About

Chris, formerly the Chief Experience Officer at a $1.4 billion credit union, joined HFCU in 2023. He brings 22 years’ experience in the financial industry. As the President and CEO, Chris is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Credit Union. He collaborates with the senior leadership team to define that direction and liaises with the Board of Directors to ensure an all-in approach to growth and success. Chris considers one of his greatest strengths to be motivating and empowering his teammates to be successful. His passion for the credit union spirit, keen focus on the people behind HFCU, and visionary approach to sustainable growth are hallmarks of his leadership. A father, husband, and avid golfer, Chris resides in Manchester, VT.

Chris’s Vision for HFCU: I see HFCU as providing unrivaled support to the communities we serve. We will work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive by providing the education, support, service, and products they deserve.

Melissa brings 18 years’ experience to HFCU, her last position being on the executive team for a $1.4 billion credit union. As Chief Operating Officer, she’s responsible for ensuring the Credit Union operates in alignment with its strategic initiatives while adhering to regulatory guidelines and maintaining brand integrity. As someone who excels at organization, Melissa is adept at effectively managing multiple initiatives, thinking through the details of situations to develop creative solutions, and striving to enhance the member experience by using data to guide HFCU’s progress. As a problem solver at heart, she enjoys finding solutions to business challenges. She lives in NY with her husband and three children. She enjoys gardening (but questions the abilities of her green thumb!), learning about wine, and taking cooking classes.

Melissa’s Vision for HFCU: My vision for the Credit Union is to be the premier provider of financial services in our markets by deeply understanding our community's needs and creating products and experiences that surpass their expectations.

Christine has been with Heritage Family Credit Union for 12 years. She began her career as VP Accounting and has worked her way to Chief Financial Officer. As CFO, Christine is responsible for ensuring the Credit Union remains financially strong, adheres to accounting best practices and regulatory guidelines, and is keeping members’ assets protected. Her strong sense of humor keeps her humble and her dedication to continued learning and collaboration makes her a successful leader. Christine lives in Castleton, VT with her husband, 3 dogs and 2 cats. She enjoys quilting and knitting.

Christine’s Vision for HFCU:
My vision for HFCU is a financial institution that digs deep into the cooperative movement for which we were founded. We are not nor will we ever be a bank.

A former SVP Business Services, Sarah has been with Heritage Family Credit Union for 9 years, with 11 years total in the banking industry. As Chief Lending Officer, Sarah is responsible for the Credit Union’s entire lending portfolio and ensuring our lending guidelines are compliant. A good listener, she enjoys a challenge and finding creative solutions to problems. The lending environment is ever-changing and Sarah’s flexibility serves her well in adapting to those changes. She lives in Castleton, VT with her husband and daughter. Sarah enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with her large family.

Sarah’s Vision for HFCU:
My vision is to have HFCU be the preferred financial partner, trusted resource, and employer of choice for individuals and businesses in the communities we serve.

Ryan joined Heritage Family Credit Union in the Fall of 2024. Ryan brings 8 years of banking experience to our credit union, including his most recent position as VP, Consumer Consultant. As SVP Retail, Ryan is tasked with ensuring our entire retail network – including our branches and Contact Center – are operating in accordance with all regulations and providing the best possible member experience. Ryan leans on his people leadership, agility, and ability to build genuine connections to drive his success. He lives in Shoreham, VT, with his wife and two cats. An avid watersports participant, Ryan spends his time outside of work on one of several lakes.

Ryan's Vision for HFCU:
My vision is to make Heritage Family Credit Union the employer and financial institution of choice in the communities we serve.

Erik has been with HFCU for 11 years, with over 30 years’ experience in the IT world. As SVP Technology, Erik leads the Credit Union’s IT, Facilities, and Digital Experience Departments. With a diverse group under his leadership, he leans on his ability to be a team player. Erik’s positive attitude and strong work ethic are examples to those he leads. (A great sense of humor helps, too!) Erik lives in North Clarendon, VT, with his wife and daughter.

Erik’s Vision for HFCU:

Our mission is tied to the principle of “people helping people”, and I want to continue to provide the infrastructure support to enhance that mission.

Gwen has been a Heritage Family Credit Union board member since 2017 and was elected to serve as Chair until April 2026. A Certified Public Accountant, she is currently a Partner at O'Brien Shortle Reynolds & Sabatka where she manages the firm’s accounting and auditing department. Gwen was named a VT Business Magazine Rising Star in 2015 for her commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and involvement in her community. She lives in Rutland Town, VT, with her husband, daughter, and their dog, Oakley. In her free time, Gwen enjoys knitting, quilting, and baking.

Paul has been a Heritage Family Credit Union Board Member since 2020 and was elected to serve as First Vice Chair until April 2026. He is currently a Managing Broker at TPW Real Estate and a member of the Vermont Futures Board. Paul lives in Dorset, VT, with his wife, two sons, and their dogs, Nellie and Yogi. In his free time, he enjoys flying airplanes, music, being outdoors, traveling, the performing arts, and spending time with his family. 

Nicole has been a Heritage Family Credit Union Board Member since 2018 and was elected to serve as Second Vice Chair until April 2025. A civil engineer specializing in land use development, she is a majority owner and Principal at Enman Kesselring Engineers in Rutland, VT. Nicole lives in Mendon, VT, with her partner, Jamie, and their yellow lab. In her free time, Nicole enjoys travelling, cycling, hiking, skiing, running, swimming, and being outdoors.

Richard has been a Heritage Family Credit Union Board Member since 2006 and was elected to serve as Treasurer until April 2026. A retired teacher who spent 37 years at Mount Anthony Union High School and Southwest Tech, he was named Vermont DECA Advisor of the Year in1999 and 2003. Richard and his wife, Avis, live in Hoosick Falls, NY, and have two grown daughters. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and travelling.

Rodney has been a Heritage Family Credit Union Board Member since 1994 and was elected to serve as Secretary until April 2027. He is currently Lead CAD/CAM Specialist at GE Aerospace and spends time volunteering with GE Volunteers and the Green Mountain Council. Rodney is a past recipient of the Gil Ray Award, the Jack Welch Elfun of the Year Award, and the Corbett D. Cauditt Award. He lives in Wallingford, VT, and is married with three grown children. In his free time, Rodney enjoys hiking, cycling, and running.

Denis has been a Heritage Family Credit Union Board Member since 2003 and was elected to serve in his current term until April 2027. He retired after 25 years of service at two credit unions but continues to work part-time as a small business owner. Denis is a longtime member of the Weston Select Board, the Weston Rod and Gun Club, and has spent his life serving his local community. He lives in Weston, VT, with his wife Noreen and they have two grown children. In his free time, Denis enjoys hunting, cars, and vacations with his family.

Joshua has been a Heritage Family Credit Union Board Member since 2022 and was elected to serve in his current term until April 2025. He is currently the Manager of Contracts, Procurement and Inventory for Vermont Electric Power Company. A construction entrepreneur and past military achievement award recipient, Joshua also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. He lives in Mount Holly, VT, with his wife Melissa, their daughter Clara, and two rescue dogs, Gracie and Jack. In his free time, Joshua enjoys carpentry, travelling, backpacking, and snowboarding. 

Kim was elected to serve in her current term as a Heritage Family Credit Union Board Member until April 2027. She is the Executive Director of The MINT Makerspace in Rutland, VT, and previously worked as an architect in Philadelphia designing and overseeing the construction of boutique hotels and restaurants. She is also a trained organic farmer and relocated to Vermont in 2012 to work at the College of Saint Joseph as their on-campus farm manager.  Kim believes that we have the utmost responsibility to our human relationships, the land we inhabit, and the more-than-human beings around us.

Kevin was a Heritage Family Credit Union Board member from 1993 through 2008 and then again from 2009 to the present. He was elected to serve in his current term until April 2025. Kevin is the CEO of Rutland Housing Authority and Housing Initiatives Inc. His volunteer activities include the Rotary Club of Rutland City and the HAI Group Board of Directors. In 2021 he became "Directorship Certified" through the National Association of Corporate Directors. Kevin lives in Rutland Town, VT., with his wife, Debra,  and they have five grown children and a grandson. In his free time, Kevin enjoys visiting national parks, monuments, and historic sites.