New ‘Credit Unions for Kids’ Advisory Board Chair: John Bratsakis

Credit Unions for Kids is proud to announce John Bratsakis as the new Advisory Board Chairperson!

Since 2011, John has been the President/CEO of the Maryland & DC Credit Union Association. However, he’s been involved in the credit union industry for 32 years. John has held a variety of roles at Baxter Credit Union, Community Trust Credit Union, United FCU, Teachers Credit Union, and Illinois Credit Union League Board of Directors.

John has always lived the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’ and been committed to giving back to the community. Just his involvement with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has included:

• Children’s National Hospital Corporate Advisory Board for the past 2 years
• Credit Union Miracle Day Committee for 5 years, Chairperson of the committee for 1 year
• Cherry Blossom Race Committee for 8 years, Chairperson of the committee for 3 years
• Credit Unions for Kids National Advisory Board for 4 years

“I am excited and honored to serve as the new Credit Unions for Kids Advisory Board Chairperson,” said John Bratsakis.  “CMN has been an incredibly important charitable partner to the movement and truly demonstrates credit unions’ commitment to communities and the core philosophy of people helping people. Together we will continue to provide support and access to affordable health care for families when they need it most.”

John’s predecessor is Sarah Canepa-Bang who has led the CU4Kids program to tremendous success for many years. Since 1996, the program has raised $200 million for children’s hospitals across the country. Each year, these hospitals treat 10 million patients.

The entire Credit Unions for Kids Advisory Board includes:

• Ron Amstutz, Executive Vice President, Desert Financial Credit Union
• Sarah Canepa Bang, Retired, CO-OP Financial Services
• Nancy M. Croix-Stroud, CUDE, SCMS, President/CEO, First Class American Credit Union
• Diana Dykstra, President/CEO, CA/NV Credit Union Leagues
• Chris Roe, SVP Corporate and Legislative Affairs, CUNA Mutual Group
• Brad Miller, Executive Director, American Association of Credit Union Leagues
• Samantha Paxson, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, CO-OP Financial Services
• Brooke Van Vleet, President/CEO, InRoads Credit Union
• Caroline Willard, President/CEO, Cornerstone Credit Union League
• Darren Williams, President/CEO, Wescom Credit Union