Humanidei Announces Leadership Transition

Stephen Nelson started his career with credit unions in January 2000, about a week after Y2K. He’s spent most of the years since in the league space, where he’s worn a wide range of hats: communications hack, compliance consultant, tech and A/V engineer, training developer, VP, and more. If it needed doing, Stephen has probably done it.

He took a three-year detour from leagues to run training and staff development for a large credit union, building a comprehensive training program and leading a sales-culture transformation, before returning to the league world in 2009.

For nearly two decades, Stephen has worked the frontlines of credit union advocacy and support: building and lifting communication programs and grassroots efforts, moderating planning sessions, consulting with credit unions of every size, and crunching the data behind both member insights and lobbying wins.

Believing that state leagues are the industry’s best advocacy weapon, Stephen helped the California, Nevada, and Utah leagues stand up Fuel Solutions — a cross-state collaboration built to preserve state credit union associations. By consolidating non-advocacy services across the three states, credit unions have kept local governance of their dedicated state league and the focus on advocacy, while maintaining access to industry-leading education, training, and support.

Now serving as Humanidei’s interim CEO, Stephen brings that same conviction to the firm’s people-first mission. He remains committed to the success of state-specific leagues and to the just cause at the heart of the credit union philosophy: people helping people.

Stephen holds a BA in English, a BS in Mass Communication with an emphasis in public relations, and an MBA with an emphasis in information systems — arguably more book learning than any one person needs. He is also a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE).

Carolyn is deeply committed to partnering with credit union leaders to build strong, healthy, people-centered organizations. With more than 18 years of experience in the credit union system, she has dedicated her career to strengthening culture, elevating employee engagement, developing leaders, and guiding organizational development efforts that align strategy with long-term success.

As a Leadership & Organizational Development Consultant at Humanidei, Carolyn works with credit unions nationwide to design and deliver leadership development programs, facilitate strategic planning and governance workshops, and provide executive coaching. Her work helps leadership teams align strategy, structure, culture, and people practices to build clarity, trust, and sustainable organizational performance.

Prior to joining Humanidei, Carolyn founded Carolyn Reeves Consulting, partnering with credit union executives, boards, and leadership teams across the country. She previously spent 16 years at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, serving as Vice President of Learning and Talent Development. In that role, she led enterprise-wide talent, engagement, and succession strategies for more than 3,000 employees, facilitated executive- and board-level strategic planning, and guided organizational design efforts during periods of growth and transformation.

Carolyn remains actively engaged in advancing the credit union movement. She has designed and facilitated leadership programs, coached women CEOs through the CU Women’s Leadership Alliance, mentored Credit Union Development Educators, and spoken nationally on culture, organizational health, employee engagement, and leadership effectiveness.

Carolyn is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation, a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, and a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE). She holds a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

With 28 years of experience working in retail banking and focusing on delivering exceptional member service, Sonya understands that the best results are achieved by creating an atmosphere of trust where diversity is encouraged. Sonya advocated for greater department synergies and additional training and development to enhance member service delivery. She also offered members Financial Literacy services to improve their financial well-being.

Sonya worked within branches and corporate offices, gaining insight and extensive knowledge of the overall vision and long-term strategy for the organization. This knowledge assisted Sonya in promoting into roles with increasing responsibility within Alaska USA Federal Credit Union.

Most recently, Sonya served as Vice President of Branch Administration, in the Alaska Region where she was responsible for branch operations, market trends, product development, banking strategies, service delivery, coaching, and development.

Sonya is a performance-driven business professional with high integrity, strong work ethic, and exceptional leadership skills. She is a meticulous and resourceful business leader with proven success leading productive branch teams throughout the Alaska region. Sonya has demonstrated effective communication through networking with other business lines and collaborating with colleagues throughout the organization.

Sonya is enthusiastic about “People Helping People” and believes this begins with ensuring a more inclusive workforce within the credit union sector.

Sonya holds a Diploma from Western CUNA Management School for strategic management and financial planning, Certified Diversity Recruiter’s Certification (CDR), Harrison Assessments Debriefing & Coaching Accreditation, and Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE).

A seasoned executor with an entrepreneurial spirit, Jaime brings over two decades of financial institution experience. She honed her skills in the heart of the credit union movement, gaining rich and invaluable experience in her various leadership roles within retail branch networks, operations, commercial and consumer lending, strategy, and people operations. She thrives on forging genuine connections, improving processes and empowering individuals through effective mentorship and coaching to ensure talent has the skills and support needed to be the best in the industry.

Jaime has been instrumental in enhancing operational efficiencies and profitability of numerous financial institutions. Her deep understanding and care for employee development and member experience has enabled her to significantly improve both the member and team-member journey.

Jaime is an unwavering champion of Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) and believes that a thriving credit union should reflect the vibrant tapestry of its community. Giving a voice to those who have no voice is her personal mission.

Having served as Board Chairwoman, Vice-Chair and Board member with various organizations, Jaime continues to dedicate her time, talent and treasure within her community of San Diego, California.

Tracie is passionate about helping leaders discover and maximize their potential, with a career-long commitment to the credit union movement. Over a span of 41 years, she has served organizations across four states, including four credit unions and two leagues. In 2023, she retired after a distinguished 22-year tenure as CEO of the Montana Credit Union League.

Throughout her career, Tracie has led initiatives that strengthened organizations for the long term, including establishing a self-funded health insurance trust, launching a 501(c)(3) foundation focused on financial wellness, developing training and marketing departments, creating a secondary mortgage program, leading brand transformations, and revitalizing organizational cultures.

During her time at the Montana League, her peers honored her with the American Association of Credit Union Leagues’ two highest recognitions: the Eagle Award and the Eugene Farley Leadership Award.

Driven by a deep belief in continuous growth, Tracie became a certified professional coach, guided by the “starfish principle” philosophy of making meaningful impact one leader at a time.

Her industry leadership includes service as Chair of the Filene Research Institute, Chair of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues, Treasurer of the Western CUNA Management School Board, and board member roles with CUNA and the National Credit Union Foundation.

Tracie holds a master’s degree in professional communication, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and professional credentials including PCC (Professional Certified Coach), CAE (Certified Association Executive), and CUDE (Credit Union Development Educator).

Ciara LaVelle is Vice President of Strategic Growth at Humanidei, where she focuses on expanding the firm’s partnerships, network, and visibility across the credit union movement. With more than a decade of experience in and alongside the industry, she brings a strong understanding of the leadership, people strategy, and mission that drive credit unions forward.

Ciara’s career in the movement has included leadership roles spanning branch operations, organizational initiatives, and strategic projects, providing both frontline and leadership perspectives on how credit unions grow, serve members, and strengthen the communities around them. Those experiences continue to shape her belief that the long-term success of credit unions is rooted in strong leadership and a deep investment in people.

Today, she is passionate about advancing conversations around leadership and talent strategy within the credit union movement, helping organizations build strong teams and leadership pipelines that position them for long-term impact.

Ciara earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Duquesne University. She is a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) and holds a certification in Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from Georgetown University.

Carl Clark began working in the credit union industry in 2008. Working primarily in marketing and public relations, Carl is an excellent public speaker that enjoys spreading the word about the virtues of credit unions to all who will listen. He is well-versed in Board governance and has created trainings and programs that help connect communities and businesses with resources that help them thrive. He has experience in community outreach and facilitating discussions around strategic planning.

Carl believes that credit unions are a reflection of the communities they serve and the people who lead those institutions should also reflect that community. This belief is what led him to Humanidei and a career of matching diverse talent with inclusive organizations.

Carl is actively engaged in his local credit union league chapter and served as the chapter president for several years. Carl also devotes time to mentoring youth in the greater Charlotte (NC) area.

At every phase of his career, Carl has worked to be a connector and liaison. Carl has a passion for credit unions and a belief in what they can accomplish in local communities. Carl holds a master’s in business administration from Pfeiffer University and a bachelor’s degree from Murray State University. Carl is a certified Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC).

Oscar Porras started his career in the credit union industry in 2001. He has primarily worked with community members of modest needs, credit union professionals of diverse backgrounds, and immerging markets with a focus on the Hispanic community in Oregon and California. That experience has led Oscar to Humanidei as a Senior Consultant for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Porras has experience in branch operations, lending, and community outreach. In each of his roles he has helped create, develop, and implement products and services that have helped guide immigrant community members and those of modest means into mainstream financial services.

From working with youth, professionals, and board members, Oscar is driven by the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity. The credit union industry will serve as a catalyst for diversity, equity and inclusion by purposely and intently providing opportunities for different ideas, opinions, and lived experiences. Credit unions will continue to grow and stay relevant by becoming a reflection of the communities they serve. Oscar is a certified International Credit Union Development Educator and has also received a certification from Georgetown University in Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace.

Jill Nowacki started her career with credit unions in 2001. She has taken on leadership roles at credit unions and state and national trade associations. Now, she is using her experience and passion to lead Humanidei, a human capital strategies firm committed to making credit unions the workplaces and volunteer causes of choice for today’s workforce.

Nowacki has practical experience in politics and communication; human resources and strategic planning; community development and marketing. With each role, her purpose remained the same: Help credit unions realize their full potential to expand the economic capacity of members and communities.

Jill has deeply engaged with credit unions across the country, working with Boards of Directors and executive teams to foster growth. They need products, services, and technology to meet member needs, but the true differentiator is in credit unions that leverage the value of human capital to make their systems work best.

As the President/CEO of Humanidei, Jill helps credit unions increase relevance and win the war for talent at all levels, from front-line staffing through the Board of Directors. By strategically addressing the value of human capital, credit unions can create environments where people bring their best, authentic selves to work; resulting in diversity in thought, increased innovation, stronger succession planning, and ultimately: Relevant, growing credit unions that expand the economic capacity of the members and communities they serve.