The SDFCU Board of Directors is comprised of nine dedicated volunteers, each elected by membership to serve as stewards of the Credit Union's mission and values. Through their service, they provide governance and oversight to uphold transparency, safeguard financial health, guide the Credit Union’s strategic vision, and advocate for the needs and interests of members.
Please read on to learn more about the distinguished members of the SDFCU Board of Directors and the vital roles they play in guiding our credit union's success.
Marlene Schwartz has served on the SDFCU board for over 40 years and is a retired Department of State employee. As a long-time SDFCU member, Marlene has served on a variety of committees and as the board chair to advocate for products and services that benefit the entire SDFCU member base. Additionally, she represents SDFCU at the national level serving as a board member for the National Association of Credit Union Chairs (NACUC) and as an advisory board member for ALM First to ensure that directors' voices are heard at the industry level.
As an SDFCU member of over 35 years and board member for more than 7 years, Carroll leverages her leadership experiences in both public and private organizations to advocate for seamless technology service enhancements that support SDFCU members' needs. She chairs the Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO) and is most excited about working with her fellow SDFCU board members as well as the extraordinary management and staff to ensure a beneficial and secure banking experience for all SDFCU members.
Initially elected to serve on the SDFCU board while she was associate counsel to the Inspector General at the Department of State, Renée has since advocated for members as the policy committee chair. She remains fully committed to the credit union mission to offer safe and sound financial services in the best interest of SDFCU members. For over 25 years, Renée's service on the board has contributed to the steady growth and policy implementation at SDFCU.
A career Department of State professional, Harry headed management sections around the world. Additionally, he was consul general in Durban, ambassador in Port Louis, and acting inspector general. He joined the SDFCU board because he wanted to use his financial and State Department backgrounds to work as a liaison between his colleagues in government and SDFCU. He is very happy to support SDFCU's improvements and service enhancements for members. His personal interests include international investments and philately.
Yemi's service on the board is an especially personal connection, as he was once a beneficiary of a program led by the Department of State in Nigeria. His passion for helping others, in addition to his professional experience as a CPA and his educational experience in economics, accounting, and public administration has served him well in his role on the SDFCU board. Yemi is most excited about what awaits SDFCU in the years to come.
As an SDFCU member since 1992 and board member since 2014, Max has leveraged his leadership skills to advocate for members and students. Through his role as scholarship committee chair and part of the membership committee, he remains focused on member service and ensuring SDFCU's security and longevity. Max's nearly 30-year career at the Department of State and his current role as Deputy Executive Associate Director at the Department of Homeland Security lend themselves to the exceptional service Max provides on SDFCU's board.
Hattie has served on the SDFCU board since 2021. Prior to becoming a board member, she served as at large member on the Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO). Hattie uses her experience as an SDFCU member along with her understanding of the needs of our member-owned credit union to advocate for enhanced banking experiences through digital banking.
Jim has been on the board for over 16 years and an SDFCU member for 45 years. He is a retired senior State Department foreign service management and financial officer, who also had experience in the Peace Corps and management consulting. He strongly believes in the credit union model of member ownership and in SDFCU's mission to provide high quality, safe, and secure financial services to members wherever in the world they are located.
A proud member of SDFCU for over 30 years, Julianne joined the board to help drive the growth and success of SDFCU while delivering top-notch service and innovative financial solutions to members. She is excited to work with SDFCU management to boost member services and provide secure, accessible banking for members in the U.S. and overseas. In her free time, Julianne enjoys exploring nature, especially through bird and butterfly watching.
