YOUR 2025 EQUITY CREDIT UNION BOARD MEMBER CANDIDATES
John Loreto
I have been a Chartered Professional Accountant for two years and a member of Equity Credit Union for over 15 years. I obtained my Bachelor of Commerce, with a major in Accounting, in 2020, from Dalhousie University. Upon my graduation, I moved back to Toronto, working in RSM's assurance line for four years, primarily working with clients within the consumer products industry. My experience extends beyond this, serving clients in the financial services, pharmaceutical manufacturing and life-science spaces.
In November 2024, I was hired by Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health to manage the finance team and drive procedural improvements in the finance function. I look forward to the opportunity of serving the Board and its members, leveraging my prior experience to affect positive change.
Bill Downing
I have been on the Board of Directors for 18 years and sat on the Audit committee for six years before that. I have served on every Board committee and have been Chairman of most of them.
I have been married for 43 years, have two wonderful daughters and three wonderful granddaughters. I work as a carpenter and have been a member of Equity Credit Union for over 45 years.
It has been my pleasure to represent all our members during this time ensuring that our decisions are made with the best interest of our members in mind.
With your support, I would enjoy serving on the Board for another term.
Vishal Pua
I have been a volunteer for the Equity Credit Union Marketing Committee since 2021. I have over a decade of experience in sales, marketing, and operations in technology and healthcare, most currently in women’s health. With an MBA from Schulich School of Business, a BSc (Hons) in Health & Disease from the University of Toronto, and the Canadian Heath Executive designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, I am passionate about optimizing resources to provide increased value and efficiency.
How can I help Equity Credit Union?
- Help understand our member’s needs to develop a strategic plan for long-term sustainability and growth.
- Ensure Management and the overall Credit Union is focused on providing the best service possible for customers.
- Bring fresh ideas from various industries to help create brand awareness and visibility to the Credit Union
- Use innovative ideas and marketing strategies to stay ahead of competitors and navigate through challenging issues, such as pandemics, to create competitive advantages.
- Assess risk to the Credit Union and establish rules for the decision-making, financial reporting and financing.
- Assess the Credit Union’s financial position and provide recommendations for continued growth and success.
I am running for the Equity Board because I would like to personally contribute to the success of the credit union that I’ve been a part of for many years. I have pursued this position for several years now, which speaks to my persistence, continued interest and commitment to improving the great work done by the current management team and board of directors. Moreover, I believe there are ways to increase the growth and services of Equity that would benefit all members.
My commitment to quality, focus on customer success, and adherence to high ethical standards gives me with a strong foundation to effectively take on the board member role. Having completed the Board of Director certificate program at the Schulich School of Business as well as reporting to various boards throughout my career, I am familiar with this world and enthusiastic about the work it offers.
Overall, I feel that my application to join the Board of Directors is one that holds potential benefits for all involved. I understand there is a significant amount of work to be done, and I am willing to take the time to help. I am grateful to be considered for the role, and optimistic that we can continue building on the success of Equity Credit Union together.
Jeannine Wilson
I currently serve on the Board of Directors of Equity Credit Union. I am up for re-election for our board this year. This will be my 4th term, having been first elected in 2016.
In the past nine years, I have served on many board committees, including Finance, Nominating, Marketing, the AGM and, in the last 5 years, as Chair of the Audit Committee. During this time, I also completed all the continuing education requirements to become an Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director with CCUA (Canadian Credit Union Association).
All this while, I maintained a full-time job assisting the marketing and sales teams to bring new food products to market. My background in Finance and Supply Chain allows me to continue to add value to the organization; these skills have helped me in the oversight required to lead the Audit Committee.
During the last couple of years, the Audit Committee has worked with the Equity management team on initiatives to ensure we are fully compliant with our regulators in FSRA and all the new reporting requirements they implemented. As part of our improvement initiatives, we sought out a new internal auditing team to guide us through the complexities of the changing landscape and ensure strong governance of our members' equity. I look forward to working with this new team if I secure another term on the board.
I am proud to work with such a dedicated team of board members who are fully committed to the success of our Credit Union and serving the needs of our membership. I am also proud to be an Equity Credit union member for over 35 years.
Brian Lobo
With over 30 years of experience, notably the owner and operator of Computer & Parts Direct (2008- Present), CEO of Computer Rack Calgary (1997-2007), and Regional Manager of Doppler Computer Superstore Calgary (1994-1996), I have built a reputation for excellence in the IT industry. As a seasoned business professional, I possess a unique blend of entrepreneurial vision and hands-on leadership, delivering exceptional services/products while maintaining a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
Over the years, I have developed a deep understanding of effective operations and customer relations, driving the company to success through hard work, strategic planning, and adaptability in a competitive market. With a proven track record of growth, I have developed a loyal customer base and earned the trust of both clients and partners alike.
I devote time to giving back to the community through meaningful ways, markedly serving as President of the Canorient Calgary Chapter for multiple years. My commitment to delivering exceptional value through professionalism, integrity, and long-term relationships has been a cornerstone to my continual career growth throughout my career.