2026 Voters Pamphlet
How to Vote
Please carefully review the candidate information in this pamphlet as you prepare to cast your vote in the 2026 WSECU Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee election. You can cast your vote online or by mail.
Please note: Ballots are distributed to eligible voters only. Ballots were emailed to members with email addresses on file; all other members were mailed paper ballots.
There are three ways to vote:
- At directvote.net/wsecu — Use your personal voting number included with your ballot.
- Through Online Banking — Sign in and navigate to voting.
- By mail — Return your ballot with the envelope provided.
Voting starts Feb. 2, 2026. All online votes must be cast before 8:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Feb. 17, 2026. All paper ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 17, 2026. Ballots are tabulated and verified by a third party: Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS).
Please do not include payments or deposits in your ballot envelope.
Eligibility | About the Candidates | 2026 Board of Directors Candidates | 2026 Supervisory Committee Candidates | 2025 Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee
Eligibility
Each member is allowed only one vote, regardless of the number of accounts. You are eligible to vote if:
- You have been a member for at least 90 days.
- You are a member in good standing.
- You were at least 18 years old when the voting period began.
Vote and you could win $250 for you and $250 for your favorite nonprofit.*
Here’s another great reason to cast your vote: the chance to win $250 for you and $250 for your favorite 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* It’s easy to do — just vote and your name is automatically entered into the prize drawing. To encourage online voting, ballots cast online will receive four entries into the contest. Mail-in ballots will receive only one entry into the contest. Take advantage of online convenience and increase your chance of winning!
Candidates
About the Candidates
All candidates were asked to address the following in their applications:
-
What skills and experience in their background uniquely qualify them to be effective elected WSECU Board/Supervisory Committee members?
- What about WSECU's philosophy and cooperative nature inspired them to seek a position?
- List any relevant volunteer experience and/or education.
2026 Board of Directors Candidates
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The WSECU Board of Directors consists of nine elected members serving three-year terms and two Associate Board Members serving one-year terms. The Board makes decisions affecting credit union policies, services and rates. It sets a strategic direction to ensure WSECU remains financially secure. Board members attend monthly meetings, serve on subcommittees and attend credit union functions.
Kelly Collins | Sierra Foster | Steve Lerch | Joseph Pearson | Carole Washburn
Kelly Collins
Deputy State Auditor
Department State Auditor's Office
Olympia, WA
My 33-year public service career has been dedicated to accountability, transparency and improving government operations. As a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner and the Deputy State Auditor at the Office of the State Auditor, I have the leadership, strategic thinking and technical skills to be an effective Board Member for WSECU.
In my leadership roles I’ve been responsible for strategic planning of agency operations, outcomes and fiscal operations, providing me the experience and qualifications needed in a Board Member.
I have an extensive accounting and auditing background, working with a broad range of state agencies and local governments across Washington state. I’ve performed complex audits at large and small government organizations, while collaborating with elected and appointed officials to improve their government organizations. My professional experience and technical skills make me uniquely qualified to be an effective Board Member for WSECU.
I offer new leadership, and perspective to the WESCU Board. I’m motivated to make a difference with my leadership, strategic thinking, and technical skills to make the credit union a stronger organization. Additionally, my experience working on several finance committee boards has equipped me to be a strong contributor to the board.
Volunteer Experience and/or Education
- West Olympia Rotarian; Paul Harris Fellow
- Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants Government Accounting and Auditing Committee, 2001-current; past Chair
- Washington Finance Officers Association, Board Member 2015–2024
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Pacific Northwest Chapter member
- Western Washington University Graduate
Sierra Foster
Chief Operating Officer
Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council
Olympia, WA
Currently, I am the Assistant Administrator at Astria Sunnyside Hospital in Sunnyside, Washington. I have been committed to working with this organization for 8 years. During that time, I have assisted in leading the organization through an acquisition, an electronic medical record conversion, a successful emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the COVID-19 Pandemic and critical supply shortages, along with managing the day-to-day operations of a Critical Access Hospital. Additionally, I am on the WSECU Board as an Associate Board Member. This has given me the opportunity to become familiar with the structure and obligations of the role of the Board member. I feel that since April of 2024, I have learned a tremendous amount that could contribute to the Board of Directors and would be grateful for the consideration. Though I am not from a financial background and have little experience in credit union management (except from the consumer perspective), I believe I can complement the current Board of Directors by providing the team with an outside, energetic, youthful perspective. My strengths are rooted in my higher education and rapid exposure to executive leadership from the healthcare sector that aligns due to the nature of highly regulated nonprofits.
I am passionate about being involved in my community and working to better serve those who are underserved. Being from a rural community, I also tend to focus on opportunities to advocate for rural areas of Washington state. I have been living in Eastern Washington for 13 years, currently in Zillah. I believe being on the WSECU Board, I can help ensure voices of members from the more rural parts of Washington can be represented.
Volunteer Experience and/or Education
- Associate Board Member for WSECU
- Master’s degree in Health Policy and Administration from WSU
- President of Sunnyside Rotary
- Fellow of the American College of Health Executives
- Featured in Yakima Herald’s 2023 “39 Under 39”
Steve Lerch
Retired, Executive Director & Chief Economist
Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council
Olympia, WA
I have spent my career analyzing the economy and economic and financial data at both the national and state level. Prior to my retirement, I served as the Washington State Chief Economist for 12 years; the agency I headed was responsible for the state’s official economic and tax revenue forecasts. I have also served as a researcher and analyst for a number of government and private sector employers including the Washington State Investment Board, the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, a health data analytics firm and the Joint Committee on Taxation, U.S. Congress. These experiences provide an excellent background for understanding the challenges and opportunities that WSECU and its members face and in providing strong strategic leadership to meet those challenges.
Credit unions in general, and WSECU in particular, are dedicated to providing financial services that put their members first rather than shareholders. This is a mission in which I firmly believe. As a volunteer Board member, I can give back to the community by helping to set WSECU’s strategic direction and maintaining a focus on how to better serve members now and in the future.
Volunteer Experience and/or Education
- Current WSECU Board Member (as of November 2023)
- Olympia Mountaineers - field trip volunteer, climb leader, various committees, one term as branch treasurer
- Classroom volunteer, Lincoln Elementary and Reeves Middle Schools, Olympia WA
- B.A. in Economics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- Ph.D. in Economics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Joseph Pearson
Executive Director of Auxiliary Enterprises
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
I am honored to seek reelection to the WSECU Board of Directors and to continue representing you with dedication, excellence and care. Over the past three years, meeting members across Washington has reminded me what makes WSECU exceptional: our commitment to people, community and service. Credit unions thrive on connection, and serving this community has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.
While I proudly represent all members, I also bring the perspective of someone who lives and works in Central Washington. I understand the needs of members east of the Cascades and work hard to ensure those voices are reflected and considered in board discussions. This regional insight — combined with a deep respect for our statewide membership — helps me advocate effectively for the success of every member.
With more than 20 years of servant-leadership experience in higher education and as Executive Director of Auxiliary Enterprises at Central Washington University, I lead a large multi-million-dollar organization focused on operational excellence and service. This background aligns directly with WSECU’s member-centric vision. I believe strongly in our focus on community development, outstanding financial services, supporting a caring and diverse staff, and delivering the exceptional service that continues to earn us recognition as one of Washington’s best credit unions.
I bring steady leadership, financial understanding and a genuine passion for the credit union mission. I am committed to responsible financial stewardship, thoughtful innovation and ensuring every member receives meaningful value and support.
My service on institutional, regional and national committees and boards has strengthened my ability to collaborate, think creatively and help organizations succeed. I will continue using that experience to support WSECU’s long-term growth and community-focused mission.
I will continue to bring enthusiasm, integrity, and a member-first mindset to every decision. Thank you for your trust and the opportunity to continue serving you.
Volunteer Experience and/or Education
- Master of Public Administration – Idaho State University
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Boise State University
- West Regional President – National Association of College Auxiliary Services
- Board Director & Treasurer – FISH Kittitas County Food Bank Board of Directors
- Commissioner – Kittitas County Planning Commission
Carole Washburn
Retired Deputy Director
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Olympia, WA
It has been an honor to represent you on the WSECU Board of Directors. As a WSECU member, retired state employee and community volunteer, members often stop me to share how grateful they are for the wonderful service and special attention they receive from WSECU employees. My career began as a bank branch manager and mortgage officer in the financial industry. I learned how it works from the inside. Following a graduate degree in business administration and finance I enjoyed a career in state government working in agency leadership, overseeing agency operations, information technology, direct program delivery, strategic policy, budget and finance, and community relations. I bring over 20 years of nonprofit board experience working to provide young people opportunities and build healthier communities.
WSECU is dedicated to our members’ financial well-being. That means listening to your unique needs so WSECU can make your life easier. As a seasoned board member, I am proud that WSECU puts our members first and always finds creative ways to help members weather difficult times.
I believe in credit unions. I want to represent you on the Board to ensure WSECU continues to provide the innovative services you need and is always there for you. Member-owned financial cooperatives (credit unions) that put meeting members’ needs ahead of profits (like banks) are critical to a community. During my years serving on the board, I have proudly watched WSECU grow, carefully listen to what is important to members, and then work to enhance, improve, and raise the bar on the level of service and products we offer. I have had the pleasure of serving as the Chairperson of the Board and I have served on the board of the WSECU subsidiary company, OWF. With service to others at our core, I am especially proud of WSECU’s community investment and partnership with nonprofits and educational organizations that support our neighbors and enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve. Most important, your credit union is safe, strong and forever service minded.
I have been a member of WSECU since the day I moved to Olympia in 1979. I am proud to be a WSECU member. WSECU is the perfect example of how financial services should be delivered with an eye to future opportunities to enhance services and constant attention to members’ data security. I appreciate your continued support to serve as a member of the Board of Directors. Thank you.
Volunteer Experience and/or Education
- Business Administration and Finance – Bachelor’s Degree/Master’s Degree
- League of Women Voters – Mason County
- Creative Theater Experience – Board of Directors
- Blue Cross/Health Plus – Board of Directors
- QC Fine Arts Association – Board of Directors
2026 Supervisory Committee Candidate
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The Supervisory Committee consists of five elected members serving three-year terms. The Committee fulfills the role of oversight to ensure that credit union practices safeguard member assets. The Supervisory Committee monitors the financial reporting process, the system of internal controls, performance of both external and internal auditors, and the credit union’s process for adhering to compliance with laws and regulations.
Svein Braseth
Retired, Director — Bond Program
Washington Office of the State Treasurer
Olympia, WA
I am honored to have served on WSECU’s Supervisory Committee since 2021 and have enjoyed the opportunity to bring my financial management experience to the committee’s important work of ensuring that the credit union’s financial practices safeguard members’ assets.
My deep background in finance and business equips me well for this service to WSECU and its members. I ask for your vote so that I can continue to serve and help in the work of the Supervisory Committee.
I possess more than 25 years of experience in finance. For 24 years, I served as the Director of the Bond Program for the Washington Office of the State Treasurer, where I was responsible for overseeing the planning, preparation and implementation of the state’s bond sales.
I bring extensive knowledge of financial markets, financial technology, debt instruments and credit issues, as well as broad experience with accounting and generally accepted accounting principles and standards. Prior to my retirement in 2024, my work with the Bond Program, helped save the State of Washington more than $2 billion in net present value savings through more than 70 refunding transactions.
I am originally from Norway, but I have grown deep roots in Washington state. My wife and I have resided in Olympia since the early 1990s and have been WSECU members for more than 30 years. I share WSECU’s values of service to and support for the community, and I am personally committed to the financial health and success of the organization.
I hope to have your support for the Supervisory Committee.
Volunteer Experience and/or Education
- MBA in Finance and BBA in Finance and Management
- Business and Economics studies, Nord University, Norway
- United Nations Peacekeeper
- Washington Economic Development Finance Authority, ex officio 2000-2009
- Washington Public Treasurers Association (WPTA)’s Debt Policy Certification Program, volunteer 2009-2024, Chair 2009-2019
Questions?
Please contact Audit Services at 360.704.6845.