Self-Help Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Self-Help Credit Union has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and regional market expansion.

Committed to economic justice and community development, Self-Help Credit Union provides accessible financial services to underserved populations while fostering long-term wealth creation through responsible lending and inclusive banking practices.

Leadership Roles at Self-Help Credit Union

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sonja Cooley
  • Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer - Martin Eakes
  • Chief Financial Officer - Lain Mckay
  • President - Randy Chambers
  • President - Tonita Lipscomb
  • Florida President - Adelcio Lugo
  • President - Janell Peyton
  • Chief of Staff - Will Perreault
  • Chief Information Officer - Tim Stanion
  • City Executive - Torey Thompson
  • Sonja Cooley - Chief Executive Officer

    Sonja Cooley, the Chief Executive Officer at Self-Help Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Cooley manages the alignment of community-focused financial products with the broader mission of economic equity. By overseeing the development of checking accounts and personal loan programs, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the institution maintains a robust presence across North American markets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine lending criteria and expand service accessibility. Sonja Cooley drives the implementation of inclusive banking initiatives that support diverse member needs. Through rigorous oversight of institutional growth, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the credit union. Cooley maintains a focus on sustainable development, ensuring that every strategic decision promotes long-term stability for the communities served by the organization.

    Martin Eakes - Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

    Martin Eakes, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer at Self-Help Credit Union, architects the foundational policies that define the institution. Eakes oversees the integration of social mission goals with high-level financial operations. By driving the expansion of auto loans and mobile banking services, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the credit union remains a leader in community-based finance. This role requires constant engagement with regulatory bodies to maintain compliance while pushing for innovative lending solutions. Martin Eakes manages the long-term strategic trajectory, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of the regional economy. Through the application of sound fiscal management, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer sustains the operational capacity of the institution. Eakes prioritizes the delivery of equitable financial tools to all members.
    Martin Eakes

    Lain Mckay - Chief Financial Officer

    Lain Mckay, the Chief Financial Officer at Self-Help Credit Union, manages the fiscal integrity and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Mckay oversees the balance sheet, ensuring that liquidity remains sufficient to support the diverse range of checking and loan products offered. By directing the financial planning and analysis departments, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data necessary for informed decision-making across the executive team. This role involves monitoring market trends to mitigate risk while optimizing the return on assets. Lain Mckay drives the development of financial reporting systems that maintain transparency for stakeholders. Through the careful management of capital reserves, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of services into new regional markets. Mckay ensures that the financial foundation of the credit union remains strong enough to withstand economic fluctuations.

    Randy Chambers - President

    Randy Chambers, the President at Self-Help Credit Union, leads the development of commercial lending strategies and business banking relationships. Chambers oversees the growth of the commercial portfolio, ensuring that the credit union provides essential capital to small businesses and community projects. By directing the commercial lending team, the President fosters economic development across the regional footprint. This role involves building partnerships with local organizations to identify new opportunities for investment and service expansion. Randy Chambers drives the implementation of lending policies that balance risk with the mission of community support. Through the management of commercial operations, the President ensures that the institution contributes to local economic vitality. Chambers maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the credit union remains a reliable partner for businesses seeking fair and accessible financial solutions.

    Tonita Lipscomb - President

    Tonita Lipscomb, the President at Self-Help Credit Union, manages the consumer banking division and member experience initiatives. Lipscomb oversees the delivery of checking accounts and personal financial services, ensuring that the credit union meets the daily needs of its members. By directing the branch network operations, the President ensures that service quality remains high across all locations. This role involves developing programs that promote financial literacy and inclusion for underserved populations. Tonita Lipscomb drives the implementation of member-centric strategies that increase engagement and loyalty. Through the oversight of consumer-facing departments, the President ensures that the institution remains accessible and responsive. Lipscomb maintains a focus on service excellence, ensuring that every member interaction reflects the core values of the credit union while supporting the broader mission of economic empowerment.

    Adelcio Lugo - Florida President

    Adelcio Lugo, the Florida President at Self-Help Credit Union, manages the strategic expansion and operational oversight of the credit union within the Florida market. Lugo oversees the development of regional lending programs and the establishment of new service channels. By directing the local team, the Florida President ensures that the institution addresses the specific economic challenges and opportunities present in the region. This role involves building relationships with local stakeholders to promote the mission of economic justice. Adelcio Lugo drives the implementation of financial services that cater to the diverse demographics of the state. Through the management of regional operations, the Florida President ensures that the credit union maintains a strong and effective presence. Lugo maintains a focus on regional growth, ensuring that the institution delivers consistent value to members across the entire Florida territory.

    Janell Peyton - President

    Janell Peyton, the President at Self-Help Credit Union, leads the strategic initiatives related to organizational development and human capital management. Peyton oversees the internal culture and talent acquisition strategies that support the long-term goals of the credit union. By directing the human resources and training departments, the President ensures that the workforce remains equipped to deliver high-quality financial services. This role involves fostering an environment of inclusion and professional growth for all employees. Janell Peyton drives the implementation of leadership development programs that prepare the organization for future challenges. Through the management of internal operations, the President ensures that the credit union maintains a high standard of performance and service. Peyton maintains a focus on organizational excellence, ensuring that the team remains aligned with the mission of providing accessible and responsible financial solutions to the community.

    Will Perreault - Chief of Staff

    Will Perreault, the Chief of Staff at Self-Help Credit Union, coordinates the operational workflows between the executive leadership and the broader organization. Perreault oversees the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring that departmental goals align with the core mission of community development. By managing internal communications and project timelines, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient decision-making processes. This role involves bridging the gap between the board and the operational teams to ensure clarity in organizational objectives. Will Perreault drives the implementation of cross-functional projects that enhance the delivery of mobile banking and personal loan services. Through the optimization of internal processes, the Chief of Staff improves overall productivity. Perreault maintains a focus on organizational health, ensuring that the credit union operates with agility and purpose in a competitive financial landscape.

    Tim Stanion - Chief Information Officer

    Tim Stanion, the Chief Information Officer at Self-Help Credit Union, directs the technological infrastructure that powers the institution's digital services. Stanion oversees the security and scalability of mobile banking platforms, ensuring that members have reliable access to their accounts. By architecting robust data management systems, the Chief Information Officer supports the efficient processing of auto and personal loans. This role involves constant innovation to protect member data while enhancing the user experience across all digital channels. Tim Stanion drives the adoption of new technologies that streamline internal operations and improve service delivery. Through the management of the IT department, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the credit union remains at the forefront of financial technology. Stanion maintains a focus on digital transformation, enabling the organization to reach more members through secure and accessible online tools.

    Torey Thompson - City Executive

    Torey Thompson, the City Executive at Self-Help Credit Union, directs the operational and community engagement efforts within specific urban markets. Thompson oversees the local implementation of financial products, ensuring that the credit union effectively serves the unique needs of the city population. By managing local partnerships and outreach programs, the City Executive builds trust and visibility for the institution. This role involves coordinating with regional leadership to align local activities with the broader organizational strategy. Torey Thompson drives the growth of the local member base through targeted service delivery and community involvement. Through the management of city-level operations, the City Executive ensures that the credit union remains a vital resource for local residents. Thompson maintains a focus on community impact, ensuring that the institution provides meaningful financial support to the neighborhoods it serves.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Self-Help Credit Union Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Self-Help Credit Union?
    Self-Help Credit Union is led by Sonja Cooley (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Martin Eakes (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer) and Lain Mckay (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Self-Help Credit Union’s executive team?
    The executive team of Self-Help Credit Union includes leaders such as Sonja Cooley (Chief Executive Officer), Martin Eakes (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer), Lain Mckay (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Self-Help Credit Union have?
    Self-Help Credit Union has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Self-Help Credit Union’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Self-Help Credit Union includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President.