RICHARD BLACKWELL
Occupation: Government Relations Director
Years as a Heritage Grove Member: 16 years

Why does this position appeal to you?
When I was young, I accompanied my father on the credit committee of the small credit union for which he served, and that experience showed me how credit union members cooperate to ensure others have sources of credit and financial products and services. I spent years in Oregon State Service working on policy matters related to financial institutions, and I saw firsthand how a well-governed credit union serves its members and the communities where the credit union operates. I have had the opportunity to serve on the credit union’s Supervisory Committee, which has given me a chance to provide oversight for the protection of my fellow members. I have greatly enjoyed the strategic thinking I have been able to take on as part of the Board of Director’s strategic planning sessions, and I feel like I have the right attributes and experience to serve on the Board of Directors.

Campaign Statement:
I’m running for the Board of Directors because I believe my experience and attributes would serve the board well as the credit union navigates a digital future in an expanded field of membership.

NANCY CURTIS
Occupation: IT Manager
Years as a Heritage Grove Member: 7.5 years

Why does this position appeal to you?
I currently serve on the Board of Directors and want to continue the good work underway.

Campaign Statement:
I like knowing our credit union is managed well and focused on members’ needs. As a board member I get to work with a talented and collegial group of people to ensure the credit union remains healthy and continues to evolve to meet the needs of current and future members.

Membership growth is a top priority, with several strategic initiatives underway. I’d like to continue on the board to see the results and collaborate to reflect and improve along the way.

STEVE FORREY
Occupation: Consultant
Years as a Heritage Grove Member: 45 years

Why does this position appeal to you?
Having served on the Heritage Grove Board of Directors for nearly 20 years, I hope to continue to provide cooperative leadership to a very effective Board of Directors. The comradery and combined efforts in working with others compliments the joint effort to secure the Credit Union and participate in the creative process of sound investments amid an ever-changing financial environment.

Campaign Statement:
Having worked for the state of Oregon as a Fiscal Analyst as well as at OHSU, and having invested nearly 20 years of service to the Credit Union as a Board member, I would like to continue contributing to the cooperative leadership of a very effective Board of Directors. The skills I acquired through education and application of my training have allowed me to contribute to the solution of many issues the credit union has faced. As Board and Staff, we have been able to withstand severe national financial upheavals and maintain a sound, healthy and relevant financial institution for our Credit Union members. Your trust in me throughout these years has proven to be a positive experience for which I would like to remain a trustworthy contributor to this great cause of Heritage Grove Credit Union.

TERRENCE WOODS
Occupation: State Chief Information Officer
Years as a Heritage Grove Member: 42 years

Why does this position appeal to you?
Opportunity to lead and give back to a financial institution that has helped me and my family over the years.

Campaign Statement:
I am running to assist the Credit Union in achieving its goals. Also, I believe this is a unique opportunity to collaborate with other board members to continually improve services and/or operations for members and employees.

RONDA BETH WYMORE
Occupation: CEO of Willamette Valley MLS
Years as a Heritage Grove Member: 38 years

Why does this position appeal to you?
I have decent experience with Boards. I collaborate well, do my homework, etc. so I think I could be a good resource, plus I’m excited about learning new things about how Board work is done in the financial industry.

Campaign Statement:
I would like to run for the Heritage Grove FCU Board of Directors position as a way to share my almost 3 decades of board management experience, but also to listen to and learn what needs and opportunities exist at every level of the organization, from membership to management. I currently serve on three non-profit (but not charity) boards and as CEO at my day job, I understand the limited but crucial role a Board of Directors must play. Selfishly, I will also use this as an opportunity to pick up tips and tricks from a different industry than the one I’ve been immersed in for nearly 30 years.