over 10 years of Board related experience within the healthcare system. I have gained invaluable expertise and had the opportunity to work with great people. I hope to learn and appreciate a new field of cooperative, community finance and to apply my governance skills in this area. The strategy and vision of NDCU related to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are closely aligned with my own values.
Thank-you for considering my interest in the Board of Directors position!
Acclaimed Directors
-Director At Large: Laureen Barker
-Director Rossland Representative Area: Brent Anhel
-Director Rossland Representative Area: Michael Ramsey
How to vote
1) In-branch voting runs from Tuesday, April 15 to Thursday, April 17, 2025 – between 10am and 4pm each day, in the Nelson Community Branch only.
2) Mail-in ballots must be received no later than Thursday, April 17, 2025. Members who wish to mail their ballot must first contact NDCU by phone or email between March 24 and April 11, 2025 in order to receive a ballot.
Contact: Karla Whitaker at kwhitaker@nelsoncu.com or 250-3527207, ext. 2250
Voter eligibility
Only members of the Nelson Community Branch are eligible to vote for the Director – Nelson Representative Area position.
Members must be in good standing by having the required number of Membership Equity Shares at least fifteen (15) days prior to the first business day on which voting takes place. Joint account holders must each have the required number of Membership Equity Shares. Junior members (18 years of age or under) are not eligible to vote.
Results of the election will be announced at the NDCU AGM on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, and posted in branches and online on May 7.
Your Board of Directors
More than 5.3 million Canadians and business owners are members of co-operative financial services in Canada. Their financial security and success depend on the commitment and capabilities of the board of directors they elect.
That's why it's surprising how many credit union members are unaware of what their board of directors do and how important it is to be an educated participant in the electoral process. As in any democracy, the people elected to represent member interests are responsible for and accountable to the economic well-being of the people who voted them into office.
Here is some quick schooling to bring you up to speed on the duties of a board of directors, your role in the decision-making process, and what you should know if you want to run for a position.
A credit union is a business and must be run accordingly. Your board of directors set short- and long-term strategies and the policies and procedures affecting everything from business operations, to community involvement, to dividends. The board also represents the membership's collective values concerning social, environmental and economic responsibility.
A director position is voluntary although expenses are covered and an honorarium is often provided. A director can devote up to 20 hours a month preparing for and attending regular monthly board meetings. Additional time is also spent serving on various advisory committees with specific responsibilities such as Community Leadership, Financial Policy and Governance.
While a good heart and clear mind are important attributes, a prospective director should also possess pertinent experience and skill sets. Overall the board needs to be strong in many areas, so a diversity of directors who bring different knowledge is important. Annually, the directors look at the competencies of the board and identify areas to strengthen. A director should have experience and knowledge in some of these key areas:
- Diversity
- Audit and Compliance
- Financial Literacy
- Co-operative Governance and Ethics
- Regulatory Environment
- Community Minded
- Financial Services Industry
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Legal & Accounting
- Innovation & IT
Are you passionate about the well-being of the community at large? Do you understand financial statements? Can you analyze management reports? Strong governance, leadership, communications and technology skills are assets, and previous board or committee experience of some kind is a plus.
A credit union is only as good as its board of directors. That's why it is so important for well-informed members to show up when election time comes around.
Interested in Joining Us?
Are you interested in learning more about your Board of Directors or running to become a Director?
Speak with a current director or contact Karla Whitaker, Executive Assistant, at 877.352.7207.
Nelson & District Credit Union posts its Call for Nominations on an annual basis in December.
