Who We Are

History

Founded in 1952, Thinkwise Federal Credit Union emerged from the most humble of beginnings - a simple shoebox with cash carefully tended by a dedicated group of San Bernardino School District employees. What started as San Bernardino School Employees Federal Credit Union has blossomed into a testament of financial stewardship and community dedication.

Through decades of thoughtful growth, strategic evolution, and steadfast commitment to our members, we've transformed while never losing sight of our founding principles. Our journey - from new facilities to leadership transitions, and ultimately to our emergence as Thinkwise Federal Credit Union - reflects our unwavering dedication to progress and innovation.

Today, we stand as a bridge between our rich heritage and an exciting future. Our cooperative spirit, commitment to democratic principles, and passionate dedication to member service remain the cornerstones of our institution. We take pride in being more than just a financial institution - we are a community-driven organization that measures success not just in numbers, but in the positive impact we make in our members' lives.

As we continue to grow and evolve, our foundation remains unshaken: our members - past, present, and future - are the heart of Thinkwise Federal Credit Union. Our member’s trust, loyalty, and partnership continue to shape our story and fuel our commitment to excellence in financial services.

Membership Eligibility

Thinkwise membership is open to all employees who work regularly in the educational industry within the counties of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino, California. This includes individuals actively engaged in various roles within educational institutions, from teachers and administrators to support staff.

In addition to individual membership, we also offer business membership eligibility. Organizations involved in the educational sector, including schools, nonprofits, and educational service providers operating within our service area, are encouraged to apply for membership. This allows businesses to engage with and support the educational community, fostering partnerships and collaboration.

Eligibility extends to retirees, pensioners, or annuitants from the educational field, as well as their immediate family members or those living in the same household. Volunteers involved in educational activities and organizations representing these individuals are also welcome to join.

This focused eligibility ensures that our membership reflects and supports the community we serve, fostering connections and resources tailored specifically to the educational landscape of our region.

Supervisory Committee

The Supervisory Committee plays a vital role in ensuring the organization operates with integrity, transparency, and in the best interests of its members. This independent body oversees audits, ensures compliance with regulations and policies, monitors management decisions, and addresses member concerns. By identifying risks and recommending corrective actions, the committee safeguards the financial health of the credit union and protects member assets, fostering trust and accountability. They also oversee the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is an elected group of dedicated volunteers who ensure the credit union operates in the best interests of its members. They set the mission, vision, and goals of Thinkwise Credit Union, establish policies, and oversee financial performance to ensure stability and growth. The board is responsible for hiring and evaluating the CEO, representing member interests in strategic decision-making, and managing risks to safeguard members' assets. By staying informed about industry trends and maintaining regulatory compliance, the board provides guidance that aligns with Thinkwise Credit Union's commitment to empowering its members and supporting their financial well-being.

Executive Team

The executive team plays a pivotal role in advancing Thinkwise Credit Union’s mission of empowering members with intelligent financial solutions. The CEO drives the strategic vision, works in partnership with the Board of Directors, and serves as the organization’s ambassador, strengthening relationships with members and the broader community. The CFLO ensures financial stability through meticulous budgeting, compliance, risk management, and accounting while also overseeing lending, collections, and marketing operations, providing key insights to support long-term financial planning. The COO is responsible for managing daily branch operations, enhancing member experiences, overseeing support services, the member contact center, and business development, while spearheading innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency. Together, the executive team ensures Thinkwise Credit Union operates with excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the success of its members.