2025 Annual Meeting and Report

TwinStar Credit Union annual business meeting and report.

Introduction

The 2025 annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 26 and will be available to view on our website on Saturday, March 29.

Below are the candidates running. To learn more about our candidates, please click on their names above to view their qualifications and statements.

Board of Directors

Ron Hastie
Jena Miller
Darcy Phillips
Jon Ruiz

Supervisory Committee

Erik Kupka
Cathi McNutt
Kristen Rutherford

Ron Hastie

Years of Credit Union Membership – 24 years

Education

BA Accounting 1984 – Evangel College, Springfield, MO
Certified Public Accountant Licensing 1987

Work Experience

34 Years Public Accounting
Owns Ronald Hastie, CPA Firm in Olympia Since 1989 (specialize in Business Accounting, Taxes and Consulting)
Owns RJ Homes since 1989 (general contractor)
Owns RJ Development since 2006 (senior housing, single family housing, multifamily housing development and construction)

Credit Union Service

Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Supervisory Committee – Board Liaison
Facilities Committee
Partners/CUSO Committee
Sales & Delivery Committee

Community Service

Northwest University Board Member, Treasurer
Life Manor Senior Housing Community, Board Member
Washington State CPA Society, Member

Candidate Statement to the Membership

WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE BOARD AND CREDIT UNION?
I have served for 21 years and I feel I contribute a good understanding of credit union finances and risk along with a heart for the credit union Mission and Vision of contributing to the communities it serves.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?
I believe the credit union provides great value and service to its members and communities.

Erik Kupka

Years of Credit Union Membership – 41 years

Education

Bachelor of Arts
Juris Doctorate

Work Experience

Ingram, Zelasko & Goodwin, LLP; Attorney/Partner
Grays Harbor County and Thurston County District Courts; Former Judge Pro Tem

Credit Union Service

Supervisory Committee
Board of Directors
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Committee
Facilities Committee
Sales & Delivery Committee

Community Service

The Mayday Foundation; Director
YMCA of Grays Harbor; Former Director/Past President
Aberdeen Library Board; Former Director
Montesano Youth Soccer League; Former Director/Past Vice-President

Candidate Statement to the Membership

WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE BOARD AND CREDIT UNION?
The Supervisory Committee is essential to a financially sound institution. My experience and background will contribute to the enhanced roles and responsibilities of the Supervisory Committee where growing regulation, law, compliance requirements and expanding services is critical to our ongoing success in the twenty-first century.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?
The service to our organization is both challenging and rewarding in intangible ways. I find both personal growth and satisfaction in being part of something special while working together to be a better committee and organization.

Cathi McNutt

Years of Credit Union Membership – 6 years

Education

Bachelor of Science – Accounting; University of Oregon

Work Experience

Retired
United Way of Lane County, Chief Financial Officer
Jones & Roth, CPAs; Partner

Credit Union Service

Supervisory Committee

Community Service

United Way of Lane County
Professional Women’s Forum; Board President, Treasurer
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA); Past Review Advisory Board; and Past Board President

Candidate Statement to the Membership

WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE BOARD AND CREDIT UNION?
I spent many years as a credit union external auditor. I understand the guidelines and regulation credit unions are subject to, as well as the financial complexities they possess. I can offer my experience, insight and objectivity. I have the character and strength to be in a position to provide support and oversight and question when there is something that needs explanation.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?
I believe in credit unions and have been part of this credit union’s history and growth for many years. I enjoy the challenging conversations, understanding the credit union’s strengths, and seeing the opportunities. I feel I have value to offer the credit union and its members.

Jena Miller

Years of Credit Union Membership – 7 years

Education

BS Computer Science & Mathematics – University of Portland

Work Experience

EDB, Product Operations Consultant
Mesophere/D2iQ, Director of Corporate Data Operations
Mesophere/D2iQ, Director of Worldwide Customer Support Engineering
Mesophere/D2iQ, US Customer Operations Engineering Manager
Basho Technologies, Support Engineer
Amazon, Software Development Engineer
Umpqua Bank, Software Audit Intern

Credit Union Service

Board of Directors
Associate Board Member
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Committee
Administrative Committee
Governance Committee
Supporting our Communities Committee
Supervisory Committee – Board Liaison

Community Service

Girls Who Code; Section Leader
Society of Women Engineers; Member
SOAR Athletic Boosters, Tumwater School District; Web Developer
Tumwater School District; CTE Community Advisor

Candidate Statement to the Membership

WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE AND CREDIT UNION?
I am a young professional with expertise in technology. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, I can provide valuable insights not only into existing solutions but also into future possibilities, enhancing communication between the credit union and its members and making their lives easier. Additionally, I share a perspective common to many members, as I am raising three young children in our communities.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE?
As a Pacific Northwest native now raising my own three sweet daughters here, I believe in the unique spirit that defines our region. I would like to contribute to the strong, positive bond that the credit union has with both my local community and those across the Pacific Northwest.

Darcy Phillips

Years of Credit Union Membership – 5 years

Education

Central Oregon Community College

Work Experience

Cornerstone Community Housing; Executive Director
Holt International; Director of Sponsorship
Symantec Corp.; Technical Support Manager
Eugene Christian Fellowship; Pastoral Staff

Credit Union Service

Board of Directors

Community Service

Eugene Chamber of Commerce; Board Member
Better Housing Together; Board Member
Local Government Affairs Council; Past Board Member
Early Learning Alliance-Governance Consortium; Past Board Member

Candidate Statement to the Membership

WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE BOARD AND CREDIT UNION?
As a board member, I bring a strategic mindset focused on optimizing opportunities for growth and success. With a passion for maximizing potential, I excel at identifying what’s working well and making it even better, driving excellence in all areas.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?
I want to serve on the Board because I am passionate about contributing to an organization that prioritizes people and community. As a board member, I have the opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of the credit union, ensuring we continue to deliver meaningful value to our members.

Jon Ruiz

Years of Credit Union Membership – 7 years

Education

M.B.A., University of Colorado
Master’s of Strategic Studies, US Army War College
B.S., Forestry, Colorado State University

Work Experience

Retired
City of Eugene – City Manager
Cities of Fort Collins, Colorado; Ogden, Utah; Fresno, California:
- Various local government experiences including public works, finance/budgeting, economic development, transportation, planning, public safety, parks/recreation, utilities
US Army Reserves, Colorado National Guard
Active Duty US Army Reserves; Retired Rank: Colonel

Credit Union Service

Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Supporting our Communities Committee

Community Service

15th Night, Eugene; Founder
Veterans Housing Project, Eugene; Founder
Oregon PeaceHealth Community Board; Board Member
United Way of Lane County; Board Member

Candidate Statement to the Membership

WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE BOARD AND CREDIT UNION?
Having spent over 35 years in city government, most recently as Eugene City Manager, I believe I offer the credit union a deep understanding of how communities work and how the credit union can positively impact the communities in which it operates. I also offer extensive executive leadership, policy and governance experience.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?
To provide members with opportunities to develop and maintain their financial well-being, and find possibilities for all community members to experience financial stability.

Kristen Rutherford

Years of Credit Union Membership – 15 years

Education

Masters of Accounting, University of Oregon
BS Accounting, Linfield University

Work Experience

Roseburg Forest Products; Sr. Director of Accounting and Corporate Controller; Corporate Financial Controller; Director of Accounting, Assistant Corporate Controller
Levi Strauss & Co; Technical Accounting and Treasury Manager
Iberdrola Renewables; Senior Financial Reporting Accountant
Ernst & Young LLP; Audit Manager, Audit Senior, Staff Accountant
Grant Thornton LLP; Audit Associate

Credit Union Service

Supervisory Committee

Community Service

Monroe Jr Dragons; Youth Sports Program, President and Board Member
Oregon Society of CPAs; Member

Candidate Statement to the Membership

WHAT WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE AND CREDIT UNION?
I have an extensive accounting and auditing background. I am always good at asking important questions and looking at risk and how that may improve the oversight of the internal audit department.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE?
I want to serve the credit union to ensure our community members continue to have access to credit unions and I think the role the credit union plays in their communities is important. I think I can add value with my previous background and work history.