Serving Since 2010

2019 Committee Participation

Governance & H.R.
Member & Community Relations (Chair)

Roly Russell

Roly sits at the gfcu board table because he is passionate about financial systems and their potential to improve society. Recently, there have been plenty of calls for a systemic change in finance, especially related to the impact of profits and excessive salaries. Roly truly believes that credit unions hold a unique position and are capable of creating a more equitable and wealthy society for our community and beyond.

His contributions to our collective governance are mainly in the realms of community voice and engagement, analytical curiosity, as well as statistical skills and experience. This foundation of skills is built on Roly’s experience in academic science, local government, agricultural systems, and local/provincial non-profit governance.

Roly has been deeply embedded in our conversations around the potential merger. Initially involved as a self-described “constructive critic” of the process, he is now a keen advocate of the idea and is always open to sharing his thoughts and findings on the matter. Should the concept move forward, Roly would be a director of the new credit union, serving to represent the gfcu members and the Boundary community as a whole. It should be noted that no such merger can occur without the voted consent of our membership.

Roly is true local. His first financial institution was gfcu, and he graduated from GFSS. After studying at universities across the globe (University of British Columbia, University of Melbourne, Oregon State University, University of Canterbury), Roly and his family planted their roots back in Grand Forks. He holds a PhD in Marine Ecology and studied how societies make sustainable decisions (or not!). Recently, he was Chair of the Regional District and currently has been elected as a local government representative for the Rural Grand Forks area.

In his words: “Credit unions really do make good sense. It’s my honour to serve on behalf of our members, and I hope I continue to have that privilege. I see vibrant credit unions as a key element in creating a more financially, ecologically, and socially wealthy society. As we’ve said before, some choices matter.”