Summit Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Summit Credit Union has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and technology.

Driven by member-centric principles, Summit Credit Union operates as a financial cooperative, prioritizing member well-being and community growth through its extensive network and dedicated service.

Leadership Roles at Summit Credit Union

  • Chief Executive Officer & President - Kim Sponem
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Samuel Whitehurst
  • Chief Financial Officer - Keith Peterson
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Derek Williamson
  • President - Christopher Smith
  • Chief of Staff - Shannon Carpenter
  • Chief Information Officer - Christopher Hefter
  • Chief Operations Officer - Rebecca Gerothanas
  • Kim Sponem - Chief Executive Officer & President

    Kim Sponem, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Summit Credit Union, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the member-owned financial cooperative. Sponem guides the organization's expansion and service delivery across 56 locations throughout south-central and southeastern Wisconsin, managing assets totaling $6.6 billion. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence, evidenced by Summit Credit Union's consistent recognition as a Top Workplace in the USA and regionally. Sponem ensures alignment with the cooperative's founding principles, driving initiatives that enhance member value and community engagement. The Chief Executive Officer & President oversees all major corporate decisions, ensuring financial stability and sustainable growth for over 250,000 members. Kim Sponem's tenure is marked by a commitment to innovation and member satisfaction, solidifying Summit Credit Union's position as a leading financial institution.

    Samuel Whitehurst - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Samuel Whitehurst, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Summit Credit Union, spearheads the strategic direction and executive leadership of the financial cooperative. Whitehurst oversees the organization's mission to serve its extensive member base of over 250,000 individuals and its 948 employees across 56 Wisconsin locations. This executive position involves driving growth initiatives and ensuring operational efficiency within the $6.6 billion asset institution. Samuel Whitehurst's leadership focuses on maintaining the cooperative's strong financial health and its commitment to member-centric services. The President & Chief Executive Officer role encompasses fostering innovation, enhancing member experience, and upholding the credit union's reputation for excellence, including its consistent recognition as a Top Workplace. Samuel Whitehurst ensures the organization's strategic objectives are met, reinforcing its standing in the south-central and southeastern Wisconsin markets.
    Samuel Whitehurst

    Keith Peterson - Chief Financial Officer

    Keith Peterson, the Chief Financial Officer at Summit Credit Union, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the member-owned cooperative. Peterson oversees all aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies, ensuring the organization's $6.6 billion in assets are managed prudently. This role is critical in maintaining the financial stability required to support over 250,000 members and 948 employees across 56 locations. Keith Peterson directs the treasury functions, capital management, and financial reporting, providing essential insights to executive leadership and the board. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with all financial regulations and drives initiatives to optimize profitability and member value. Peterson's expertise supports Summit Credit Union's sustained growth and its commitment to being a top-tier financial institution in Wisconsin.

    Derek Williamson - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Derek Williamson, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Summit Credit Union, holds a pivotal role in managing the financial strategy and fiscal operations of the organization. Williamson oversees the financial integrity and performance of the credit union, which manages $6.6 billion in assets and serves over 250,000 members. This position involves directing financial planning, risk management, and capital allocation across 56 locations throughout Wisconsin. Derek Williamson works closely with the Chief Executive Officer & President to ensure robust financial health and sustainable growth, contributing to the credit union's operational excellence and its status as a Top Workplace. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer role is instrumental in guiding investment decisions and maintaining compliance with financial regulations, supporting the long-term objectives of the member-owned cooperative.
    Derek Williamson

    Christopher Smith - President

    Christopher Smith, the President at Summit Credit Union, leads strategic initiatives and operational oversight for the financial cooperative. Smith focuses on driving growth and enhancing member value across the organization's extensive network of 56 locations. This executive role involves collaborating with the Chief Executive Officer & President to refine strategic objectives and ensure their effective implementation throughout the credit union's operations. Christopher Smith's leadership contributes to maintaining Summit Credit Union's strong market presence and its commitment to member satisfaction, supporting the $6.6 billion asset base. The President role is integral to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, aligning departmental efforts to achieve the credit union's mission of serving its over 250,000 members. Smith's guidance supports the organization's continued success and its reputation as a leading financial institution.
    Christopher Smith

    Shannon Carpenter - Chief of Staff

    Shannon Carpenter, the Chief of Staff at Summit Credit Union, provides strategic support and operational coordination across the executive leadership team. Carpenter facilitates the execution of key initiatives, ensuring alignment between departmental objectives and the credit union's overarching mission. This role involves managing critical projects, optimizing internal communication, and enhancing the efficiency of operations for over 250,000 members and 948 employees. Shannon Carpenter works closely with the Chief Executive Officer & President to drive strategic priorities and ensure seamless execution of plans across 56 locations. The Chief of Staff plays a vital part in maintaining the organization's high standards for employee engagement and member service, contributing to Summit Credit Union's recognition as a Top Workplace. Carpenter's efforts enhance organizational effectiveness and support the credit union's financial goals.

    Christopher Hefter - Chief Information Officer

    Christopher Hefter, the Chief Information Officer at Summit Credit Union, directs the technology strategy and digital infrastructure supporting the credit union's operations and member services. Hefter oversees the development and implementation of secure, scalable IT systems that enhance member experience and operational efficiency for over 250,000 members and 948 employees across 56 locations. This critical role ensures the integrity and advancement of the credit union's technological capabilities, managing data security, network infrastructure, and digital transformation initiatives. Christopher Hefter collaborates with executive leadership to align technology investments with strategic business objectives, supporting the organization's $6.6 billion asset base. The Chief Information Officer champions innovation in financial technology, ensuring Summit Credit Union remains competitive and provides cutting-edge digital solutions to its member base throughout Wisconsin.

    Rebecca Gerothanas - Chief Operations Officer

    Rebecca Gerothanas, the Chief Operations Officer at Summit Credit Union, directs the day-to-day operational activities and service delivery across all 56 locations. Gerothanas ensures the efficient and effective functioning of branch operations, member services, and internal processes, supporting over 250,000 members and 948 employees. This leadership role is crucial for maintaining the high standards of service and operational excellence that contribute to Summit Credit Union's recognition as a Top Workplace. Rebecca Gerothanas oversees the implementation of operational strategies designed to enhance member satisfaction and streamline workflows, managing the credit union's $6.6 billion in assets with a focus on efficiency. The Chief Operations Officer plays a key part in optimizing resource allocation and driving continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization, ensuring seamless service delivery throughout south-central and southeastern Wisconsin.
    Rebecca Gerothanas

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Summit Credit Union Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Summit Credit Union?
    Summit Credit Union is led by Kim Sponem (Chief Executive Officer & President), along with executives such as Samuel Whitehurst (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Keith Peterson (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Summit Credit Union’s executive team?
    The executive team of Summit Credit Union includes leaders such as Kim Sponem (Chief Executive Officer & President), Samuel Whitehurst (President & Chief Executive Officer), Keith Peterson (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Summit Credit Union have?
    Summit Credit Union has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Summit Credit Union’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Summit Credit Union includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & President, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President.