Today’s YNCU is the result of many mergers over the years with credit unions whose histories stretch back to the 1940s.

In the Region of Waterloo, the St. Louis Parish Credit Union began in a church hall in 1947. The purpose of the organization was to “promote thrift among its members and provide loans for provident and productive purposes.” After the first year, the credit union had 440 members and $41,881 in shares. Historical documents show consistent growth, resulting in the need to purchase a business phone, a 13-column adding machine, and a typewriter in 1954.

By 1957, the first of several changes happened, allowing more people to bank the credit union way, and launching a history of partnerships. Thirty small credit unions, from factories to the hospital to civic employees, joined over the years until 2004 when Waterloo Regional and Brantford Community came together as Grand River Credit Union. Similarly in Brantford and Paris, credit unions that began on factory floors, like Massey-Harris, Spalding, and Levi Strauss, grew to welcome the surrounding community.

A merger with Your Neighbourhood Credit Union in Windsor and LaSalle in 2007, a former teachers’ credit union, introduced a new name to the organization. Mitchell & District Credit Union joined in 2008, bringing a significant agricultural community to the fold. A fixture of the community in Woodstock, Standard Tube Employees’ Credit Union, joined in 2009 followed by Fiberglas Employees (Guelph) in 2010.

Boomerang Credit Union, formerly London Civic Employees, joined in 2013, and CN Employees London followed shortly thereafter in 2014. Most recently, YNCU expanded our geographic footprint by extending the neighbourhood to northern Ontario with the merger in 2016 with Community First Credit Union, based in Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins.

Our Mission: Building sustainable relationships within our community that include DIVERSITY, SOCIAL and ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES.

Our Purpose: Building financial well-being together.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Our Guiding Principles

Leadership

Lisa Colangelo

Chief Executive Officer

Lisa has extensive experience as a senior-level executive with over 20 years of success driving strategic business growth efforts across districts, territories, and branches for TD Bank, Western Financial Group, and Coast Capital Savings. Most recently, she held the role of Chief Strategy and Customer Experience Officer at Western Financial Group. Lisa has successfully delivered exceptional experiences by leading with both heart and mind, developing people, and driving results through others She also recently completed her Masters of Business Administration at Dalhousie University.

Lisa is a banker by background starting in the industry as a part-time teller while attending York University. She has held every role in Branch Banking as well as roles in Strategy, Operations, Learning & Development, and Contact Centres. Lisa began her career with TD Bank and joined Coast Capital Credit Union in 2018. Most recently, Lisa has been at Western Financial where she has been accountable for enterprise strategy, transformation, data analytics, enablement, marketing, brand, community, and customer experience. Lisa is excited to get back to banking and specifically our purpose-driven industry.

 

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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. Following the retirement of CEO Gord Harrison in April 2024, Aimee Wagner was named as Interim Chief Executive Officer and held the position until September 2024.

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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

Board of Directors

Board Roles and Relationships

Credit Unions are regulated by provincial legislation (www.fsra.com) and each undergoes audits and annual inspections to ensure strict adherence to sound financial practices. The Board of Directors represents the interests of the members and sets policy and overall strategy of the credit union, while qualified staff maintain the hands-on responsibility for the day-to-day operations.

Joining the Board

Each board member is usually elected for a three-year term. Nominations are received prior to the fiscal year end. Both nominators and nominees must be a member of YNCU in good standing for a minimum of one year and be at least 18 years old. If you're interested in seeking election to the Board of Directors, please contact the Chair at boardofdirectors@yncu.com.

Board Elections and Annual Meeting

Elections of the Board of Directors generally take place at the credit union’s annual meeting. Not only a forum for elections, the annual meeting provides an opportunity for the Board to report to members on the activities of the credit union over the past year. Members have an opportunity to discuss matters of concern and can vote on policy decisions and any proposed amendments to the bylaws of the credit union.

Director Training Program

Credit union Directors serve in a volunteer capacity. To help Directors serve members, credit unions offer the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program. CUDA is a formal certificate program available from the Credit Union Institute of Canada, the national education training organization for the Canadian credit union system.