Board of Directors Election
Upcoming Elections
Each year we invite members interested in making a personal difference at FirstOntario to run for election to our Board of Directors.
Candidate Search Period
November 2 to December 2, 2026
Voting Period
February 1 to March 1, 2027
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, April 21, 2027 at 7:00 p.m.
Board of Directors Election
Please note that our Board of Directors Election for 2025/2026 is now over.
The Board would like to congratulate incumbent Sami Sappong on his re-election. The Board also wishes to welcome Carmelina La Vigna, Lorie Peacock and Rick Sroka who were newly elected for three-year terms.
Carmelina La Vigna
Term expires April 2029
Lorie Peacock
Term expires April 2029
Sami Sappong
Term expires April 2029
Rick Sroka
Term expires April 2029
For questions, please contact
Elections@FirstOntario.com
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)
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
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