America First Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

America First Credit Union has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, information technology, and operational management.

Committed to member-focused financial services, America First Credit Union delivers comprehensive banking solutions while maintaining a robust, community-oriented mission that prioritizes long-term fiscal health and accessible digital financial tools for all members.

Leadership Roles at America First Credit Union

  • Chief Executive Officer - Martha Ramos
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Thayne Shaffer
  • Chief Financial Officer - Melissa Key
  • President - Edna Hernandez
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Scott Ellis
  • Martha Ramos - Chief Executive Officer

    Martha Ramos, the Chief Executive Officer at America First Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives for the organization. Ramos manages the alignment of member services with federal banking regulations, ensuring operational excellence across all departments. By overseeing the expansion of digital banking platforms, the Chief Executive Officer drives innovation in mobile financial accessibility. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine fiscal policies and enhance member value. Martha Ramos maintains a focus on sustainable growth, balancing aggressive market expansion with the preservation of credit union stability. Through the implementation of advanced risk management frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial integrity of the institution. Ultimately, Ramos fosters a culture of service excellence, ensuring that every strategic decision supports the broader mission of providing reliable, member-centric financial solutions across the entire operational footprint.

    Thayne Shaffer - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Thayne Shaffer, the President & Chief Executive Officer at America First Credit Union, governs the daily operations and high-level corporate strategy of the institution. Shaffer architects the organizational roadmap, focusing on the integration of business loan services and savings account products to meet evolving market demands. Overseeing the executive team, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all departments maintain strict adherence to federal banking standards. Thayne Shaffer drives the development of regional market presence, expanding the reach of credit union services to diverse member demographics. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of economic indicators to adjust lending strategies and interest rate policies effectively. By prioritizing member satisfaction and operational efficiency, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the competitive position of the organization. Shaffer maintains a commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the credit union remains a pillar of financial stability for the communities served.
    Thayne Shaffer

    Melissa Key - Chief Financial Officer

    Melissa Key, the Chief Financial Officer at America First Credit Union, manages the entire fiscal health and capital allocation strategy of the organization. Key oversees the budgeting process, financial reporting, and investment portfolio management to ensure long-term solvency. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the interest rate structures for savings accounts and business loans. This leadership role involves direct coordination with the board to present accurate financial forecasts and risk assessments. Melissa Key drives the implementation of internal controls that safeguard member assets and ensure regulatory compliance. Through the rigorous evaluation of operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for efficiency gains across all banking divisions. Key maintains a focus on capital adequacy, ensuring that the institution possesses the necessary resources to support future growth initiatives. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required to deliver consistent value to the entire membership base.

    Edna Hernandez - President

    Edna Hernandez, the President at America First Credit Union, oversees the execution of internal operational policies and the management of branch-level service delivery. Hernandez directs the implementation of member-facing programs, ensuring that debit card services and retail banking operations meet high performance standards. By managing the daily workflow of regional teams, the President ensures consistent service quality across the entire branch network. This leadership role involves the development of training initiatives that empower staff to provide superior financial guidance to members. Edna Hernandez drives the optimization of operational processes, reducing friction in account opening and loan processing workflows. Through the coordination of cross-functional teams, the President supports the achievement of organizational growth targets and member retention goals. Hernandez maintains a focus on community engagement, ensuring that the credit union remains responsive to the specific financial needs of the diverse populations served by the institution.

    Scott Ellis - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Scott Ellis, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at America First Credit Union, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Ellis architects secure, scalable systems that support mobile banking and online transaction processing for the entire member base. Overseeing the cybersecurity division, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures the protection of sensitive financial data against emerging digital threats. This leadership role involves the integration of advanced software solutions to streamline business loan applications and account management. Scott Ellis drives the adoption of emerging financial technologies, enhancing the user experience across all digital touchpoints. By collaborating with other C-suite leaders, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer aligns IT investments with the broader strategic goals of the organization. Ellis maintains a focus on system reliability, ensuring that all digital banking services remain accessible and efficient for members operating within the regional market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding America First Credit Union Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads America First Credit Union?
    America First Credit Union is led by Martha Ramos (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thayne Shaffer (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Melissa Key (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of America First Credit Union’s executive team?
    The executive team of America First Credit Union includes leaders such as Martha Ramos (Chief Executive Officer), Thayne Shaffer (President & Chief Executive Officer), Melissa Key (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does America First Credit Union have?
    America First Credit Union has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in America First Credit Union’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of America First Credit Union includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer.