Summit Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

Samuel Whitehurst, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Summit Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision for this member-owned financial cooperative. Whitehurst manages the $6.6 billion asset portfolio while ensuring alignment with the long-term goals of 250,000 members. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains operational excellence across 56 locations in Wisconsin. This role involves constant collaboration with the Board to drive sustainable growth and financial stability. Samuel Whitehurst prioritizes the expansion of member services to solidify the market position of the organization. Through rigorous oversight of corporate initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of high performance. Whitehurst ensures that all financial products remain competitive within the regional banking landscape, ultimately securing the future of the cooperative for all members.

Kim Sponem, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Summit Credit Union, architects the primary mission of this financial institution. Sponem drives the organizational culture that earned multiple Top Workplace awards across Wisconsin. By managing the daily operations of the cooperative, the Chief Executive Officer & President ensures that member needs remain the central focus of every business decision. Kim Sponem leads the executive team in executing growth strategies that leverage the $6.6 billion in assets held by the firm. This leadership role involves navigating complex financial regulations while maintaining the cooperative structure that defines the brand. Sponem oversees the integration of new service models to enhance member value throughout the south-central and southeastern regions. Through consistent dedication to excellence, the Chief Executive Officer & President sustains the reputation of the organization as a premier financial partner.

Melissa Lyons, the Chief Financial Officer at Summit Credit Union, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the cooperative. Lyons oversees the financial reporting processes and ensures compliance with industry standards across all 56 locations. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Financial Officer supports the executive team in making data-driven decisions regarding asset management and investment portfolios. Melissa Lyons directs the budgeting cycles that sustain the 948 employees and the broader operational infrastructure. This role involves constant monitoring of liquidity and risk to protect the interests of the 250,000 members. Lyons collaborates with other C-suite leaders to optimize revenue streams and control costs effectively. Through precise financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability of the $6.6 billion in assets, ensuring that the organization remains a robust financial force within the Wisconsin market.

Derek Williamson, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Summit Credit Union, executes the long-term capital strategy and investment planning for the cooperative. Williamson oversees the treasury functions and ensures that the $6.6 billion in assets are deployed to maximize member returns. By managing the financial forecasting models, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary insights for expansion into new regional markets. Derek Williamson collaborates with the Board to evaluate the financial impact of strategic partnerships and service additions. This role involves maintaining strong relationships with regulatory bodies and financial institutions to ensure the continued growth of the firm. Williamson directs the internal audit processes to maintain the highest standards of fiscal integrity. Through strategic financial oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the economic foundation of the organization for the benefit of all members.

Christopher Hefter, the Chief Information Officer at Summit Credit Union, architects the digital infrastructure that supports all member-facing financial services. Hefter manages the cybersecurity protocols and data integrity systems necessary for a $6.6 billion financial cooperative. By overseeing the technology roadmap, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all 56 locations maintain seamless connectivity and secure transaction processing. Christopher Hefter drives the implementation of innovative banking software to improve the user experience for 250,000 members. This role involves coordinating with the executive team to align technical capabilities with the broader business strategy of the organization. Hefter monitors emerging threats to the financial network and implements robust defense mechanisms. Through the modernization of internal systems, the Chief Information Officer enhances operational efficiency and supports the long-term digital transformation goals of the firm.

Shannon Carpenter, the Chief of Staff at Summit Credit Union, coordinates the strategic initiatives and internal communications across the executive leadership team. Carpenter manages the flow of information between departments to ensure that the mission of the cooperative remains consistent throughout the 56 locations. By overseeing special projects and organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient decision-making processes for the President and other senior leaders. Shannon Carpenter drives the alignment of corporate goals with the daily activities of the 948 employees. This role involves managing the executive office and ensuring that all high-level priorities receive the necessary resources for successful execution. Carpenter supports the development of internal policies that promote the award-winning workplace culture of the firm. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff optimizes the operational capacity of the entire organization.

Rebecca Gerothanas, the Chief Operations Officer at Summit Credit Union, directs the day-to-day service delivery and branch management across the Wisconsin network. Gerothanas oversees the operational workflows that support the 250,000 members and the 948 employees. By managing the logistics of the 56 locations, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that all banking services meet the high standards of the cooperative. Rebecca Gerothanas drives the implementation of process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce service friction. This role involves coordinating with the executive team to scale operations as the asset base grows. Gerothanas monitors performance metrics to ensure that every branch delivers a consistent and positive member experience. Through the optimization of internal procedures, the Chief Operations Officer maintains the operational excellence that defines the market presence of the organization.