Summit Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

Sam Whitehurst, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Summit Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision for the financial cooperative. Overseeing the expansion of member services across south-central and southeastern Wisconsin, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between institutional growth and the needs of 250,000 members. This leadership role involves managing the $6.6 billion asset portfolio while fostering a culture of excellence that consistently earns top workplace recognition. By coordinating with the board and senior leadership, Sam Whitehurst drives long-term stability and innovation in banking products. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that the cooperative remains a pillar of financial health for the region. Through rigorous oversight of market initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the organization within the broader financial landscape.

Kim Sponem, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Summit Credit Union, architects the long-term mission of the member-owned financial cooperative. Managing the transition and evolution of the organization, the Chief Executive Officer & President drives initiatives that prioritize member value and sustainable growth. This role involves deep engagement with the 948 employees to maintain the high standards that result in consistent top workplace awards. By overseeing the integration of financial services across 56 locations, Kim Sponem ensures that the cooperative meets the diverse needs of the membership base. The Chief Executive Officer & President balances asset management with community-focused outreach, reinforcing the reputation of the institution as a leader in the Wisconsin market. Through strategic planning and executive oversight, the Chief Executive Officer & President sustains the financial health and operational integrity of the entire organization.

Keith Peterson, the Chief Financial Officer at Summit Credit Union, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the financial cooperative. Overseeing the $6.6 billion asset base, the Chief Financial Officer ensures rigorous compliance and financial reporting standards across all 56 locations. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize investment returns while maintaining the liquidity necessary for member services. By working closely with the executive team, Keith Peterson supports the strategic growth objectives of the organization through disciplined budget management and risk assessment. The Chief Financial Officer monitors the financial performance of the cooperative, providing the insights required for long-term planning and stability. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer secures the economic foundation of the institution, ensuring that the cooperative continues to provide reliable and accessible banking solutions to the entire membership base.

Derek Williamson, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Summit Credit Union, directs the treasury functions and long-term capital planning for the cooperative. Overseeing the balance sheet and financial forecasting, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the institution maintains a strong position within the competitive Wisconsin market. This leadership role involves managing the financial risks associated with the $6.6 billion in assets while identifying opportunities for sustainable growth. By collaborating with the board, Derek Williamson supports the development of financial products that benefit the 250,000 members. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer manages the financial operations team to ensure accuracy and transparency in all reporting. Through the application of advanced financial modeling and strategic oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer drives the economic performance of the organization, ensuring long-term viability and member value.

Christopher Hefter, the Chief Information Officer at Summit Credit Union, directs the digital infrastructure and technological roadmap for the financial cooperative. Overseeing the security and scalability of banking systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all 56 locations maintain seamless connectivity for members. This leadership role involves implementing advanced data protection measures to safeguard the $6.6 billion in assets managed by the institution. By collaborating with other C-suite leaders, Christopher Hefter aligns technology investments with the broader goal of enhancing member experience through digital channels. The Chief Information Officer manages the IT department to support the 948 employees, providing the tools necessary for efficient service delivery. Through continuous innovation in financial technology, the Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation of the cooperative, ensuring that the organization remains competitive in an increasingly complex and fast-paced financial environment.

Shannon Carpenter, the Chief of Staff at Summit Credit Union, coordinates the strategic priorities and operational workflows of the executive leadership team. Overseeing the alignment of internal communications and project management, the Chief of Staff ensures that the mission of the cooperative remains central to all departmental activities. This leadership role involves facilitating collaboration between the 948 employees and the C-suite to streamline decision-making processes. By managing the executive office, Shannon Carpenter drives the execution of key initiatives that support the growth of the organization across Wisconsin. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of organizational goals, providing the necessary support to ensure that all teams operate with maximum efficiency. Through the management of complex projects and cross-functional partnerships, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall effectiveness of the leadership team, contributing to the continued success of the financial cooperative.

Rebecca Gerothanas, the Chief Operations Officer at Summit Credit Union, directs the daily service delivery and operational processes across all 56 locations. Overseeing the branch network and member support functions, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the cooperative maintains high standards of service excellence. This leadership role involves optimizing workflows for the 948 employees to improve efficiency and member satisfaction. By collaborating with the executive team, Rebecca Gerothanas implements operational strategies that support the growth of the organization throughout south-central and southeastern Wisconsin. The Chief Operations Officer manages the logistics of service expansion, ensuring that the cooperative remains accessible and responsive to the needs of the membership. Through the continuous improvement of operational procedures, the Chief Operations Officer drives the internal performance of the institution, ensuring that the cooperative delivers consistent and high-quality financial services to every member.