Summit Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

Kim Sponem, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Summit Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision for this member-owned financial cooperative. Overseeing the expansion of the $6.6 billion asset base, Sponem ensures alignment between member needs and institutional growth. This leadership role involves cultivating a culture of excellence that consistently earns top workplace recognition across the Wisconsin region. By guiding the executive team, Sponem maintains the cooperative's commitment to financial stability and member-centric service. Kim Sponem drives the long-term mission of the organization, ensuring that every financial product supports the economic well-being of the 250,000 members. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance and market positioning, the Chief Executive Officer & President secures the future of the institution while fostering innovation in banking services.

Sam Whitehurst, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Summit Credit Union, manages the daily operational execution of the cooperative's financial objectives. Focusing on the integration of member services across 56 locations, Whitehurst optimizes the delivery of banking products to ensure maximum accessibility. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the board to refine the cooperative's market approach within the competitive Wisconsin financial landscape. Sam Whitehurst monitors performance metrics to guarantee that the organization meets its growth targets while upholding the values of a member-owned entity. By streamlining internal processes, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the efficiency of the 948 employees. Whitehurst prioritizes the development of sustainable financial practices that protect the assets of the membership base, ensuring that the cooperative remains a pillar of stability in the regional economy.

Keith Peterson, the Chief Financial Officer at Summit Credit Union, oversees the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the cooperative. Managing the $6.6 billion asset portfolio, Peterson directs the financial planning and analysis required to sustain long-term growth. This leadership role involves rigorous risk management and the implementation of fiscal policies that protect member deposits. Keith Peterson coordinates with the executive team to ensure that all investments align with the cooperative's mission of financial empowerment. By monitoring economic trends across the Wisconsin market, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights necessary for strategic decision-making. Peterson maintains the integrity of the financial reporting systems, ensuring transparency and compliance with industry standards. Through disciplined capital management, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of services and the continued success of the organization.

Derek Williamson, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Summit Credit Union, leads the strategic financial planning and treasury operations for the cooperative. Focusing on liquidity management and asset-liability matching, Williamson ensures that the organization maintains a strong balance sheet to support member lending needs. This leadership role involves overseeing the financial forecasting processes that guide the cooperative's expansion into new regional markets. Derek Williamson collaborates with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities that generate sustainable returns for the membership. By managing the financial risk profile, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer protects the cooperative's capital base against market volatility. Williamson provides the analytical rigor required to support the long-term financial health of the institution, ensuring that all fiscal activities remain consistent with the cooperative's core mission of member-owned financial success.

Shannon Carpenter, the Chief of Staff at Summit Credit Union, facilitates communication and operational alignment across all departments. Coordinating the efforts of the executive leadership team, Carpenter ensures that strategic initiatives receive the necessary resources and focus. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that span the 56 locations, driving organizational efficiency and cross-functional collaboration. Shannon Carpenter acts as a primary liaison for the board, translating high-level goals into actionable tasks for the staff. By optimizing internal workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the cooperative's commitment to workplace excellence and employee engagement. Carpenter monitors the progress of key corporate objectives, ensuring that the organization remains agile in a changing financial environment. Through effective project management and strategic planning, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to execute the mission of the cooperative.

Christopher Hefter, the Chief Information Officer at Summit Credit Union, architects the digital infrastructure that powers the cooperative's banking services. Overseeing the security and scalability of information systems, Hefter ensures that members have reliable access to financial tools across all digital platforms. This leadership role involves implementing advanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive member data while supporting the technological needs of the 948 employees. Christopher Hefter drives the digital transformation strategy, integrating new technologies that enhance the user experience for the 250,000 members. By managing the IT budget and vendor relationships, the Chief Information Officer maintains a robust and efficient technology environment. Hefter aligns technical capabilities with the broader business goals of the organization, ensuring that the cooperative remains competitive in the modern financial landscape through continuous innovation and system reliability.

Rebecca Gerothanas, the Chief Operations Officer at Summit Credit Union, directs the daily service delivery and operational workflows across the 56 locations. Overseeing the branch network and member support teams, Gerothanas ensures that every interaction reflects the cooperative's commitment to excellence. This leadership role involves refining service protocols to improve efficiency and member satisfaction throughout the Wisconsin region. Rebecca Gerothanas manages the operational logistics that support the 948 employees, fostering a productive and engaged work environment. By analyzing service metrics, the Chief Operations Officer identifies opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the quality of financial products. Gerothanas coordinates with other executives to ensure that operational capacity aligns with the growth objectives of the organization. Through consistent focus on service quality and process improvement, the Chief Operations Officer maintains the high standards expected by the membership.