ADELAIDE, Australia–Current Credit Union SA Chair Alexandrea Cannon is stepping down from the role after 10 years, having been elected the first chair of the organization following the merger between Satisfac and Powerstate Credit Unions in 2009. Alexandrea will remain on the board of the credit union and will take on the role of Chair of the Board’s Governance Committee.
As part of good governance practice, the board undertook an externally facilitated Board Performance Review in 2016 which identified an opportunity to commence an orderly renewal of the Board, and in line with good governance practices, Alexandrea determined that it is an appropriate time for refreshment in the Chair role as well.
“I am proud of what Credit Union SA has achieved in my time as Chair and look forward to being a part of the continued growth and success of the organisation,” Cannon said. “I can say with certainty that Credit Union SA is well positioned to achieve its strategic goals and continue to provide opportunities to help South Australians do more with their money.”
Carolyn Mitchell has been a Director of the Credit Union since 2006 and is currently the Chair of the Board’s Governance Committee. Ms Mitchell is a highly experienced commercial lawyer and is currently a consultant for Cowell Clarke Commercial Lawyers. In addition to her position on Credit Union SA’s Board, Ms Mitchell is also a Trustee for the Festival Centre Trust and a Director on the Board of JusticeNet SA Incorporated, Lawguard Management Pty Ltd, the Development Management Committee of Springwood Development Nominees Pty Ltd, Campion Education (Aust) Pty Ltd. She is also Chair of Tonkin Consulting Pty Ltd and Raising Literacy Australia Incorporated.
“With Carolyn’s extensive strategic planning experience, commercial knowledge and expertise, and her in-depth understanding of the mutual financial services industry, she will do an outstanding job of leading the Credit Union into this next phase of growth,” Ms Cannon said.
Mitchell said it was an exciting time to become the Chair of Credit Union SA as new challenges are faced with a continually evolving digital landscape and managing the expectations of members against prudent financial management and regulator expectations.
“I am delighted to be elected as Chair of the Credit Union SA Board at such an exciting time in the Credit Union’s history. With a focus on becoming digital with a human touch, as well as maintaining our commitment to the education community, Credit Union SA’s future is bright and whilst there will no doubt be challenges ahead, we are well placed to achieve our strategic initiatives and growth targets,” she said.
“Our Purpose of collaborating and connecting with South Australians for a brighter future is always at the forefront of our mind, and through our continued focus on our people and the culture within the organisation, our staff live this Purpose every day by looking at ways that Credit Union SA can help South Australians do more with their money and help make our members’ lives better through our products and services.”