Candidate Package 2019 Board of Directors - Connect First Credit Union
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2019 Board of Directors Candidate Package
The Board of Directors of Connect First Credit Union invite our valued members to put their names forward as candidates
to run for the Board. Our member-elected Board of Directors works to ensure that we’re a forward-looking, responsible
and effective credit union, driven by what matters most: our members and our communities.
This guide is intended to provide you with everything you need to know about the nomination and election process for
Directors and the skills and competencies we seek in candidates this year.
Once you have reviewed this Guide, if you are interested in standing for election to the Connect First Board of Directors,
please complete and submit the Candidate Application which can be found on the Connect First Credit Union website.
About Connect First Credit Union
As a credit union, we’re different than a bank - and we like it that way. At Connect First Credit Union, we spend our days
helping our members achieve their financial aspirations through our trusted local brands - First Calgary Financial, Chinook
Financial, Legacy Financial and Mountain View Financial- and a community-focused approach to banking that’s true to our
co-operative principles.
Through the years, we’ve grown to become one of Alberta’s leading financial institutions through a desire to connect the
dots between members’ dreams, goals, communities and their financial wellness. We believe that banking is about more
than money − it’s a cornerstone of every vibrant community and our members expect us to positively impact the financial
success and viability of the place we call home.
A Little More On Our Business
Connect First Credit Union is the 8th largest credit union in Mission
Canada and the 2nd largest in Alberta, with over $5 billion To Make Money Make a Difference:
in assets under administration. We deliver a meaningful impact to our members and
communities in the ways that makes sense to them.
Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies
for 20 consecutive years – the only Canadian credit union
to achieve this status – we proudly employ over 750
Vision
Albertans and passionately serve over 128,000 members in To be Alberta’s Neighbourhood Credit Union:
more than 34 communities across central and southern We’re growing, and focused on making our members’
Alberta, under four divisions: Chinook Financial, First financial dreams and goals come true.
Calgary Financial, Legacy Financial and Mountain View
Financial. Values
Think Big:
Over the past five years, we have continually and We embrace new ideas to create the greatest possible
successfully expanded our provincial footprint through value for our members.
amalgamations. Our unique regionally focused operating
model is an industry-first in Alberta. Four divisional brands Act Local:
serve as marketing and sales channels for products and We actively seek out local ways to positively impact the
services, delivering a unique regional experience tailored communities we live, work and thrive in.
to member needs while respecting longstanding legacies
and community roots. Take Charge:
We succeed when you succeed. We’re accountable, and
These divisions are supported by Connect First, our broad take ownership over situations to deliver results.
and experienced corporate office. With expertise ranging
from Treasury and Asset/Liability Management to Risk and Make it Easy:
Compliance, Accounting and Administration, Human We listen, seeking to understand and find every
Resources, Marketing and Information Technology, we opportunity to make your experiences with us helpful and
support our member facing employees, so they can focus easy.
on what matters – serving our members and communities.
Together, our divisions have passionately served members
for over 80 years.
Our members are owners and they have a say in how we
operate, they earn dividends for common shares and
investment shares, and they have access to an extensive
array of financial products and services.
Connect First Credit Union 2019 Board of Directors Candidate Package 2Connect First Credit Union’s Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of Connect First Credit Union, as well as establishing policy and
direction in accordance with associated Bylaws and the Alberta Credit Union Act.
Every Board member has a fiduciary responsibility to act honestly and in good faith in the best interests of Connect First
Credit Union and to exercise the due care, diligence, and skill that a prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances.
Key Accountabilities Being a Board Member
Complies with duties and responsibilities as set out in the Make the commitment to strong, responsible and ethical
applicable provincial and federal legislation; governance of your credit union.
Adheres to all Board policies regarding conduct, conflicts The following information outlines the mandatory
of interest, related party transactions, political activities, requirements for all Board members, as well as the skills,
attendance etc.; experience and qualities Connect First Credit Union seeks
in its Board members. This information will assist you
Ensures they are well informed on relevant organizational when deciding to submit your application as a candidate.
issues, comprehends materials prior to meetings, and
analyzes information to vote knowledgeably and in the To qualify as a candidate for Connect First Credit Union’s
best interests of the organization; Board, you must meet the requirements as set out in the
Alberta Credit Union Act, our Bylaws, and Conflict of
Brings own experience, wisdom, point of view, judgement Interest Policy including:
and influence to bear constructively on issues and to Board
decisions; • 18-years of age or older;
• A member of the credit union for a minimum of
Interacts with fellow Board members and management in one year as at October 31, 2019;
a respectful and constructive manner while listening to • Use the credit union as your primary financial
and exercising tolerance for others’ perspectives; institution;
• A Canadian citizen or a person who has been
Makes reasonable inquiries about the information lawfully admitted into Canada for permanent
provided by management to ensure they have acquired residence;
adequate information necessary for decision making; • Must be a resident of Alberta;
• Able to be bonded with a fidelity bond; and
Abides by and supports all decisions and positions taken by • Be a resident in the Division you are
the Board in a positive manner; and, representing, if elected as a divisional director.
Supports member communications process, including A person may not be a Board member if:
participating in photo shoots for corporate activities,
board member photos, board elections etc. • They are employed in a position, not within the
Credit Union, that could be construed as a
In addition to regular duties, Board members also serve on potential conflict of interest situation, as
one or more of the following standing committees of the determined by the Board;
Board: • They are a Board member or employee of a
business selling competitive products or
• Audit & Finance Committee services to the credit union;
• Governance Committee • They have been in the past 3 years, in violation
• Human Resources Committee of the Credit Union's policies, the Director's Code
• Nominations Committee of Conduct or Bylaws, as determined by the
• Risk Committee Board;
From time to time, the Board may also establish ad hoc
committees with specific scope and duration.
Connect First Credit Union 2019 Board of Directors Candidate Package 3• They are an Immediate Relative of a board Meeting materials are provided to Board members one
member or employee as defined in Bylaw 1(m), week prior to the meeting; and Board members need to
e.g., spouse, common-law partner; child, parent, devote sufficient preparation time in advance of the
grandparent, brother, sister etc. of a Connect meeting to ensure productive discussions, informed
First Credit Union Board member or employee; decision-making and quality Board governance.
• They have been an employee of the Credit Union
Planning Sessions
or its legacy credit unions in the past ten (10)
Annually, the Board and members of management
years as of the closing date of the Call for
participate in an annual planning session, typically held
Nominations;
outside of Calgary for two days. Advance preparation for
• They are in litigation with the Credit Union; or
this meeting can be significant.
• They have loans in arrears with the Credit Union
through its divisions First Calgary Financial, Stakeholder Engagement
Chinook Financial, Legacy Financial, Mountain Directors are expected to attend the AGM and any special
View Financial. member meetings that are held during the year.
Ideal Representation of Our Members and Credit Union and Co-operative Events
Board members have opportunities to attend a variety of
Communities events hosted by the Alberta Credit Union System and
We strive to have a Board that is representative of our Canadian Credit Union Association, as well as the broader
members and communities. We believe diversity promotes cooperative sector.
the inclusion of different perspectives and ideas, mitigates Learning
against ‘group think’, and ensures our credit union has the Following election, new Board members are provided with
opportunity to benefit from all available talent. Our a comprehensive orientation to the Board and credit union
diversity goals seek to ensure we have relevant operations. Board members are required to complete the
representation in: Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) program –
Level A – offered through CUSOURCE Credit Union
• Gender
Knowledge Network, within their first year as an elected
• Age
Board member.
• Ethnicity
• Regions Connect First Credit Union has a formal Director
Orientation, Education and Development Policy that
Review our Board Diversity Policy supports learning and individual development plans.
Time Commitment We are committed to annually assessing individual and
collective effectiveness of the Board through an Annual
Preparation, attendance and active participation in regular Board Assessment process.
Board and Committee meetings, strategic planning
sessions and other special meetings or Board development Compensation
sessions is an expectation and responsibility of Board The Board Remuneration Policy outlines the compensation
members. Board members receive for their services. Transparent
disclosure of Board member remuneration is included in
Through the Board Attendance Policy there is an the Annual Report, including specific amounts paid, and
expectation that Board members will attend all Board and listed by Board member.
Committee meetings in person. To ensure compliance
with the Connect First Credit Union Bylaws, directors must In 2019, the Board streamlined its approach to
attend a minimum of 75% of all regularly scheduled Board remuneration and has introduced a Flat Fee Annual
and Committee meetings. Retainer that compensates them for all board and
committee meetings, credit union system meetings,
Accountability for meeting Board responsibilities is taken community events, the credit union’s annual general
seriously and a record of Board member attendance is meeting, and other duties related to their roles, such as
disclosed annually to members and other stakeholders at business and special meetings.
our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and in our Governance
Report. Board members are also compensated for travel time and
mileage and are entitled to a small allowance to
On average, a Board member will require between 20 – 30 supplement costs with respect to internet access.
hours/month to be effective in their Board responsibilities.
Board & Committee Meetings
Board and Committee meetings are scheduled back to
back and typically take place over two workdays during the
first week of the second month after each fiscal quarter
end. Directors are expected to set aside two full days to
meet these obligations.
Connect First Credit Union 2019 Board of Directors Candidate Package 4Nominations & Elections Process
Following the amalgamation between Connect First Credit Union and Mountain View Credit Union in August 2018, the Board of
Connect First evolved to a governance model that reflects a geographically dispersed and regionally focused organization by
allocating board seats across Divisional Directors and At Large directors. This governance model is intended to provide members
with an opportunity to engage in the democratic process and facilitate a strong and diverse Board.
In 2020, there will be six (6) positions available on the Connect First Credit Union Board, four (4) three-year term positions, one (1)
two-year term position and one (1) one-year term position, distributed as per below:
Division Seats on Seats Available in Term
Board of Directors 2020 Election
First Calgary/Legacy 5 2 3-year
Chinook 2 1 3-year
Mountain View 2 0 n/a
At Large 3 3 3-year; 2-year; 1-year
Candidates can run simultaneously for a Divisional Director and At Large seat. However, in order to be elected or appointed as a
Divisional Director an eligible representative must (a) be a member of that Division through their primary banking relationship and
(b) have his or her principal residence, when nominated, within that Division.
Terms for those candidates successfully competing for “At Large” seats will be allocated based on number of votes. For example,
those receiving the largest number of votes for an “At Large” seat will be allocated the 3-year term.
The geographic area for each Division is identified on the Connect First Credit Union website and each Division’s website.
Questions? Please email boardcandidates@connectfirstcu.com. Candidates are required to attend an Information Session held in
Calgary at Connect First Place (200, 2850 Sunridge Blvd. NE) on Thursday, November 14th, 2019 from 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Nominations & Endorsement Process
The Nominations Committee is made up of Board Entrepreneurial Leadership
members whose terms do not expire in the current Background in building and growing one or more
election year. The Nominations Committee’s mandate is to successful business(es), and demonstrated experience
identify qualified candidates for election, overseeing a fair with:
and transparent elections process. • marketing and sales;
• business growth strategies;
Personal Attributes • role of technology in growing a business;
Every director must adhere to the highest ethical • leading/influencing innovation;
standards, display solid business judgement, have strong • resource management.
interpersonal skills and demonstrate a passion for the
credit union system and community involvement. Financial Literacy
Experience in and an understanding of the financial
Required Skills/Expertise services industry. A background in overseeing the financial
operations of a complex organization, or demonstrated
Annually, the Board reviews the composite skills and ability to understand and interpret financial statements,
experience set represented on the Board to determine its knowledge of audit practices, accounting background, with
future and ongoing needs. a professional finance or accounting designation being an
There is a general expectation that all candidates will have asset.
a basic understanding of board governance, the types of
decisions made by Boards and their fiduciary duties. Human Resources
Senior leadership experience or expertise providing
Preferred Skills/Expertise professional advice with respect to human resources,
including succession planning, executive compensation,
For 2020, the Board is specifically looking for individuals recruitment and evaluation of senior executives, fostering
who can contribute to the governance of the credit union organizational culture and employee engagement,
through one or more of the following professional skills, understanding of how to leverage technology to support
expertise, or background. people and culture.
Connect First Credit Union 2019 Board of Directors Candidate Package 5Technology Governance eligibility criteria set out in the Credit Union Act, Connect
Knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies. First bylaws and board policies, and the skills and
Background in the strategic use of technology acquired competencies published to the membership annually.
through a senior leadership role. Experience in one or
All eligible Board candidates are welcome to run for
more of the following:
election and are invited to submit a photo and candidate
• leading a major technology initiative in a large
statement to be featured in the election communications
organization;
materials, regardless of whether they are endorsed by the
• building technology/enterprise platforms;
Nominations Committee.
• building an Information Technology business;
• senior leadership of business continuity, disaster
recovery, cyber security initiatives/responses.
Submitting your Application
• Knowledge of how to measure and monitor In 2020, members will be electing six (6) directors to the
technology effectiveness and the value it delivers Board. After carefully reviewing this 2020 Board of
for the business. Directors Candidate Guide, and deciding to put your
Candidates will be required to submit a formal Candidate application forward for nomination as a Board Candidate,
Application, attest to their eligibility and demonstrate please complete the online application at:
what skills and competencies they bring to the Board. ConnectFirstCU.com/BoardElections.
Candidates are also required to attend a Candidate
information session to familiarize themselves more with Application Deadline
Connect First Credit Union and our board, so they can November 8, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. MST
make an informed choice about whether running for
election is right for them.
Elections Results
Endorsement Director Election results will be announced at our AGM on
Connect First strives to ensure that the Board as a whole Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at TELUS Spark in Calgary.
possesses the skills and experience relevant to the credit
union’s needs. The Board uses an endorsement process to
help members visibly identify which candidates possess
the published skills, qualifications and diversity the Board
is looking for. The Board Endorsement Policy is published
on the Connect First Credit Union website.
Annually, the Nominations Committee will endorse a
maximum number of candidates. This will be up to the
number of vacancies on the Board plus two. For example,
in 2020 the Nominations Committee could endorse up to a
maximum of 8 candidates. The actual number of
candidates endorsed may be less depending on the
candidate’s qualifications relative to the published skill
sets.
From a Policy perspective, the Board believes in the value
of endorsement as a governance practice which supports
board effectiveness, board relevancy and board renewal.
The Board further believes that governance practices such
as endorsement provide members with assurance that a
candidate’s values, interests, experience and qualifications
are those that would enhance the Boards’ current
composition.
In advance of voting commencing, the Nominations
Committee will connect with all eligible Board candidates,
confirm that they have been placed into candidacy and
advise whether they have, or have not, been endorsed. At
that time, all eligible Board candidates are given the
opportunity to confirm, or withdraw, their candidacy.
Connect First welcomes and values applications to become
a Board member from all members who meet the
Connect First Credit Union 2019 Board of Directors Candidate Package 6Important Dates
Oct. 4 – Nov. 8, 2019 Call for Nominations
Nominations close at
Nov. 8, 2019
12:00 p.m. MST
Candidate Information Session
Nov. 14, 2019 5:15 p.m – 6:30 p.m. MST
(2850 Sunridge Blvd NE, Calgary)
Dec. 4 – 6, 2019 Candidate Interviews
Jan. 21 – Mar. 2, 2020 Online Voting for Members
Mar. 11, 2020 AGM, Election Results announced
Mar./Apr. 2020 (TBD) New Board Member Orientation
Thank you for your interest in the 2020 Director Elections!
We look forward to your voting participation in this vital democratic process.
Connect First Credit Union, Board of Directors
Connect First Credit Union 2019 Board of Directors Candidate Package 7You can also read
