About Affinity Credit Union
At Affinity Credit Union, we believe people come before profits and are dedicated to looking out for our members’ financial health by offering great products, competitive rates, and genuine, professional advice – that’s the co-operative difference!
We are a co-operative financial institution that is 100% owned by more than 143,000 members and Saskatchewan’s largest credit union! With more than $9 billion in managed assets and 50 locations in 41 communities, the future is bright for Affinity, its members and Saskatchewan communities.
Our purpose as an organization and promise to our members, employees, and communities is built on co-operative values and principles. These values and principles guide us in all we do and set us apart from any other financial institution. We had our members in mind when we built our vision, mission, and values. Where we’re headed and how we get there are closely aligned with what our members have told us they want to see in their financial institution.
Our vision
Build a better world for everyone every day by providing remarkable experiences and programming to our members and communities.
Our mission
Enable our members and communities to invest in one another by providing the means for members to achieve their financial goals.
Our Values
Open – Accepting, Fair, Flexible, Transparent
Honest – Accountable, Ethical, Honorable, Trustworthy
Inclusive – Collaborative, Cooperative, Respectful, Supportive
Committed – Engaged, Passionate, United, Willing
Co-operative principles
As a credit union, Affinity’s a co-operative financial institution. This means we’re owned by our members, and it also means we’re guided by seven principles shared by every co-operative.
Our Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
With locations disbursed throughout Saskatchewan, we acknowledge our workplaces are located on treaty territories, the traditional homeland of the Cree, Dene, Lakota, Nakota, Dakota, Saulteaux and the Métis Nation the stewards of this land for generations and acknowledge this land as providing for other Indigenous nations that moved through here as well.
Board of Directors call for nominations
The Affinity Board of Directors is comprised of 12 directors. Our Board of Directors works to ensure Affinity remains a forward-looking, responsible, and successful credit union driven by what matters most: our members and communities. The Board determines the skills and competencies that constitute the ideal Board and recruits for specific skill sets, while ensuring that attributes such as maintaining a co-operative nature remains a foundational part of our Board composition.
In 2024, four director positions are open for election, each for a three-year term.
Nominations will be accepted from 12 am on January 4 until 4 pm on January 22, 2024.
2024 Director candidate criteria
Being a director demands a significant investment in time, energy, and expertise. It’s also a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the success of Affinity Credit Union.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Affinity’s board has identified diversity, equity and inclusion as essential elements in attracting high-caliber directors and maintaining a high-functioning board. In accordance with Affinity’s Board Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, the credit union believes in having diverse representation among its directors, reflecting the diversity of our members, employees, stakeholders, and the communities the credit union serves. The board continually strives for their composition to include an array of identities, abilities, backgrounds, cultures, skills, perspectives, and experiences that are representative of Affinity’s current and evolving membership.
For 2024, the board is specifically encouraging applications from women and Indigenous candidates and candidates who reside in medium and small sized communities.
General character attributes
Generally, Affinity is seeking directors with a broad range of business knowledge and depth of experience, as well as an understanding of the credit union’s strategic direction, principles, and values. Potential candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- effectively represent Affinity and champion its vision, mission and values;
- engage in constructive and open discussions, valuing a diversity of opinions and perspectives to make well informed decisions in the best interest of Affinity;
- make prudent and complex business decisions based on risk assessments and market conditions that reflect the risk appetite and values of Affinity; and
- foster a culture that promotes continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation.
Specific skills and experiences
In 2024, the board welcomes and encourages all qualified members, and is particularly interested in hearing from prospective candidates who have demonstrated experience in governance, leadership, and one or more of the following areas of experience:
Risk Management and Compliance – Knowledge and experience in enterprise risk management, ideally in the financial services industry.
Financial Industry Knowledge – Ability to understand a growth strategy and marketing plan and provide oversight to Affinity’s short and long-term business plan and strategies. Demonstrate knowledge of how Affinity’s network of service channels inter-relate and how they enable the effective and efficient delivery of services while managing risk and regulatory requirements.
Data & Digital Readiness – Ability to understand the required infrastructure and processes to remain competitive in the financial industry.
How to apply
Review the Director Candidate Guide at Elections | Affinity Credit Union (affinitycu.ca) that provides information about the call for director candidates and the election process. If you have the qualifications outlined and you’re interested in being considered as a candidate to the Affinity Board of Directors, please complete and submit the Candidate Application no later than 4 pm on January 22, 2024.
Note: Director candidates must reside in Saskatchewan and have been an Affinity member for a minimum of one year.
If you have questions, please contact Shawna Miller, Director Governance at 306.946.3522 or governance@affinitycu.ca.