Board of Directors

Directors have a responsibility to our membership, our employees and our communities to maintain the balance between economic and social goals and between individual and collective goals.

The role of the Board of Directors

Summerland Credit Union is governed by a nine-person Board of Directors. These Directors possess a targeted mix of skills, experience and competencies, and share an interest in setting policies that guide the strategic direction of the credit union.

Lorrie Forde, Chair

Director Since: 2004 Term: 2022-2025

Lorrie has been a member of the Summerland Credit Union for over three decades and a Director for over 15 years.

In 2013 Lorrie retired from a 25-year career in adult education at Okanagan College; her work ranged from the front lines of the classroom to the visionary work necessary for strategic and program planning.

Since retiring Lorrie authored the best-selling book "Really Good F Words: Your Interactive Guide to Self-Care." She also re-invented her professional career through a return to graduate school and subsequently becoming the founder and owner of Mountain Top Coaching.

"Taking an active role in my community is important to me and I appreciate the opportunity to serve Summerland and its residents through my role as Director of Summerland Credit Union".

Connie Denesiuk, Vice-Chair

Director Since: 2012-2015/2017 Term: 2024-2027

Connie and her husband Bob owned and operated a construction business in Summerland for over 40 years.

Connie is pleased to bring her experience in leadership, governance and financial oversight to the Credit Union Board.

“I have always been impressed by the friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism of the staff. What impresses me most; however, is the way in which Summerland Credit Union gives back to the community by supporting projects and initiatives that focus on making Summerland a better place for all.”

Sandy Berry, Past Chair

Director Since: 2007 Term: 2022-2025

Sandy was born and raised in Summerland and has spent the majority of his life here. He retired in 2015 after running his own building and renovation business for over 30 years.

During his time as a Director, Sandy has served on all committees of the Board, including Board Vice-Chair and Board Chair. Sandy embraces every opportunity to make a difference in our community, and is currently involved in several community organizations.

“I have been a lifelong Credit Union member wherever I have lived. I am firmly dedicated to the Credit Union principles, and strongly support SDCU’s commitment to our community. I am proud to be a part of the team that has kept our Credit Union strong and independent during some of the most exciting and challenging times in our history.”

Terri Eriksen

Director Since: 2018 Term: 2024-2027

Terri was born and raised in Saskatchewan, where she completed her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at the University of Regina. Terri and her husband moved to the Okanagan in 2012 in pursuit of a more balanced lifestyle, and now call Summerland home.

She enjoys working with such a dynamic board and happily represents several segments of our membership including small business owners, millennials, and those with mortgages. Terri believes that it’s important to contribute to your community and in the areas of your life that you value.

“The credit unions’ founding principle of ‘"people-helping-people" really resonates with me as my professional experience over the past 17 years has been focused on human resources. I am excited to continue to serve on such a dynamic Board and to contribute to the credit union's mission to enrich lives.”

Terri is an Employee Benefits Advisor and partner of a local group benefits firm, Navy & Sage Benefits.

Abhishek Lekhi

Director Since: 2022 Term: 2022-2025

Abhishek was born and raised in Summerland and continues to hold strong ties to the community. He completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering and is now completing his Master’s in Computer Science specializing in Machine Learning. He currently works in engineering consulting, specializing in clean energy solutions.

Previously being a member of the SDCU’s Advisory Committee, Abhishek is now joining Summerland Credit Union as an Interim Director for 2022. He is also involved in several community organizations ranging from social justice movements, community outreach events and climate action initiatives.

“I am excited to be contributing to on-going success of Summerland Credit Union. Having grown up in Summerland and having my first bank account at SDCU, it is humbling to be back in my home credit union as a director and providing my expertise where needed.”

Christine Petkau

Director Since: 2023 - Current Term: 2023-2026

Christine has worked in the public and private sectors for almost 25 years, and been in non-profit leadership, serving for six years as the Executive Director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce. In that role she was active in local and regional tourism and economic development issues.

An experienced board member, Christine has held board positions at: SADI, the Okanagan College Foundation, the regional Local Immigration Partnership, Summerland’s Economic Development Task Force, and Summerland Baptist Church.

On the personal side, she has been married for over 40 years to Brent Petkau of Petkau Information Technology Consulting and they have two grown children. They moved from Winnipeg to Summerland in 2002.

Christine holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Winnipeg and an MA in Leadership from Trinity Western University.

Through my previous work at the Chamber, I learned about the important role that Summerland Credit Union plays in the community and I’m looking forward to contributing to the leadership of the organization going forward!

Dallas Bradner

Director Since: 2024 Term: 2024-2027

Dallas has lived in Summerland for over 35 years. He and his wife Jane are thrilled to be able to raise their three kids in this community – the hometown that they both grew up in.

As co-owner of Summerland Rental Centre for more than 15 years, Dallas has developed a deep connection with the business community, as well as local farmers and residents. Dallas will support the SDCU Board of Directors by bringing a balanced grasp of local business, leadership, and team work.

“Summerland Credit Union has been my financial partner for more than 30 years, for both personal and business banking. I am excited for the opportunity to give back to the community and organization that has helped me so much.””

Bev Skinner

Director Since: 1996-2002/2005 – Current Term: 2023-2026

Bev first joined our Board in 1996, she is now serving her 7th term as a Director; during those 21 years she has had an opportunity to sit on, and Chair, several committees; 5 years as Board Vice Chair and 3 years as Board Chair.

Bev is retired from School District #67. During her 29 year career with the District she attended several courses at the Justice Institute of BC; which have proven to be invaluable tools when dealing with personnel issues, problem solving and decision making.

“My husband, Clint and I are long-time residents of Summerland and SDCU has been our financial institution of choice and has played a large role in our lives for over 50 years – Meeting our every need from teenagers to retirees!”

Michelle Miller

Director Since: 2024 Term: 2024-2027

Michelle studied at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and later a Bachelor of Education degree. With over two decades of experience working as a classroom teacher in Summerland, she has taught a broad range of grade levels and subject areas in both the private and public-school systems. She currently teaches part-time, while also operating her small business as a farmer-florist.

Having grown up and then raised her own children in Summerland alongside her husband Kent, Michelle has a deep appreciation for this community and the people living here. She is actively involved in coaching youth sports, volunteering at fundraisers and participating in local events.

“Education, sustainability and enriching the lives of others are priorities for me. As a Director, I am committed to Summerland Credit Union’s vision of meeting the diverse needs of our community”.

Kelly Marshall, President & CEO

Kelly Marshall has been the President & CEO of Summerland Credit Union for over 17 years. Prior to coming to Summerland he had another 15 years experience in the credit union system – 5 years as CEO with Edson Credit Union and over 10 years with Prince Albert Credit Union with his last role as Manager of Retail Operations.

Kelly is an associate of the Credit Union Institute of Canada with honors and a specialty in lending studies and holds the Certified Chief Executive (CCE) and the Certified Credit Union Director (CCD) designations through the Credit Union Executives Society, the ICDD designation through the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Board Appointments and Associations

Director and Past Chair of Stabilization Central Credit Union;
Director and Past Chair of the Credit Union Executives Society Canadian Council

View Our 2023 Annual Report

2023 Annual Report

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