Our Board of Directors
Committed to serving our members
FirstOntario’s leadership team help to ensure we stay on course for continued success. Being a Director of the credit union is a rewarding experience.
We sincerely appreciate the time and effort our Directors dedicate to planning for our future and ensuring that our members’ best interests are always a part of everything we do.
Steve Boucouvalas
Term expires April 2027
Chair
Carrie Beltzner
Term expires April 2027
Vice Chair
Ophelia Chang
Term expires April 2028
Julie Fleet
Term expires April 2027
Carmelina La Vigna
Term expires April 2029
Lorri Meulendyks
Term expires April 2027
Lorie Peacock
Term expires April 2029
Sami Sappong
Term expires April 2029
Peter Scott
Term expires April 2028
Carey Smith
Term expires April 2028
Rick Sroka
Term expires April 2029
Audrey Wubbenhorst
Term expires April 2028
2026/2027 Board Committees
Audit Committee
Rick Sroka – Chair
Julie Fleet – Vice Chair
Carrie Beltzner
Carmelina La Vigna
Lorri Meulendyks
Peter Scott
Governance Committee
Sami Sappong – Chair
Ophelia Chang
Lorie Peacock
Peter Scott
Rick Sroka
Audrey Wubbenhorst
Risk Committee
Carrie Beltzner – Chair
Ophelia Chang
Carmelina La Vigna
Carey Smith
Audrey Wubbenhorst
Strategic Oversight Committee
Sami Sappong – Chair
Julie Fleet
Lorri Meulendyks
Lorie Peacock
Carey Smith
Find out more about this year’s election
Steve Boucouvalas
Chair of the Board
Steve Boucouvalas brings 25 years’ expertise in financial markets and leadership roles to FirstOntario Credit Union.
He shares the values of the member/owner model benefitting individuals, businesses and local charitable causes. Serving the community is very important to Steve and he has an active role on the board of his local hospital.
Steve possesses a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance & Accounting, has taken the Canadian Securities Course as well as leadership and management training courses.
Steve’s work experience includes:
- Deputy Bank Treasurer, Republic National Bank of New York (Canada)
- Managing Director, HSBC Bank Canada
- LTP Advisors, CEO
Steve’s Board and Committee experience includes:
- Bank of Canada, Foreign Exchange Committee
- RNB NY (Canada), Asset and Liability Committee
- Toronto Financial Services Alliance, Co-Chaired RMB Hub working Group
- HSBC, Top Team Committee, Global FX
- Oakville Hospital Volunteer Association, Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of Fundraising Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, Executive Committee
Carrie Beltzner
Vice Chair of the Board
Carrie has been a member of FirstOntario Credit union for over 25 years and currently resides with her family in Hamilton. After having the privilege of beginning her career within Ontario’s cooperative banking, she began a career in Ontario’s healthcare system which led her to hold various health care planning and implementation positions across Canada in leadership roles, executing complex change initiatives for health care providers and health system planning and oversight bodies.
Carrie holds an EMBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business. She also holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, demonstrating her commitment to boardroom excellence and ongoing governance education.
Additionally, she is an Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD) and currently serves as Vice Chair on the FirstOntario Credit Union Board.
Carrie’s work experience includes:
- President St. Joseph’s Home Care and Executive Lead St. Joseph’s Health System Centre for Integrated Care
- Implementation Lead, Health Quality Ontario & Program Development Branch Ministry of Health
- Lead Provincial Standards Sustainability Office, Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network
- Manager Implementation, Ornge
- Project Manager, Development and Projects Central 1
- Government Relations Specialist, Credit Union Central of Ontario (CUCO)
- Volunteer Administrator, Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF)
Carrie’s Board and Committee experience includes:
- First Ontario Credit Union
- Vice Chair, (2023 – Present)
- Member, Audit and Governance Committees (2024)
- Member, Governance and Risk Committees (2023)
- Chair of Elections Committee and Member of Strategic Oversight Committee (2022)
- Member Governance and Elections Committees (2021)
- Board Director & Not-for-Profit Designate, Home Care Ontario (2023-2024)
- Chairperson, Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre (PAARC) (2016-2021)
Ophelia Chang
As the inaugural Director of Risk Management at TAI, Ophelia has led the development and implementation of a comprehensive risk strategy, established key performance metrics and promoted a strong risk-aware culture. She brings a solid foundation in financial literacy and oversight through both governance roles on non-profit Boards and professional positions as an accountant, auditor and risk management.
Ophelia holds a Master of Science in Technology Management and a Bachelor of Commerce degree. She also has professional audit designations as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
In addition, Ophelia has earned a Technology Infrastructure Certification and is certified in ITIL, reflecting a strong foundation in both governance and technology management.
Ophelia’s work experience includes:
- Director Risk Management, TAI
- Director Risk Management, Brookfield Business Partners
- Director Internal Audit, Brookfield Corporation
- Manager Internal Audit, Brookfield Corporation
- Senior Manager Regulatory Compliance Monitoring and Testing, HSBC Bank Canada
- Audit Manager, BMO Financial Group
- IT Audit Manager, Sun Life Financial
Ophelia’s Board and Committee experience includes:
- Director, FirstOntario: Strategic Oversight Committee, Audit Committee
- Treasurer, Choirs Ontario
- Secretary, Etobicoke Historical Society
Julie Fleet
Julie Fleet has been a member of FirstOntario Credit Union since 1975, back when we were known as Stelco Credit Union. Julie shares the core values of the credit union movement. Her goal is to learn and contribute to the FirstOntario Board of Directors to keep the vision going and to move FirstOntario forward in the financial services industry.
Julie brings over 40 years of financial experience, experience with small business and risk management and Board experience with not-for-profit organizations. She also possesses her Investment Funds in Canada (IFIC) license and is a Certified Financial Planner through the Canadian Securities Institute.
Julie’s work experience includes:
- Financial Advisor at the Royal Bank of Canada
- Certified Financial Planner at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Julie’s Board and Committee experience includes:
- Board Member/President - Community Support Centre for Haldimand Norfolk
- Binbrook Agricultural Society
Carmelina La Vigna
Personal statement of interest
It would be an honour to once again serve on the Board of FirstOntario Credit Union and continue prioritizing our members and the long-term success of our credit union. As a member and a small business member, I was awarded the inaugural 2016 FirstOntario Credit Union’s 1Awards Niagara for small business entrepreneurs. I am committed to cooperative principles, member-owner values and investment in our communities. I have over 30 years’ experience providing accounting services to a variety of businesses, dealing with many financial institutions and entrepreneurial/start-ups. My financial literacy, prudent decision making, independent voice, leadership skills and community relations are positive contributions to safeguarding members’ best interests.
What can you specifically contribute to the Board
- Board of Directors and committee experience
- Extensive accounting and business experience
- Oversight, Insight and Foresight
- Commitment to the time required to be a diligent director/committee member
- Proud community and small business representative
- Independent and impartial voice
Education & Professional Designations
- Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD), Dalhousie University
- Audit Committee Effectiveness Course (ICD), Institute of Corporate Directors
- Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) – Brock University
Work Experience
- 30+ years of Financial Administration/Consulting for various businesses. Specializing in law firm accounting, law firm and small business start-ups and full-cycle accounting services
- Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner
- Commercial Property Owner
Board & Committee Experience
- FirstOntario Board of Directors (3 years)
- Audit & Risk Committee
- Strategic Oversight Committee
- Governance Committee
- Club Roma (St. Catharines) Inc. Board of Directors (2 years)
- Annual Club Roma Ladies Auxiliary Golf Tournament for Tender Wishes Foundation, Committee Member (26 years)
Lorri Meulendyks
Lorri has been a member of FirstOntario since 1982. She has worked both for and with Canadian Credit Unions for over 35 years as an employee of The CUMIS Group Limited/The Co-operators (insurance providers to Credit Unions).
Lorri has a passion for efficiency and holds certifications as a certified business process management practitioner, CBPMP, and Lean Six Sigma Black belt. She also has experience in Information Technology, Project Management, Corporate Finance, Internal Audit, Business Architecture, Security, Customer Service, Business Resumption Planning and Strategic Planning.
In addition she was a member of the Canadian Systems Development Committee for Life Insurance companies (LOMA) for over 4 years. As a retiree, Lorri is eager to both learn and contribute to FirstOntario and its Members, by providing effective governance and stewardship.
Lorie Peacock
Personal statement of interest
As a proud member of FirstOntario Credit Union for more than 30 years, with over 12 years of experience as a director on the board, I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to enhance our Board's efforts to benefit our members, partners, and the community. I look forward to the opportunity to return to the Board and uphold our member-focused values. It’s important that we continue to operate our Credit Union based on the core values that differentiate the credit union from a bank, which means being democratic, community-based and focused on our members' needs. I am dedicated to nurturing the community relationships we have built over the years.
What can you specifically contribute to the Board
- 30+ years Board experience
- Mentor & Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Risk Management
- Mergers & Acquisitions
Education & Professional Designations
- Credit Union Director Achievement Program (CUDA)
- McMaster University Labour Studies Program
Work Experience
- GM/CAW Workplace Training Facilitator
- OFL Certified Health & Safety Instructor
- WHMIS trainer
- General Motors Employment Equity/Women’s Advocate
- Human Rights Trainer & Investigator
Board & Committee Experience
Over 40 years of experience serving on a variety of Boards and committees:
- Director FirstOntario Credit Union
Committees: Elections, Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Risk - Executive Board St. Catharines & District Labour Council, Trustee
- Board of Directors Niagara North Condominium, Chair
- Women’s committee, Education, Community Services supporting a variety of community optimizations – Canadian Landmine foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, United Way, Hospice Niagara, Gilian’s Place, to name a few
Sami Sappong
Personal statement of interest
I have had the privilege of serving on the Board of FirstOntario for the last 3 years, including serving on various committees. I have gained a deeper understanding of member needs, versus the value that FirstOntario is seeking to deliver. I understand the opportunities and challenges that we need to navigate to grow FirstOntario membership in an efficient and profitable manner for the long term. The opportunity to continue serving on the Board, and partner with management, to deliver exceptional service and positive experiences to members and their communities, would be a privilege.
What can you specifically contribute to the Board
- Functional expertise in business transformation, strategic planning, project execution, M&A and change management
- Financial services industry experience, including Credit Unions
- Board governance experience
- Leverage skills in teamwork, collaboration, stakeholder management, and facilitation to partner with other Board members to successfully deliver on First Ontario’s strategic objectives
Education & Professional Designations
- Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD)
- MBA, MSc, PMP, CCMP
Work Experience
- SAPPONG CONSULTING, Principal 2018 - present
- CONESTOGA COLLEGE, School of Business, Professor 2022 - present
- GUARANTEED FUNERAL DEPOSITS, Vice President, Business Development
- WORLD VISION CANADA, Vice President, Strategy & Efficiency Innovation
- MERIDIAN CREDIT UNION, Vice President, Strategic Planning & Project Management
- FORESTERS FINANCIAL, New York, NY, Vice President, Strategy & Planning
- SUN LIFE FINANCIAL, Director, Market Development
- FORESTERS FINANCIAL, Director, North American Strategy & Planning
Board & Committee Experience
- Board Member - FirstOntario Credit Union (Committees: Strategy, Risk and Governance)
- Board Member & Secretary - New Life Prison Ministries
- Board Member - Connecting To Africa, Nova Scotia (Committees: Strategy)
- Branch Councilor, Ontario South - Foresters Financial
- Board Member - Victorian Order of Nurses
Peter Scott
A dedicated credit union member for over 30 years and a former Board member, Peter Scott is enthusiastic to return to the Board of Directors. With three decades of Board, committee and leadership experience, as well as a business owner, Peter brings valuable insights and a strong sense of responsibility to the role – one he has always viewed as an honour and privilege.
Peter’s work experience includes:
- National Training Coordinator, General Motors/Unifor
- Labour Studies Coordinator Niagara Region, McMaster University
- Simply Voting, GM Lead Council
- Facilitator, pre-retirement program
- Curriculum Development Instructor, Niagara College
- Former business owner, The Water Source
Peter’s Board and Committee experience includes:
- Director, FirstOntario Credit Union
- Director, Lookout Point Golf Club
- Director, FirstOntario Credit Union/Family Savings
- Executive Board, Unifor Local 199
Carey Smith
Carey Smith has been a member and exclusively banking with FirstOntario Credit Union for over 30 years and has had the privilege of serving on the Board for 13 years, with most of those years serving as Board Chair. During his tenure, FirstOntario survived the challenges of global recession, the ultra-low interest rates, and the pandemic. FirstOntario survived without laying-off employees and had record growth and profitability.
Carey is excited at the prospect of returning to the Board to ensure our member-based values continue, that “numbers aren’t everything” and “caring about our communities.”
Carey’s education and work experience includes:
- Chartered Director (C.Dir), McMaster University
- Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD), Dalhousie University
- Regulatory Strategy Program, Harvard University
- Professional Management Program, York University
- Certified Adjudicator & Paralegal, Osgoode Hall Law School
- Police Exemplary Service Medal (PESM), Governor General of Canada
- Chief Executive Officer, Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO)
- Director, Investigations & Enforcement, Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC)
- Detective Sergeant, Halton Regional Police Service
Rick Sroka
Personal statement of interest
Since taking out my first mortgage and car loan with a credit union, I have always felt that I am treated as a person and not just a number. I believe in being part of a co-operative organization that puts value on members’ needs ahead of corporate profits. I strongly believe in the value and principles of the credit union movement and wish to continue to serve on the Board of Directors of FirstOntario to fulfill these ideals.
What can you specifically contribute to the Board
My strong financial background and over 30 years of credit union experience as a Board Director allow me to be an effective contributor to monitoring FirstOntario’s performance and managing risks. I have been involved in several successful merger/acquisition events and can add valuable input on any future opportunities. I feel that I have the experience to make a meaningful contribution as a Director for FirstOntario members.
Education & Professional Designations
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Bachelor of Arts Business, McMaster University
- Audit Committee Certified (ACC) – Directors College (McMaster University)
- Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD) – Dalhousie University
Work Experience
- Chartered Professional Accountant, Richard G. Sroka, 2012 – Present
- Controller & HR Manager, Atlas Hydraulics Inc. 1999 – 2012
- EHT Auditor, Ministry of Finance 1999 – 1999
- Senior Accountant, Millard Rouse & Rosebrugh CPAs 1986 – 1999
Board & Committee Experience
- Audit & Risk Committee Chair/Vice Chair – FirstOntario
- Strategic Oversight Committee Member – FirstOntario
- Governance Committee Member – FirstOntario
- Elections Committee Member – FirstOntario
- Board Vice Chair – Three years, Rochdale Credit Union
- Audit Committee Chair – Rochdale Credit Union
- Governance Committee Member – Rochdale Credit Union
- Board Chair – Polish Alliance
- Audit Committee Chair – Polish Alliance
Audrey Wubbenhorst
With extensive experience in governance, banking and human resources, Audrey brings a well-rounded skill set to FirstOntario’s Board of Directors. She has served on Boards overseeing corporate strategy and currently teaches business and communications at the college level.
Audrey holds a strong academic and professional foundation, including an MBA in Financial Services and an MA in Communications. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers and holds the ICD.D designation, reflecting a deep commitment to Board governance excellence.
Audrey’s work experience includes:
- Professor, Humber College (10+ years)
- 13+ years working in banking including corporate banking, human resources and communications
Audrey’s Board and Committee experience includes:
- Trustee, CAAT Pension Plan
- Director, Humber College
- Director, National Diabetes Trust (“Clothesline Program”)
- Director, Scouts Canada
- Director, Central LHIN
- Director, BUILD Toronto
- Director, Toronto Community Housing Corporation
- Director, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter