OUR LEADERSHIP

Shawn Neumann

Board Chair

Serving as a director since 1998
Term expires 2027

Since his election to the Tru Cooperative Bank Board (formerly First West Credit Union) in 1998, Shawn has served as Board Chair since 2011. His current responsibilities include serving on the Government Relations and Partnership and Human Resources committees. As Board Chair, Shawn is also an ex-officio member of all other committees.

Shawn holds an ICD.D designation and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History from Simon Fraser University.

A technology entrepreneur and executive advisor, Shawn is the founder of D7 Ventures Inc., through which he leads Helm, a leadership development platform, and advises organizations on strategy, governance, and transformation. He founded Domain7, growing it into a global human-centered transformation firm with operations across Canada, the US, and the UK, before its acquisition by CBTW. As Co-Founder and Partner at CBTW, he helped orchestrate the transition from a multi-brand operation to a unified global brand serving sectors including financial services, industrial and manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and retail. He has also previously served as a Partner at Versett.

Shawn's strategic foresight has been instrumental in several pivotal mergers and acquisitions that shaped First West Credit Union:

• The 2001 merger of First Heritage Savings Credit Union and Delta Credit Union to form Envision Credit Union (board member)
• The 2010 merger of Envision Credit Union and Valley First Credit Union to form First West Credit Union (board member)
• The 2013 acquisition of Enderby and District Credit Union (Board Chair)
• The 2015 acquisition of Island Savings Credit Union (Board Chair)

Beyond his role at Tru Cooperative Bank, Shawn serves as Board Chair of Central 1.

Shawn's vision for Tru Cooperative Bank extends beyond B.C., aspiring to set a benchmark for cooperative banking across Canada. He brings expertise in leadership, strategy, organizational design, and technology, with board competencies spanning business growth, entrepreneurial leadership, and governance. His commitment to community service is reflected in ongoing local and international volunteer work.

Renee Merrifield

Board Vice-Chair

Serving as director since 2025
Term expires 2029

As the founder and CEO of Troika Management Corp., Renee brings over 27 years of experience in leadership, strategic planning, and financial oversight. She is known for her collaborative and visionary leadership style, which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and community building. Renee has successfully led teams in real estate development, construction, and property management, always fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.

Having served on numerous boards, Renee possesses a deep understanding of governance, risk management, and organizational strategy. In 2020, she stepped away from the First West Credit Union Board to serve as a Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for Kelowna-Mission, a position she held into 2024.

Her ability to inspire and empower others has been instrumental in driving positive change and achieving strategic goals. Renee is passionate about fostering sustainable growth, stimulating the economy, empowering members, and ensuring that Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union, remains a leader in the credit union sector. She brings her passionate and expertise serving as Vice-Chair of both the Human Resources and Government Relations and Partnership Committees.

Launi Skinner

Chief Executive Officer

Serving as a director since 2026
Term expires 2027

Launi Skinner is chief executive officer of Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union, one of Canada’s leading credit unions with approximately $20 billion in total assets and assets under administration, approximately 283,000 members and roughly 1,250 team members. Launi leads Tru Cooperative Bank’s vision and strategic direction, ensuring the organization’s local brand network—Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby & District Financial—remains committed to creating a future where everyone can flourish.

Launi has more than 25 years of experience managing large and complex businesses in both the U.S. and Canada. Before her current position with First West, Launi spent 15 years with Starbucks where her last role as president gave her oversight of 11,300 stores, management of revenues in excess of $7 billion and leadership of a geographically dispersed management team overseeing 130,000 employees. She also had responsibility for U.S. store development, annually managing $400 million in new store builds, $300 million in renovations and global store design.

Launi has been recognized for her leadership and business acumen numerous times throughout her career. She has been named one of “Four Women to Watch” in Fortune Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women feature, awarded an honorary doctorate by the British Columbia Institute of Technology and named as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women four times culminating in a Woman’s Executive Network hall of fame entry. Additionally, she received the 2011 Stevie Award for Best Canadian Executive and was named one of Business in Vancouver’s Most Influential Women in Business for 2012.

Launi holds a diploma in business from Okanagan College, received her CGA designation and has completed the Institute of Corporate Directors program. She is currently a board member for the Business Council of British Columbia and Rocky Mountaineer, and previously served as chair of the board of directors for Science World. In the community she serves as a community leader for the Minerva Foundation for B.C. Women as well as past event chair for the Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.

Amanda Hobson

Director

Serving as a director since 2026
Term expires 2027

Amanda brings more than 25 years of executive and board experience across both the public and private sectors. She has a strong track record of supporting organizations through periods of growth and transformation, with a particular focus on risk management and strategic financial oversight. A designated financial expert and former auditor, Amanda has served on and chaired multiple audit and finance committees, contributing deep financial expertise to effective governance and oversight.

Her professional background spans a range of industries, including energy, construction, and technology and innovation. As a corporate director and audit committee chair for a BC based insurance company, Amanda has direct experience operating within a regulated financial services environment relevant to Tru Cooperative Bank.

Amanda is committed to advancing Tru Cooperative Bank’s purpose of creating a future where everyone can flourish. Her experience, values, and governance background position her well to contribute as the organization transitions to federal regulation and continues to deliver positive outcomes for its members and communities.

Cathy McIntyre

Director

Serving as a director since 2017
Term expires 2027

Cathy’s extensive 30-plus years in the business world have included senior management roles across various multi-national firms, with a keen eye on corporate strategy and marketing communications. She founded Strategic Initiatives, a consultancy focussed on strategy, market research, and stakeholder engagement.

Her academic credentials include an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship from the University of Victoria and a Post Degree Diploma in Accounting from Camosun College.

Since joining the Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union, Board in 2017, Cathy has chaired the Human Resources Committee since 2018. Her current board duties also encompass the Governance Committee. Cathy’s contribution to the board is multifaceted, including board leadership, strategic oversight, governance in property management and development, risk management, and a steadfast dedication to integrity and ethical governance.

Her governance experience includes current service on the boards of Engineers & Geoscientists BC, Technical Safety BC, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and UVic Properties. Cathy’s past governance roles include the boards of Consumer Protection BC, Peninsula Co-op and Canada’s Drug Agency (formerly CADTH). She has also chaired the Board of governors the University of Victoria and boards of United Way of Victoria and the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. Her directorial experience also includes tenures with the Arthritis Society of Canada, the CMA Society of BC, and the United Way of Canada.

With a Chartered Director (C.Dir) designation and membership in the Institute of Corporate Directors, Cathy is committed to the continued prosperity of Tru Cooperative Bank, working diligently for the benefit of its members, employees, and the communities it serves.

David Letkemann

Director

Serving as a director since 2006
Term expires 2028

Since his election to the credit union board in 2006, David has been an essential part of its governance serving as Board Vice-Chair from 2016. In his time as director, he has served on all committees including as Chair of Governance and of Government Relations & Partnership.

David’s educational path, marked by a law degree and a bachelor’s in business administration with specializations in marketing and finance, has provided him with a comprehensive set of skills. In 2022, he further augmented his qualifications by obtaining the ICD.D designation, affirming his commitment to excellence in corporate governance.

As a partner at Linley Welwood LLP, a business law firm in Abbotsford, B.C., David is at the forefront of the litigation department, guiding all facets of the litigation process. His strategic role in the 2010 merger that resulted in Linley Welwood LLP showcases his legal acumen and business foresight. With over a quarter-century of experience, David brings invaluable insight and guidance to every board meeting and discussion.

David’s involvement in credit union mergers and acquisitions is extensive, having played a key role in several pivotal consolidations, including the formation of First West Credit Union and the acquisitions of Enderby and District Credit Union and Island Savings Credit Union. His competencies in law, board governance, and business growth and transformation are important to the board’s success.

His dedication to community service extends beyond his professional achievements. As a founding director of the Run for Water Society and the Run for Water Foundation, he has made a lasting impact, and even in retirement from Run for Water his work continues to inspire and drive the organization’s mission.

Deborah Buszard

Director

Serving as a director since 2021
Term expires 2028

Born in the UK, Deborah embarked on a transformative journey to Canada, where she carved out an illustrious career in academia. Her path led her through three prestigious universities: McGill, Dalhousie, and UBC. Most notably, she served as Interim President of UBC and previously held the position of Principal at UBC Okanagan from 2012 to 2020.

The skills Deborah brings to the board include enterprise strategy, risk management, equity, diversity and inclusion (“EDI”), environmental and social accountability, governance and role holder engagement. A leader in roleholder engagement, Deborah brings to Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union, experience in leading complex organizations through periods of rapid change and growth.

Deborah’s experience leading large, dynamic organizations aligns seamlessly with Tru Cooperative Bank’s trajectory. She envisions an enterprise that not only thrives financially but also contributes positively to society. Her tenure at UBC prompted deep reflection on institutional impact—a perspective she brings to the board.

Deborah chaired the Council of Canadian Academies Expert Panel on Plant Health Risks in Canada (2020-2022), and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Discovery Panel on the Future of Food (2024-2025) demonstrating her continuing commitment to scientific advancement. Currently she is also Vice Chair of the board of Genome Canada.

She serves on the Human Resources Committee and contributes her insights to the Governance Committee and First West Foundation Board.

Karley Scott

Director

Serving as a director since 2024
Term expires 2028

Karley Scott is a Métis lawyer, governance professional, director, and strategic advisor with nearly 30 years of experience in law, public policy, institutional leadership, and Indigenous governance. Originally from northern Saskatchewan and now based in British Columbia, she has built a career grounded in strategic leadership, accountability, and sound oversight.

Karley is currently completing the ICD.D program through the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Law degree, and is a Qualified Arbitrator. Her professional background includes legal practice in corporate and Indigenous law, as well as senior advisory work with Indigenous communities, governments, businesses, and organizations across Canada.

She currently serves as a member of the Parole Board of Canada and has extensive board experience across the non-profit, education, and financial sectors. Her board and advisory work includes expertise in corporate governance, risk oversight, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, financial literacy, and high-stakes decision-making in regulated and public interest settings.

Karley is recognized for her ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory matters while building trusted relationships across Indigenous, public, and corporate sectors.

In her capacity as a director at Tru Cooperative Bank, Karley contributes to the Audit Committee and Risk Committees and she furthers her impact through her directorship at the First West Foundation Board.

Meryle Corbett

Director

Serving as a director since 2019
Term expires 2029

Meryle, elected in 2019, is a Chartered Director and FCPA bringing over four decades of diverse business acumen to Tru Cooperative Bank’s, formerly First West Credit Union’s, board. Her expertise spans multiple industries, where she has consistently demonstrated her leadership capabilities. Presently, Meryle presides over the board’s Audit Committee and contributes her insights to the Government Relations and Partnership, and Risk Committees.

In her role as a seasoned finance executive, Meryle has lead the implementation of comprehensive IT systems, crafted business models for various organizations, and developed strategic plans. Her proficiency in designing Bill 198 COSO internal controls is matched by her adeptness in collaborating with auditors and bankers, as well as her acumen in orchestrating mergers, acquisitions, and international contracts.

Meryle’s governance experience is extensive, encompassing over 40 years with community non-profits, a decade with private corporate and family boards, and two decades with provincial and national professional associations. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the unification of the CA, CMA, and CGA designations into the CPA (Chartered Professional Accountants).

As the founder of the Okanagan Women’s Leadership Network and a local Finance Leaders Cohort, Meryle is committed to fostering leadership, business acumen, and networking opportunities. Her contributions have earned her prestigious recognitions, including “Woman of the Year” by the City of Kelowna and being named one of the “Most Influential Women in BC” by BC Business.

Paul Challinor

Director

Serving as a director since 2019
Term expires 2029

Paul has been a director at Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union, since 2019, and is currently the Chair of the Risk Committee. His expertise also extends to his role as a member of the Audit Committee.

A Chartered Professional Accountant with the FCPA designation, Paul had an impressive 40-year tenure in public practice. He had a pivotal role as Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Vancouver, where he led the Financial Services practice in British Columbia from 2000 to 2015. His clients ranged from large credit unions, insurance companies, investment managers and fintech companies, and his regulatory experience included both provincial and federal levels.

Paul’s commitment to community well-being is evident through his role as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee at the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation. Additionally, he contributes his professional acumen to the Investigation Committee of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia.

His past board memberships include the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia, the Audit Advisory Committee of the Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia, and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, reflecting his dedication to both the financial and non-profit sectors.

Paul holds an Honours Degree in Industrial Economics and is an ICD.D certified corporate director. He is a long-time resident of the Tsawwassen community.

Pehlaj Malhotra

Director

Serving as a director since 2026
Term expires 2027

Pehlaj brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across cooperative and public financial institutions in Canada, the UK, and Asia. He is recognized for his expertise in risk management, governance, regulatory strategy, and business growth, with a leadership style built on people development, collaboration, and transformational change.

A Corporate Director and Advisor to family offices and businesses, Pehlaj previously held senior leadership roles at RBC and HSBC, where he led BC Commercial Banking and the National Real Estate business. As Chief Risk Officer at both HSBC and Coast Capital Savings, he led the development and strengthening of enterprise risk, credit, and compliance frameworks aligned with OSFI standards, including foundational work supporting Coast Capital’s transition to federal regulation.

Pehlaj is also deeply committed to community impact and serves on the Board of Directors of the BC Children's Hospital Foundation.
His extensive experience in regulated financial services, governance, and strategic transformation positions him to contribute meaningfully to Tru Cooperative Bank as it advances its national growth strategy within a federal regulatory environment.

Waheed Hirji

Director

Serving as a director since 2022
Term expires 2029

Waheed’s tenure on the board of Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union, started in 2022 and has been marked by his influential roles as Vice-Chair of the Risk Committee, and the Audit Committee. He also serves as a member of the Human Resources Committee.

With a rich background spanning over two decades in the Canadian financial sector, Waheed has been instrumental in the expansion of both provincially and federally regulated financial institutions. His roots are firmly planted in the lower mainland, where he pursued higher education at the University of British Columbia, earning a Bachelor of Commerce with a focus on accounting. His professional journey is distinguished by his tenure at a global accounting firm specializing in audit and risk management, where he served numerous credit unions, enhancing his expertise with a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and IT risk (CISA) accreditation.

Waheed’s executive experience in the financial industry encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, from strategic planning and financial reporting to treasury, tax, procurement, and project management. These roles have equipped him with the insights and skills necessary to provide valuable contributions to Tru Cooperative Bank’s Board.

Driven by a passion to serve, Waheed’s ethos aligns with the core values of credit unions, which prioritize service to members, communities, and employees. His commitment to fostering win-win-win scenarios is evident in his efforts to support Tru Cooperative Bank as a federally regulated credit union, offering Canadians a robust financial alternative.

Waheed’s life outside the boardroom is as vibrant as his professional life. Residing with his family in West Vancouver, he actively engages in a variety of activities including cycling, ice hockey, kayaking, traveling, and hiking, reflecting his zest for life and the great outdoors. Waheed’s multifaceted expertise and community-centric approach make him a valuable asset to Tru Cooperative Bank and the broader financial community.