Gord Harrison, CPA, CMA
Chief Executive Officer
Gord Harrison is Chief Executive Officer for YNCU, where he works closely with the Board of Directors, serving as manager of corporate operations and as the main link between the divisions within the organization.
Gord joined YNCU in 1984 and has progressed through a number of leadership roles throughout his tenure, including his most recent role as Chief Financial Officer. Gord studied Economics at McMaster University.
In terms of his personal leadership style, Gord attributes a variety of life experiences to who he is as a person and as a leader. “I strive to empathize with people and be as fair to everyone as possible. I have found humour is a great way to bring people together, encouraging our employees to see the good in people, always giving them the benefit of the doubt. While I do not take myself too seriously, I do my best whenever possible as the leader of this organization.” Gord Believes YNCU has a great team of staff who serve the YNCU membership and their communities professionally and with pride.
On a weekend afternoon you can find Gord entertaining or golfing with family and friends.
Lara Stilin, CPA, CA
Chief Financial Officer
Lara Stilin was welcomed back to YNCU as Chief Financial Officer in January 2021. She was previously YNCU’s Director of Finance and Accounting where she oversaw the organization’s external financial and regulatory reporting. In October 2019, Lara broadened her experience with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation as their Director of Tax, Treasury and Transactions before her return to YNCU. As CFO, Lara is our Senior Executive responsible for Finance, Accounting and Facilities.
Lara received her Bachelor of Business Administration with an accounting specialization from Algoma University.
Upon assuming her role as CFO, Lara became the youngest ever CFO for the credit union. “As a young person, I’m excited to continue to contribute to my community. This opportunity to work in the credit union helps push the community forward.” Outside of her role with YNCU, Lara is also a board member of the F.J. Davey Home—a long term care facility in Sault Ste. Marie.
On a weekend afternoon Lara is likely out for a walk with her dog, Kona, or playing a round of golf.
Hilary Anderson, CPA, CGA
Chief Human Resources & Support Services Officer
Hilary Anderson is Chief Human Resources and Support Services Officer, where she leads the YNCU HR team and is responsible for Member Support and Payment Services. She joined YNCU as a member of the Chief Leadership Team in March 2021 after serving on the YNCU Board of Directors from 2011-2020. Hilary holds a Business Accounting diploma from Georgian College and is currently working towards her Executive MBA.
Hilary is an active volunteer for the Animal Rescue Foundation and sits on the board for Caring Support, a start-up that matches health care employees with health care employers.
Hilary says her leadership style has grown working with leaders with a variety of strengths and weaknesses. “In my experience, while I’ve worked for leaders that easily fit into my style, I’ve also been put in challenging situations. My hope is that I’ve been able to take the best from all and integrate that into my way of working with others.”
On a sunny weekend you can find Hilary sitting in the backyard around the pool with friends and family, listening to 80’s music and enjoying great food and company.
Russ Voutour
Chief Information Officer
Russ Voutour joined YNCU in March 2021 as Chief Information Officer, where he oversees Infrastructure, Enterprise Services, Information Technology Governance, Innovation and Business Technology.
Russ received a degree in Computer Science from the University of Guelph and has worked in the financial services industry for 15 years, including various areas such as digital, analytics and architecture. He was a member of the founding team for Sonnet Insurance, which was Canada’s first digital direct insurance company. Before joining YNCU, Russ was the Head of Technology for TD Insurance.
A big believer in serving his community, Russ held the title of Technology Chair for TD’s United Way Campaign, as he is a supporter of Habitat for Humanity.
As a leader, Russ believes in the power of diversity and inclusion. “I think diversity within a team leads to diversity of thought—you have to be conscientious about creating an environment that offers opportunities for everyone to contribute.”
On a weekend afternoon you can find Russ cooking wood fired pizza in the backyard or woodworking in his shop.
Marc Rivard
Chief Lending Officer
Marc Rivard is Chief Lending Officer, our Senior Executive responsible for Business Services and Retail Lending. With almost 20 years of lending and financial services experience, Marc came to YNCU after holding various roles at a major financial institution including personal banking, commercial services, sales management and branch management.
Marc earned an undergraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Guelph and went on to earn his graduate degree, MBA Financial Services, from Dalhousie University.
Marc credits his leadership skills to growing up in a family of entrepreneurs. “Entrepreneurs are dedicated, take ownership for their actions and must often juggle work and family. In turn I believe that hard work with a strong empathetic approach to leadership is the key to success.”
On a sunny Saturday you can find Marc biking with his family or visiting a local restaurant to enjoy some food and drinks.
Archie Bonifacio
Chief Community Officer
Archie Bonifacio serves as Chief Community Officer of YNCU, where he oversees Community Giving, ESG and DEI principles, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Public Relations, and Wealth Management. Archie’s career in financial services began over 20 years ago including leadership roles with a full-service brokerage firm where he was responsible for marketing in Canada and led marketing initiatives in the UK and the US. Archie joined the credit union system in 2013 and served as Head of Wealth for two large Ontario credit unions prior to joining YNCU.
Archie obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from McMaster University and has a Master of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. His designations include Certified Financial Planner, Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute and Responsible Investment Specialist.
As a leader, Archie feels his role is to unleash the potential of his team. “I want to empower my team to do their best and achieve our common purpose. I have also known very generous leaders and I believe there is more to an organization’s purpose than generating profits.”
On a weekend afternoon Archie can be found walking with his wife, his two daughters and his two doodles to his neighbourhood’s Downtown shops where the Doods get dog treats at the pet shop, and the humans get people treats at the café. He also likes to pick up dinner at the local butcher and cheese shop.
Aimee Wagner
Chief Retail Excellence Officer
Aimee Wagner is Chief Retail Excellence Officer, where she leads the YNCU Member Services team and Retail Operations, with a focus on enhancing the retail member experience. She first joined YNCU almost a decade ago and has enjoyed many roles throughout her career, most recently as the VP of Retail Services.
With over 20 years working in business, investment and retail financial services, Aimee has been afforded a unique perspective and is passionate about the YNCU member experience. She has a well-rounded understanding of the business, supported by servicing our members and employees and coming to understand the synergies it takes to deliver a consistent, and supportive journey. Aimee has sat on numerous Boards of Directors including Nurse Practitioners as well as shelters for at risk youth.
Aimee is passionate about empathetic leadership, and ensuring a team approach that includes collaboration and trust to help create a dynamic experience for staff and YNCU members. She believes that in all jobs we do, and with all people we support, we shouldn’t leave our hearts at home.
On a weekend afternoon you can find Aimee taking in great local music and enjoying time with her two children, as well as her dog, Pickles.
