Search
Access Credit Union's 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements are now available. Learn More.
Curt Letkeman
Board Chair, Term 2023-2026
Paul Cuthbert
Vice Chair, Term 2022-2025
Randy Schartner
Director, Term 2022-2025
Catherine Burns
Director, Term 2023-2026
Jim Neufeld
Director, Term 2022-2025
Justin Evenden
Director, Term 2022-2025
Sherry Woods
Director, Term 2024-2027
Jamison Masse
Director, Term 2024-2027
Marlene Michno
Director, Term 2023-2026
Robert Riddell
Director, Term 2023-2025
Taras Babick
Director, Term 2023-2026
Scott Beattie
Director, Term 2024-2027
2023 – 2024 Committees
- Board Chair, Board of Directors
- Ex-officio Member – Audit Committee, Community Investment Advisory Committee, Governance Committee, and Risk Committee
In support of this philosophy, Curt has been involved in coaching youth sports for over 25 years. He’s served on Town Council and volunteered with the Manitoba Society of Management Accountants and numerous community organizations.
Curt has widespread experience in Credit Union board leadership, having served as Board Chair and Chairs of Audit, Governance, and Community Investment committees. He values relationships with members and employees, and is a team builder, having played an integral role in the amalgamations which have built Access. He’s a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and has worked as a Chief Financial Officer for the past 20 years.
Education
Curt obtained his Certified Management Accounting degree and was valedictorian of his graduating class.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
He is also a Certified Credit Union Director (CCD), a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute and the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management (Toronto).
Current Community Involvement
- Altona Bisons Junior Baseball Club, Coach & Manager
- Build a Village, Board Member
- Manitoba Junior Baseball League, Governor
2023 – 2024 Committees
• Vice Chair, Board of Directors
• Chair, Governance Committee
• Vice Chair, Board of Directors
• Chair, Governance Committee
Paul is a long-time Director, first serving on the Gimli Credit Union Board (1999-2010), then on the Noventis Credit Union Board (2010-2022) where he served as Chair from 2016-2022, and now with Access Credit Union. He is the current Vice Chair of the Board and the Chair of the Governance Committee. Paul also serves as a Peer Segment 4 Director on the Board of the Credit Union Central of Manitoba.
No stranger to working towards the betterment of his community, Paul has dedicated 42 years to the Manitoba education system in various capacities. He retired in 2015 as the Superintendent/CEO of the Evergreen School Division, a position he held for 12 years. Prior to his service as Superintendent, he was a consultant with Manitoba Education and a teacher. Since retiring, Paul has continued to provide educational leadership consulting services including a serving as a mentor to the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents.
Paul is a strong believer that credit unions can improve members’ lives and communities. He will continue to champion cooperative principles and the credit union system through his service to Access’ members and communities. In particular, Paul feels credit unions serve not only a financial need for members, but also an important social purpose, supporting the sustainability of communities, the environment, and the quality of life that we enjoy in Manitoba.
Education
Paul holds a Master of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees.
Paul holds a Master of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
He is also a Certified Credit Union Director (CCD), a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute and the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management (Toronto). He also holds a Certificate of Directorship Excellence through CUES.
Current Community Involvement
• Learning for a Sustainable Future (NFP), Board Member
• Learning for a Sustainable Future (NFP), Board Member
2023 – 2024 Committees
• Chair, Community Investment Advisory Committee
• Member, Risk Committee
• Chair, Community Investment Advisory Committee
• Member, Risk Committee
As a successful entrepreneur, Randy is acutely aware of the importance of custom lending solutions, and of relevant, secure technology options. He has more than 15 years of business leadership experience in multi-national environments. In that time, he has built a reputation for operational excellence and innovative strategic thinking.
In the past two decades, Randy founded/co-founded four entrepreneurial start-ups. His most successful venture was purchased by Priceline.com, a public, multi-national company. He is also a Real Estate and Development entrepreneur.
Randy inherently understands that people are the most important factor in the credit union’s success, and is energetic in the pursuit of member-driven focus, preferences, and experiences.
Education
Randy has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
Current Community Involvement
• FundingChange.ca, Board Member
• Agoda International Canada Inc., Board Member
2023 – 2024 Committees
• Member, Governance Committee
• Member, Governance Committee
Catherine is passionate about building healthy communities, and has devoted a significant portion of her career working and volunteering as a strategic agent in support of this outcome. A member of the credit union system since 2006, and a seasoned credit union board member, she chaired the Audit and Risk Committee for 9 years, served on the Nominations Committee, and currently sits on the Governance Committee.
Catherine brings 30 years leadership experience in strategic and financial planning, business performance reporting, risk management, merger integration, project management, change management, and process improvement.
Most recently, Catherine launched her own consulting practice delivering business assurance and CFO services to clients in the public and not-for-profit sectors. Her diverse industry knowledge spans the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors working for businesses delivering services in health care, insurance, post-secondary education, telecommunications, publishing, fund-raising, retail, and audit.
She is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusivity, values integrity and transparency, and believes in the strength of the cooperative system.
Education
Catherine is committed to ongoing professional development. She is a Chartered Accountant, with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba.
She has completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Designation (ICD.D), as well as the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
Current Community Involvement
• Concordia Hospital, Board Member
• Urban Stable, Board Member
• Urban Stable, Board Member
2023 – 2024 Committees
• Member, Governance Committee
• Member, People & Culture Committee
• Member, Governance Committee
• Member, People & Culture Committee
Jim has been a member of a credit union board for more than 15 years; first with Heartland Credit Union, and then with Access Credit Union. He enjoys the positive impact that the Credit Union has on development of the communities it serves.
Jim is newly retired after spending the past 22 years as Executive Director of the C.W. Wiebe Medical Corporation. He was responsible for leading a joint public-private venture to develop quality healthcare services for the community of Winkler and area. Prior to this, he managed Penner Foods, a leading Manitoba independent retail grocery firm, for 24 years.
His business management experience has instilled in him a strong corporate community responsibility that aligns with the cooperative principles to promote health and economic well-being.
Education
Jim has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
Current Community Involvement
• Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation, Capital Fundraising Committee Member
• Winkler Affordable Housing Inc., Board Member
2023 – 2024 Committees
• Member, Community Investment Advisory Committee
• Member, Risk Committee
• Member, Community Investment Advisory Committee
• Member, Risk Committee
As a Director for over eight years, Justin appreciates the opportunity to make a difference in the communities the Credit Union serves.
Justin’s educational background and work experience in telecommunications, marketing, and business development provide him with a unique perspective of the Credit Union’s image and reputation. His extensive knowledge of rural and urban markets will be invaluable to the Board as it serves the expanded footprint of the new organization.
Justin is excited about the Credit Union’s increased ability to support communities. In particular, he is confident that the broad rural and urban reach and collective expertise across the province will positively impact members’ and communities’ experiences.
Education
Justin holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.
Justin holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.
He is an Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD), and has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
2023 – 2024 Committees
• Chair, Risk Committee
• Member, Audit Committee
• Chair, Risk Committee
• Member, Audit Committee
As an accomplished agricultural entrepreneur, Sherry is excited by the prospect of serving the collective Access Credit Union membership with new innovations and creative member-focused solutions. She is enthusiastically involved in local communities, sharing her time and experience for the benefit for many worthwhile causes. Sherry is the current Chair of the Risk Committee.
Sherry has more than 20 years of experience in the agricultural industry. In particular, she has worked for two multi-national grain companies, and two independent agricultural firms. She has lead three successful startups, directing each organization in the areas of customer service and technology.
Sherry is eager to share her unique knowledge and expertise to enhance the experiences and wealth of the credit union’s members, employees, and communities.
Education
Sherry graduated from Red River College with a Business Administration Certificate, and completed a certificate in Commodity Futures Markets from the University of Manitoba.
She has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
She is also a Certified Credit Union Director (CCD), a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute and the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management (Toronto).
Current Community Involvement
• FP Genetics, Board of Directors, Director
• FP Genetics, Chair of Governance Committee
2023 – 2024 Committees
• Member, Audit Committee
• Member, Risk Committee
• Member, Audit Committee
• Member, Risk Committee
After spending the first 12 years of his professional career as a software developer and manager in Information Technology, Jamison transitioned to agriculture. He has been managing the family grain farm near Starbuck for over a decade.
Jamison is excited to support the Credit Union and its members, with an emphasis on two areas close to his heart: cooperative principles and community support. In particular, Jamison believes supporting smaller businesses throughout Manitoba makes towns more vibrant and offsets the urbanization effects that push prosperity into the cities.
He is also in favor of financing housing construction across Manitoba in a way that addresses severe shortages and a lack of density in communities. He recognizes that the Credit Union has the scale to make a difference by taking an active role in stimulating growth opportunities. This active role would benefit members in terms of returns on investments and financial products, in addition to concrete improvements in affordability and quality of life.
Education
Jamison holds a Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
Current Community Involvement
• Starbuck Recreation Board
2023 – 2024 Committees
• Chair, Audit Committee
• Chair, Audit Committee
Longstanding Directors of the Credit Union, such as Marlene, provide a respected example of community leadership. She joined the Eriksdale Credit Union Board in 1996, and from 2010 to 2022 served on the Noventis Credit Union Board, following the merger of several credit unions in the Interlake region. Marlene sits on the Risk Committee.
Marlene is now retired after spending years as the Secretary-Treasurer of a Manitoba School Division. With a background in finance and business management, she is knowledgeable about human resources, and financial and governance administration. Prior to her current employment, Marlene provided accounting and management training to small and medium sized businesses as part of a Community Futures organization.
Marlene is looking forward to the merged Credit Unions achieving creative, member-focused solutions to its owners’ needs. She also acknowledges the importance of providing community support through various avenues.
Education
Marlene’s educational background is in accounting, and possesses a Certificate in Municipal Administration (CMMA) designation.
She is an Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director (ACCUD), and has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
Current Community Involvement
• Living Independence for Elders Inc. (L.I.F.E.)
• Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission Inc.
• Living Independence for Elders Inc. (L.I.F.E.)
• Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission Inc.
2023 – 2024 Committees
- Member, Audit Committee
Robert is an experienced Credit Union Director, first serving on the Buffalo Credit Union Board (2007-2008), then on the Casera Credit Union Board (2010-2023) where he held the position of Board Chair from 2014 until the merger with Access.
After being brought up on a Manitoba farm and completing his education, Robert had a career in Information Technology and Data Processing that spanned over 40 years. The last 31+ were spent at the Civil Service Superannuation Fund (CSSF), one of Manitoba’s largest pension funds, where he held the position of Director of Management Information Services. He led a team of IT professionals with whom he designed and developed the systems in place at the CSSF. Robert retired in 2014.
Robert is a strong supporter of the credit union system and the community work that it supports. He believes that a strong credit union that adheres to the cooperative principles is, and will continue to be, an important part of the bedrock that supports community initiatives and improvements. He believes that Manitoba credit unions understand Manitobans and the communities they serve and provide excellent services from top of market rates to member support.
Education
Robert holds a diploma of Applied Arts (Computer Analyst/Programmer) from Red River College.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
Robert holds a diploma of Applied Arts (Computer Analyst/Programmer) from Red River College.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
2023 – 2024 Committees
- Member, Risk Committee
Taras was a longstanding member of Carpathia Credit Union and served as Board Chair for three separate terms. Taras is a family physician and practices in Winnipeg with his daughter Dr. Andrea Babick. He was the Deputy Registrar for the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Manitoba from 1999 until 2019.
Taras is the recipient of Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee Medal, and is also the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Medal. Taras has also received a national medal for choreography from the President of Ukraine on behalf of the Government of Ukraine. This award is solely reserved for citizens of Ukraine; however, the Government of Ukraine enacted a one-time special exception for Taras.
Taras is married to Patrusia and they have two children together.
Education
Taras graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba.
Taras graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
He also has an Honorary Membership Award from the Canadian Medical Association.
Current Community Involvement
- Cancer Care Advisory Medical Board, Member
- Holy Family Home, Medical Director
- Orlan Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, Founder
- St. Boniface Ukrainian Foundation, Board Member
- Wasyl Topolnicky Memorial Foundation Inc., Board Chair
Since 1987, Scott has worked in the accounting field at firms in Winnipeg, Winkler, and Morden. In 2004, he became a sole proprietor because he enjoyed learning about individual needs and creating customized solutions. In 2010, he undertook a small business venture with a long-time friend and colleague that exceeded expectations. Additionally, he has also built a medium-sized rental business with a group of colleagues.
Scott’s professional experiences have helped him understand the work involved from a board member, and the commitment required to help an organization achieve its goals. He is also a very active user of the Access Credit Union system and keenly aware of the important role it plays in the communities it serves, and the leadership it provides throughout the province. As a prior member of the Board of Directors of Access Credit Union, he acknowledges that concern for and investment in community starts with the loans made to members – to households, businesses, and farms – and to sponsoring local initiatives. He is passionate about the value of these loans and initiatives, and is committed to helping the organization achieve its goals.
Scott’s work experience has also facilitated his participation on a number of committees and organizations, including being a board member on the 1999/2000 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, acting as a Hockey Manitoba Official at the Junior, Senior, and Minor Hockey levels, and representing Minnewasta Golf & Country Club as its President and Board Member for more than 20 years. He has also worked as the Chief Financial Agent for the Candice Bergen/Hoeppner campaigns, and has provided services to community organizations such as the Morden Community Thrift Store and the Solid Waste Area Management Project (SWAMP) landfill.
Education
Scott is a Chartered Professional Accountant, having attained his certification through the Certified General Accountants programs of studies.
Scott is a Chartered Professional Accountant, having attained his certification through the Certified General Accountants programs of studies.
He has completed the Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program designed and administered by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
Current Community Involvement
- St. John the Evangelist Parish, Pastoral Council Member
- Morden Community Thrift Store, Finance Committee
Larry Davey
President and Chief Executive Officer
Myrna Wiebe
Chief Strategy and Information Officer
Rich Harries
Chief Operating Officer
Brent Berzuk
Chief Risk Officer
Adam Monteith
Chief Marketing Officer
Leanna Beasant
Chief Financial & People Officer
Curtis Fines
Chief Administration & Subsidiary Officer
Kevin McKnight
Chief Audit Officer
Larry has worked in the financial services industry for more than 30 years. He has been a Chief Executive Officer of various amalgamated credit unions over the past 16 years, including Gimli Credit Union, Noventis Credit Union, and Access Credit Union.
Larry has served on the Credit Union Central of Manitoba Board since 2016. During that time, he has held the positions of Chair of the Investment Committee, Chair of the Audit Committee, and presently, Vice Chair of the Board. Larry also previously served on the HSC Foundation and Canadian Credit Union Association Boards.
Larry has completed his Graduate Degree in Business as well as his MBA through Athabasca University. Larry recently obtained his ICD.D designation through the Rotman’s School of Business University of Toronto.
Myrna has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. As a member of the executive team at Access, she is heavily involved in the development and execution of corporate strategy and board governance. Myrna also oversees the departments of Business Integration and Information Technology and Security, while also serving on the Risk & Advisory Committee of CUCM and several other system-related committees.
Myrna has been actively involved in a variety of volunteer organization boards, including South Central Cancer Resource, the NWU18 Host Committee for Hockey Canada, and the Women's Golf Executive at Minnewasta Golf & Country Club. She was also recently appointed to the Teacher’s Retirement Allowances Fund Board (Manitoba).
Myrna completed her Canadian Securities Course and Certified Financial Planning designation, then continued her education with a Certificate in Management at the University of Manitoba, and further obtained her Post Bac Diploma in Management, an MBA through Athabasca University, a designation authorized by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Governance Leadership Institute, and recently obtained her ICD.D designation through the Rotman’s School of Business University of Toronto.
Since beginning his credit union career in 2002, Rich has advanced through a variety of leadership positions across different business lines. As Chief Operating Officer, Rich is responsible for the overall performance of the Business & Ag-Business Banking, People and Culture, and Administration Service departments.
Rich earned his MBA in 2015 and has completed education in areas such as Business Administration, Executive Leadership, and Strategic Leadership & Innovation. He is a proud recipient of the National Credit Union Young Leaders Award and scholarship, and is a past member of the National Young Leaders Committee.
Rich currently serves as a member of the Human Resource Advisory Council for Credit Union Central of Manitoba and has served as a mentor in the National Mentorship Program. Rich also serves as the Chair of the Morden Police Board and as a board member with the Morden Community Development Corporation, Minnewasta Golf & Country Club, Morden & District Chamber of Commerce, and Morden Minor Hockey.
Brent has been employed in the financial services field for more than 27 years. Initially engaged in commercial lending- and management-related roles with major Canadian Chartered Banks, his work saw him living and working in various locations throughout rural Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwestern Ontario.
For the past decade, Brent has been employed in the Manitoba Credit Union system in areas of specialized project work, governance and risk management, most recently holding the role of Chief Governance & Risk Officer. He also fulfilled the position of interim CEO of Crosstown Civic Credit Union (CCCU) prior to its merger with Access Credit Union in January 2021.
Brent’s volunteer work has included stints on the Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce, and as Chair of the former RM of Siglunes Economic Development Corporation.
Brent is a graduate of the University of Manitoba where he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree. He also holds his Canadian Risk Management designation (CRM) awarded through the Global Risk Management Institute.
Adam has been in the credit union system for more than 15 years, progressing through both marketing and IT roles before moving to the Winkler/Morden area in 2015 as Vice President of Marketing at Access Credit Union. In his current role, Adam oversees all marketing, public relations, communications, and community investment functions within the organization, and is an advocate for the credit union system on both the provincial and national stage.
Adam is a Director and Chair of the Finance Committee for Southern Health – Santé Sud, Chair of the Corn and Apple Parade Committee, and previous Board Chair for the Leroi Community Foundation. He has also volunteered as Director of Recognition for the BC Seniors Games, Director of Media Relations for the World Jr A Hockey Challenge, and as Marketing Chair with the National Women’s Under 18 Hockey Championship.
Adam holds a Diploma in Computer Information Systems, a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from Thompson Rivers University, a Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management from Royal Roads University, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University.
Leanna emigrated to Canada from England in 2008 and joined the credit union system shortly after in 2009. She worked for a number of Manitoba credit unions in different roles including Chief Financial Officer and subsequently Chief Executive Officer of OakBank Credit Union.
Before moving to Canada, Leanna achieved the UK accounting designation Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA - UK) and graduated from Bath University with a Masters degree in Business Administration. Leanna currently holds her Certified General Accountant designation (CPA,CGA) here in Canada.
Prior to the merger with Access, Leanna was responsible for overseeing finance, HR, compliance, internal audit, and facilities at Sunova Credit Union. At Access, Leanna holds the title of Chief Finance & People Officer.
In 2021, Leanna completed the diversity, equity, and inclusion certification from Cornell University. She is also a member of Canadian Credit Union Association's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, and Credit Union Central of Manitoba's HR advisory committee.
Curtis has been employed in the Manitoba Credit Union system for more than 28 years. He has progressed through many roles including Member Service Representative, Retail & Commercial Ag Lender, Managing Partner, and Chief Operating Officer.
As the Chief Administration and Subsidiary Officer for Access Credit Union, Curtis oversees the Insurance and Real Estate brokerage operations including Brio Insurance and Interlake Agencies, administration related activities, the Member Service Center and Hubert Financial.
Curtis has coached local sports for many years including softball and ringette. He is currently the Director with the Stonewall Minor Ball and past Director with the Interlake Phillies Softball Club.
Curtis is a graduate of the University of Manitoba where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Economics and has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University.
Kevin has more than 35 years’ experience in various executive and finance roles in his career. Kevin’s most recent position was the CEO role at Noventis Credit Union, a position he held for 10 years prior to the merger with Access. Kevin’s experience has also included CEO and senior finance roles in health care, education, wealth management, and auditing with the Canada Revenue Agency. In his role as Chief Audit Officer, Kevin oversees the internal audit and assurance activities for the organization.
Kevin has volunteered his in time with a variety of organizations, in the roles of Manitoba 4-H Leader, Board Director/Treasurer for Southwest Community Options, both Regional Director and President roles for the Manitoba Association of School Business Officials (MASBO), Chair of PROMISE Years Partnership, Member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) Health Roundtable (made up of three RHAs, three First Nations and the Provincial and Federal governments) and Director with the Regional Health Authorities of Manitoba. Kevin is also a long-standing member of the Canadian Horse Breeders Association and the Canadian Kennel Club.
Kevin achieved his Certified General Accountant designation (CPA, CGA) after attending the University of Manitoba. He then obtained his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Laurentian University and recently completed the Certified Credit Union Director (CCD) designation through the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES).