Skip to main content
  • AGM
  • Election_of_Directors–Statements_and_Bios
Greylinen1280X250.png
Election of Directors – Statements and Bios
 

Election of Directors

At the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), members will be asked to vote in the election of directors to the Board of Your Credit Union.

Positions available

This year:

  • Five candidates are standing for election
  • Four director positions are available

All directors are elected by members in accordance with the by-laws.

Nomination process

Each year, the Nominating Committee identifies candidates to fill available Board positions.

When selecting candidates, the Committee considers a range of factors, including:

  • skills and professional experience
  • governance knowledge
  • the contribution each nominee can bring to the Board

All Your Credit Union members are eligible to stand for election as a director.

To nominate for a Board position:

  • a member must be nominated by two other members, and
  • a completed nomination form must be submitted to the Chair of the Nominating Committee for consideration.

This process supports a balanced and effective Board by ensuring candidates are assessed consistently.

About the candidates

Candidate statements and biographies have been provided by each nominee and are available on this page for members to review.

The statements outline each candidate’s background, experience, and interest in serving on the Board and are presented as submitted by the candidates.

Members are encouraged to read all candidate information before voting.

Current Board composition

Information on the current composition of the Board, including existing directors and their terms, is available in the Annual Report.

This information may assist members in considering board continuity, renewal, and the mix of skills and experience.

How the election will be conducted

  • Each candidate will be given a short opportunity to address members at the AGM before voting opens.
  • Members may vote for up to four candidates.
  • Voting will take place during the AGM:
    • In person: by ballot paper
    • Online: via Zoom polling

The four candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected as directors.

Voting eligibility

Only members who:

  • are entitled to vote as at the record date of 8 January 2026, and
  • are registered and present at the AGM (in person or online)

may vote in the election of directors.

Questions

Members may submit questions in advance by emailing info@yourcu.com, or ask questions during the AGM in line with meeting procedures.
 

Russell Abraham

Candidate statement

Over the past three years, it has been a privilege to serve as a Director for Your Credit Union. I am seeking re-election because I believe deeply in the cooperative model, in member-driven decision-making, and in ensuring that our Credit Union remains financially strong, innovative, and focused on people first.

I bring a diverse professional background that strengthens Board decision-making. Throughout my career, I have led complex organizations across finance, human resources, payroll, leadership development, project management, and administration. My work has involved overseeing multi-million-dollar operations, implementing strong financial controls, developing innovative processes, and supporting teams through change. These skills help ensure that Your Credit Union remains accountable, well-governed, and future-ready.

I also bring meaningful experience working with not-for-profit and community-focused organizations. Serving on committees, volunteering, and working within mission-driven environments has given me a deep appreciation for transparency, stewardship, and the responsibility we hold to members. This perspective is essential when balancing financial realities with our cooperative values and community impact.

Equally important is continuity. It can take nearly three years for a Director to fully understand the governance framework, financial oversight responsibilities, regulatory expectations, and strategic history, specific to Your Credit Union. Having completed that learning curve, I am now in the strongest position to contribute at a high level, asking better questions, offering deeper insight, and ensuring Board discussions remain focused, strategic, and member-centric.

If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for strong governance and financial sustainability, support innovation that improves member experience and access, ensure responsible risk management and transparency, champion a culture rooted in accountability, inclusion, and service

Your trust has meant a great deal to me. With your support, I look forward to continuing to serve the membership, bringing stability, informed leadership, and a commitment to safeguarding the long-term success of Your Credit Union.

Candidate profile

Russell is currently the Financial Controller and Administration Manager at Lanthier Bakery, a division of La Fournée Dorée, where he provides strategic leadership in finance, administration, human resources, payroll, and project management. He holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Innovative Leadership. Russell is seeking election to continue contributing his financial stewardship, governance experience, and leadership expertise to the board. Having served on the board for the past three years, he brings continuity, institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to effective decision-making. He remains actively engaged in his community through volunteer service with United Way Centraide of SDG Counties, his parish, and his children’s school, and is dedicated to advancing equitable and inclusive access within the communities he serves.

Chris Cobb

Candidate statement

I’ve been a credit union member for more than 30 years, and a YCU board member for three years. When the opportunity arose, I joined the YCU board for the same reason it has been my long-term bank: I believe in the co-operative system.

  • A system that works for the interests of members and gives back to our communities.
  • A system that is secure, caring and competitive.

Effective credit union governance is about remaining focused on the interests of members. It means listening carefully to members, asking the right questions, and making informed decisions in the interests of their financial security.

It’s those decisions that also preserve YCU’s financial sustainability and that helps us help those in our community who are less fortunate than ourselves.

My commitment to YCU is grounded in loyalty to our mission and, crucially, a determination to see YCU grow and thrive with future generations of members.

Through online training sponsored by the Canadian Credit Union Association, and independent research, I have invested time to become a well-informed board member.

If elected I will continue to bring a collaboration approach to the Board.  I will listen to the opinions of others and always be guided by your best interests, my fellow members.

Candidate profile

Chris is an award-winning journalist, author, and communications specialist. He was a member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery for almost twenty years. He has studied at Carleton University, The Poynter Institute of Media Studies, and the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. He has taught at Carleton and Algonquin College and has led numerous writing and communications workshops across Africa and the Far East. Since leaving journalism, Chris has worked as a senior communications advisor and writer with several government departments, including the Canada Revenue Agency, Finance, National Defence Ombudsman, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Employment and Social Development. He is currently a member of YCU’s Audit and Governance Committee and has been a credit union member for more than thirty years.

Kathleen Devenny CPA, CA

Candidate statement

Kathleen is a retired senior executive leader with extensive experience leading large teams in internal audit, financial management and risk management in both private industry and the federal government. She brings a strategic mindset, collaborative leadership style and appreciation for strong governance.

Kathleen currently serves on the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of the Ottawa Network for Education which supports programs that benefit local students. This experience, combined with her professional background, provides a skillset to contribute meaningfully to the Board. Kathleen continues to provide advice and guidance to audit and finance committees of boards in the public sector.

Community involvement has been important to her. She has volunteered with youth sports organizations and served as the treasurer at a community nursery school.

Kathleen holds a CPA, CA designation and a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University and resides in Stittsville, Ontario.

Candidate profile

Kathleen Devenny, CPA, CA, brings over 30 years of progressive leadership experience in internal audit, financial management, and risk oversight across both private and public sectors with a focus on financial institutions. She has held senior executive roles including Deputy Chief Financial OƯicer, Chief Audit Executive and Chief Risk OƯicer, where she led large teams in strategic initiatives and governance frameworks.

Kathleen has worked extensively with finance, audit, and risk committees—as a member of management, committee participant, and as an advisor oƯering deep expertise and insights.

She currently serves on the Board of the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) and is an active member of its Finance and Audit Committee. She also works with audit and finance committees providing advice and guidance related to financial and risk management.

Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University and is a CPA, CA. 

Heather McLachlin LLQP, ICD.D

Candidate statement

Hello, I’m Heather McLachlin, a new resident to Ottawa having moved from London Ontario as essential caregiver for my father. My dad’s family are from Arnprior, and I have many fond memories of summers spent cottaging on Hurds Lake and skiing at Mt. Tremblant. It’s a pleasure to be back in the National Capital Region and reacquaint myself with this beautiful part of our province.

I am standing for election given my positive experience with the staff who embody the culture of Your Credit Union and our cooperative system. Their values and behaviors stood apart from other financial services alternatives in Ottawa. I believe culture is a competitive advantage for a business, and this attribute was the catalyst for my decision to pursue my relationship with Your Credit Union. How we treat one another as members, as colleagues, and in our community are incredibly important. Values and behaviors are what makes a business and its brand, unique and special. 

To complement the above, I am standing for election given my board experience and governance education which I believe would contribute to continued effective governance at Your Credit Union. I have my ICD.D designation from Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and serve on a provincial Crown corporation, and insurance company board of directors. My board work has been a bright light and a pleasure! I have experience as a Vice Chair of the board and as Chair of board committees such as Governance & Nominations, Finance and Audit and the HR committee. My experience with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario, (FSRA), which regulates Ontario licensed insurance companies and credit unions, have been applied from both a governance and executive capacity. I believe good governance flourishes when we have a collaborative approach and leadership qualities that enable courageous conversations. I believe strong board members ask good questions and possess good listening skills. These attributes help enable a strong working relationship across the board and the credit union executive team both of which are very important. I am passionate about financial wellness; the credit union system has focused important and unique approaches to this mandate for Canadians since inception. In closing, I retired from my corporate career in 2024 which affords me the time and energy to devote to the credit union and the community. I’m an individual who is well prepared and who enjoys the opportunity to actively contribute.

The Co-operative system is one I hold in high regard and is where I spent most of my career and volunteer time. I devoted my corporate career as an executive with both Co-operators and CUMIS serving Canadian businesses and Credit Unions. In 2010 I was recruited to take on the role of President for a National Insurance Brokerage, which I led through a period of significant growth over 11 years. I finished my career at Co-operators taking on a new executive role accountable for opening new markets across Canada. I feel very grateful for each of these rich experiences. I've enjoyed many volunteer interactions with our co-operative community including fond memories of work with the Co-operative Development Foundation, and Co-operative Housing. The community aspect of Your Credit Union is strong, entrepreneurial and aligns with my personal values.

Thank you for your consideration. I would be honoured to serve on the board of Your Credit Union and apply my energy, governance expertise and business acumen in support of an important, local, cooperative financial institution. Well done on your achievements!

 

Candidate profile

INDEPENDENT BOARD DIRECTOR | RETIRED C-SUITE EXECUTIVE | RISK MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL 

Strategy, Governance & Risk Management 

A progressive business leader, proven collaborator, and trusted advisor. 

  • Board of Directors Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company serving on the Governance & Nominations and the Human Resources Committee(s). Appointed to support FSRA regulatory guidelines and strategic business growth including merger/acquisition. 
  • Vice-Chair, Conestoga College board of governors, a provincial crown corporation. Conestoga is recognized for its established track record of integrating academic studies with robust cooperative programs for the skilled trades contributing over $6B of GDP to Southwestern Ontario. Chair of Finance Audit & Risk Committee and serve on the Executive Committee. Experience with CEO succession and high-profile complex issues. Term limit August 2025. 
  • Appointed to Children’s Health Foundation (CHF) board, amidst challenging times in health care particularly in the areas of access to capital for children's health care and research across Children’s Hospital, TVCC and Children's Health Research Institute. Charged with enhancing the risk management and governance programs for the board. Chair of Governance & Nominations Committee. 

- Institute of Corporate Directors, Directors Education Program and ICD.D designation (2023) Women Get on Board (WGOB), Canadian Chairs Forum (Sept.2023 - May 2024) 

Strategic Growth, Business Development and Transformational Change 

A collaborative business leader known for strategic growth, transformational change, building client centric teams that support culture as a competitive advantage 

  • Led consistent double-digit growth of a privately held national brokerage through transforming culture, large-scale strategic initiatives across multi-line insurance businesses in life, property and casualty, group benefits and wealth management. 
  • Reporting to the board chair, led the corporate strategy successfully doubling the business 
  • through organic growth and merger/acquisition. Met and exceeded ambitious KPI's. Sought out for results-driven strategic growth, setting the strategy for Specialty Markets at Co- operators, while implementing transformational change in product, technology and culture. 
  • Requested speaker for Open Finance, Open Finance Network Canada, International Women’s Day, Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Waterstone Human Capital & Deloitte’s 50 Best Managed Companies. 
  • Women of Influence recognition by Insurance Business Canada. Conviction that culture is a competitive advantage was featured in CAPITAL magazine and profiled in the National Post (2019). 
  • Led leadership team to Platinum status within the 50 Best Managed Companies for earning and maintaining achievement for a decade, as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and one of Canada’s most Admired Corporate Cultures. 

CAREER PATH HIGHLIGHTS 

Building insurance solutions for entrepreneurs, led emerging and established organizations to scale their operations in new vertical markets, elevate their brand, execute on strategy and results-driven business plans. With a passion for driving growth through client centric teams, enabled double digit growth earning several awards for ambitious results and strong employee engagement. 

Greg Walker CAE

Candidate statement

I am standing for election to the Board of Directors to continue contributing my experience in governance, strategic planning, and oversight in service of Your Credit Union’s members. Strong board oversight, combined with an informed approach to emerging technologies, is essential to supporting sustainable growth, and responding effectively to members’ changing needs.

I am an experienced association CEO and current sever Your Credit Union as part of the Executive Committee, Audit Committee, and act as the official Corporate Secretary. My background includes digital transformation, financial oversight, stakeholder relations, and board governance, as well as leadership of a technology-driven not-for-profit organization. I bring practical experience both leading boards as a CEO and serving as a board member, giving me a well-rounded understanding of effective governance from both management and director perspectives.

I hold BA, BSc, and MSc degrees and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, reflecting formal training in governance, ethics, and organizational leadership. This background offers a diverse perspective that aligns cooperative values with modern technology and innovation, while meeting regulatory, fiduciary, and confidentiality obligations. I understand the time commitment required of Directors and am prepared to continue dedicating the necessary time to meetings, preparation, committee work, and ongoing education.

If elected, I would continue to focus on outcomes that matter to members, including strong financial stewardship, effective oversight of digital initiatives, transparency, and long-term sustainability. I would support governance practices that enable secure innovation, protect member interests, and position Your Credit Union to serve members effectively today and in the future.

Candidate profile

Greg Walker, CAE, is an experienced executive and board leader with over 20 years of expertise in governance, financial oversight, strategic planning, and technology innovation across the not-for-profit and financial services sectors.

He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Smarter Homes & Buildings (ASHB), an international membership organization. Greg works closely with staff, volunteers, consultants, and a board of senior executives and is responsible for organizational strategy, financial management, risk oversight, audit and compliance, and operational performance. Under his leadership, ASHB has achieved record financial results while expanding research and education initiatives focused on emerging technologies, including AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy.

Greg has served on the Board of Directors of Your Credit Union since 2019 and has contributed through the Executive Committee, Audit Committee, Nomination Committee, and as the official Corporate Secretary.

He also serves as a volunteer board member of the Ottawa Cancer Foundation. Greg holds undergraduate (BA, BSc) and graduate (MSc) degrees and the Certified Association Executive (CAE®) designation, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence, strong governance, and financial stewardship.