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Firstmark has been named a Best Place to Work for five years in a row!
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There are four (4) director positions open for election in 2027. The Nominating Committee, appointed by the Chairman of the Board, has nominated one member for each position to be filled. The positions, terms, and nominees are as follows:
A brief statement of qualifications and biographical information for each nominee is included with this notice.
Additional nominations may be made by official petition signed by 500 eligible members. Official petitions, along with the applicable rules and instructions, may be obtained from the Credit Union’s administrative office at 2023 Gold Canyon Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78232, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To be valid, petitions must be completed in full compliance with the election rules and include each signer’s signature and printed name, the last four (4) digits of the signer’s member number, and the signer’s complete address and telephone number. Members who are at least 18 years of age and who meet the requirements of the Texas Finance Code and the regulations of the Texas Credit Union Commission are eligible for election. Petitions must also be accompanied by a signed statement from the nominee indicating that he or she agrees to the nomination and will serve if elected, along with a brief statement of qualifications and biographical information. Members elected to the Board of Directors are legally responsible for the fiscal integrity of the Credit Union and for ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Official petitions must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Directors at the Credit Union’s administrative office, 2023 Gold Canyon Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78232, no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, which is the deadline for receiving nominations by petition. If no petitions are received by the deadline, there will be no election by ballot and no nominations from the floor. When only one nominee is nominated for each position to be filled, the nominees shall be elected by general consent or acclamation. If more than one nominee is nominated for any position, the election will be conducted by mail ballot, and the Secretary of the Board of Directors will cause ballots to be mailed to all eligible members. In that event, the election shall be determined by plurality vote.
* Director Designation: An Incumbent Director is a director currently serving a term that was previously approved by the membership through election. An Appointed Director is a director currently serving by appointment of the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy and is standing for election by the membership for the first time.
Ericka Olivarez brings a strong passion for education, leadership, and community impact to her role as a member of the Board of Directors. She began her service with the Credit Union as an Advisory Director in 2022 and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2026. Ms. Olivarez is the founding and current Principal of CAST Teach High School, a unique magnet school in Northside ISD dedicated to preparing the next generation of educators. A dedicated education leader, she has spent her career expanding access to meaningful learning opportunities and building strong, collaborative communities. Her experience includes roles as a teacher, instructional specialist, academic dean, and district leader, where she has worked to create environments that empower students, families, and educators to learn, grow, and succeed together. Since the school opened in 2022, Ms. Olivarez has helped shape innovative programs that combine rigorous academics with real-world, career-connected experiences. In 2026, CAST Teach celebrated an important milestone with the graduation of its first class of future educators. A first-generation college graduate, Ms. Olivarez holds a Master of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Master of Political Science from the University of Notre Dame, and a Bachelor of Political Science with a minor in English Literature from St. Mary’s University. She has also served on various state, city, and district committees focused on advancing student success. Ms. Olivarez’s perspective as an educator and community leader supports both the Credit Union’s mission and the Board’s commitment to serving members, strengthening financial well-being, and investing in the communities it serves. She brings a collaborative approach and a passion for developing future leaders, helping guide decisions that create lasting, positive impact for members and the broader community.
Kyle Friesenhahn has devoted nearly two decades of volunteer service to Firstmark Credit Union and its members. She began serving on the Credit Union’s Nominating Committee in 2006, was appointed as an Advisory Director in 2007, and was elected by the membership to the Board of Directors in 2009. Throughout her tenure, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including the Governance Committee, the Risk & Cyber Committee, and the Administrative Committee of FMCU Financial Group, Inc. (CUSO). Combining her passion for music with a distinguished career in education, Ms. Friesenhahn dedicated more than 40 years to teaching and mentoring students throughout South Central Texas. Her career included service in the Seguin, Luling, La Vernia, and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School Districts, where she inspired generations of young musicians and developed award winning band programs. She concluded her career as Director of Bands at Byron P. Steele II High School before retiring in 2012. A native Texan, Ms. Friesenhahn graduated from Pflugerville High School and earned both a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music Education from Southwest Texas State University. She has remained actively involved in professional organizations dedicated to music education, including the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity. Throughout her years of service, Ms. Friesenhahn has been a strong advocate for members and believes deeply in the value of education, collaboration, and community involvement. Her experience as an educator and long serving volunteer helps the Board remain connected to the needs of members while supporting Firstmark’s mission of improving financial well-being and enriching the communities it serves.
Dr. Lloyd Verstuyft brings more than three decades of leadership, strategic planning, and community service experience to his role as a member of the Board of Directors. He began serving Firstmark Credit Union as an Advisory Director and member of the Risk & Cyber Committee in 2022 and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2026. A lifelong educator, Dr. Verstuyft dedicated 33 years to Southwest Independent School District, including 13 years as Superintendent. During his tenure, he provided leadership for district operations, strategic planning, student achievement initiatives, and community engagement efforts. Dr. Verstuyft has received numerous honors throughout his career, including Region 20 Superintendent of the Year and the United States Department of Education Terrell H. Bell Award. He has also served on several educational and community-focused boards, including Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, and the Bexar County Go Public Campaign. He holds a Doctor of Education from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University Kingsville, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from The University of Texas at San Antonio. As a long-time Firstmark member and volunteer leader, Dr. Verstuyft brings valuable experience in governance, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership. His commitment to service and continuous improvement supports the Board’s efforts to strengthen financial well-being and create lasting value for Firstmark members and the communities it serves.
Few individuals have witnessed Firstmark Credit Union’s growth and evolution quite like Rudy Peña. A member since 1972 and a director since 2002, Mr. Peña has dedicated more than two decades of volunteer leadership to helping guide the Credit Union while remaining focused on the needs of its members. Throughout his board service, he has contributed to numerous leadership initiatives, including the Board Executive Committee, Member Business Lending Committee, Administrative Committee of FMCU Financial Group, Inc. (CUSO), and most recently, the Risk & Cyber Committee. Throughout his professional career, Mr. Peña was committed to supporting public education and developing strong school communities. He served as Director of Secondary Human Resources for Northside Independent School District until his retirement in 2012, overseeing the staffing of middle and high schools across one of Texas’ largest school districts. He also maintained active involvement in the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators.
A native Texan, Mr. Peña graduated from Lanier High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas-Pan American and a master’s degree from Texas A&I University. He remained committed to lifelong learning throughout his career by participating in a variety of professional development and educational programs. Having spent more than 50 years as a Firstmark member, Mr. Peña brings a long-term perspective shaped by both personal experience and board service. His understanding of the Credit Union’s history, commitment to member service, and appreciation for the role Firstmark plays in the community help provide continuity and stewardship as the organization plans for the future.
Firstmark has been named a Best Place to Work for five years in a row!
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