To our members, team members, and community: thank you. Your warm welcome has been nothing short of energizing. Over the past 100 days, I’ve been inspired by your passion and dedication to serving members as a trusted guide, not just a financial institution. It’s been a remarkable start to a journey I’m grateful to be on.
Joining Kindred Credit Union has been a deeply personal decision. For some time, I’ve reflected on how to align my experience in financial services with my desire to make a meaningful impact; at Kindred, I’ve found that perfect match. These early days have affirmed how much I admire this organization and its commitment to inspiring peaceful, just, and prosperous communities.
A Deeply Rooted Purpose
From the moment I joined, I could see that Kindred’s roots run deep. This is an organization built on strong values that permeate everything we do. Whether in conversations with team members or interactions with members, it’s clear that integrity, compassion, and stewardship guide our work.
During these first months, I’ve made it a priority to connect with as many people as possible—team members, board members, and our incredible community partners. Each conversation has reinforced what makes Kindred special: we aren’t just another financial institution. We focus on helping members Make Peace with their Money by offering guidance tailored to their needs, not just products.
Kindred’s foundation is solid, rooted in decades of thoughtful decision-making and mutual aid. Our financial health and strategic focus give us the tools to build on this legacy. With a team aligned in purpose and a membership that values relationships over transactions, I’m excited to explore how we can continue to grow while staying true to who we are.
Learning, Listening, and Growing Together
One of the most rewarding parts of my first 100 days has been listening to the stories of our members and partners. Whether visiting farms, businesses, or meeting long-standing members, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for how our unique approach to finances makes a tangible difference in their lives. These moments have reinforced that Kindred’s roots in community are not just symbolic—they are the foundation of everything we do.
This sense of connection and collaboration is equally evident within our team. A recent all-staff gathering provided a powerful opportunity to learn alongside my colleagues. Together, we explored how to better serve our members, and I was reminded of the strength of our shared purpose. It’s clear that this isn’t just a team; it’s a group united by a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference.
Kindred’s dedication to aligning values and faith with finances is unmatched. From pioneering socially responsible investment products in Canada to supporting affordable housing, innovation at Kindred has always been rooted in service and impact. It’s this values-driven approach that sets us apart and allows us to create solutions that truly matter to our members and communities.
Our community partnerships are another essential way we make an impact. Supporting initiatives such as addiction recovery facilities through organizations like House of Friendship shows how deeply we live out our commitment to mutual aid. These partnerships remind me of the powerful ripple effect Kindred creates—helping others thrive while strengthening the bonds that hold our communities together.
I’ve also been struck by the diversity of our membership. We serve individuals who embrace cutting-edge digital banking tools, alongside those who value the personal connection of in-branch experiences. This diversity presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to craft member experiences that consistently reflect our care and values, no matter the channel.
I’m excited to continue learning, listening, and growing together. Whether through innovative values-centred solutions, strengthened partnerships, or finding new ways to serve, the possibilities are as vast as the communities we are privileged to serve. These first 100 days have shown me the incredible potential within Kindred, and I look forward to building on this foundation.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward together, I remain grounded in the strength of Kindred’s roots. Our legacy of mutual aid, values-driven innovation, and community stewardship is a powerful foundation. It’s one I’m committed to honouring and building upon.
To our members and partners: thank you for welcoming me into this community. I look forward to hearing more of your stories, learning from your experiences, and working together to shape the future of Kindred. Every step of this journey is a shared one, and I’m grateful to walk it with you.
Together, let us help you Make Peace with our Money and make a lasting impact in our communities.