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Meet the 2025 Board
of Directors Candidates

In accordance with the Bylaws, members are elected to the Board of Directors by ballot submitted online or by mail. All members of the Credit Union who are at least 18 years of age by the date of the meeting are eligible to vote. Ballots will be counted prior to the Annual Meeting and the results will be announced at that meeting. 

Voting will open on Thursday February 20, 2025 and close on March 20, 2025.

More information on the Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Election

As required by the Bylaws, the following candidates are presented in random order. The views and opinions expressed below are those of the candidates and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the Credit Union. 


The Nominating Committee has selected the following candidates: 

Admir Mehinagic

Admir Mehinagic

Background: Credit Union Member for 1 year

Location: USA

Current Job Title and Employer: Audit Supervisor in Group Internal Audit Department, World Bank Group

Relevant Work Experience: With a decade of experience in European Banking Supervision and three years in audit, including as Head of Risk in Internal Audit, I bring leadership and robust strategic and financial expertise. I have supervised major European banks across three central banks—European, Austrian, and Irish—strengthening governance, financial stability, and risk frameworks. As a former software engineer and tech university alumnus, I combine technological savvy with innovative problem-solving, a vital asset for 
BankFund’s tech development. My experience aligns with BankFund’s commitment to member focused solutions, improving service quality, 
fostering accessibility, and safeguarding financial sustainability through forward-thinking strategies.

Candidate’s Statement of Desire to Serve: I am eager to serve on the Board of Directors as I am eager to serve you. Members deserve a credit union that not only meets their needs but anticipates them —delivering simple, secure services and forward-thinking solutions. Standing firmly for member interests, I bring a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to innovation, ensuring accessibility, 
sustainability, and exceptional service remain at the forefront. I consider it a privilege to have gained 13 years of experience serving the community by safeguarding governance, ensuring financial sustainability, and overseeing risk and capital management frameworks for regional and international financial institutions. Combined with my expertise in digital innovation and a collaborative mindset, this positions me to help BankFund thrive in a rapidly changing world. By safeguarding BankFund’s financial stability and 
embracing forward-thinking strategies, I aim to shape a future where BankFund continues to excel as a trusted partner for all members.

Answer 5 

Vipul Bhagat

Vipul Bhagat

Background: Credit Union Member for 34 years
                         (BankFund Board Member from 2019 to present)

Location: USA

Current Job Title and Employer: CEO/Founder, VB EM, LLC; impact-focused investment and advisory firm, Self-Employed (Since 2020); Ex-International Finance Corporation (IFC) Senior Staff; Currently serving on BankFund Board of Directors

Relevant Work Experience: I presently consult and sit on Boards. This includes a large Asian bank (where I also Chair the Risk Committee); Sr. Advisor to a leading US-based AI-enabled fintech for KYC/AML/
Regulatory and compliance; and Chair the board of the largest social enterprise for health/eyecare in developing countries. I was a Sr. Advisor to UN Women on Sustainable Finance. My IFC work on investing/advising for almost 30 years was focused on the financial sector with increasing levels of senior responsibility culminating in a global senior relationship management role largely for FIs and PE 
firms. I remain a CFA and a CPA.

Candidate’s Statement of Desire to Serve: I have been a Member of the BankFund Board for almost 2 terms (6 years), starting while I was at IFC. Currently, I am a Secretary on the Board, serve on the Finance 
Committee and Member Services & Technology Committees (also served on the Human Resources Committee). Since early retirement from IFC in 2020, I am engaged with Boards, Advisory work and 
Academia, all directly aiding the work of BankFund. My Computer Sciences and Finance background have been particularly helpful on two key areas of technology and finance for BankFund. I am an active 
Board participant and have undergone several CU related trainings and seminars to assist the institution. My aim in the next term is to keep the BankFund’s leadership position, serving ALL member needs 
with products and services AND ensuring the right balance between loan pricing and deposit rates while maintaining a financially sound balance sheet.

Answer 5 

Femi Akinrebiyo

Femi Akinrebiyo

Background: Credit Union Member for 18 years

Location: USA

Current Job Title and Employer: Global Manager, Manufacturing 
Investment and Trade Supplier Finance, International Finance Corporation

Relevant Work Experience: I have been a staff of IFC for over 18 years, serving in various investment and managerial roles, and have had the privilege of representing IFC on the board of companies. Board Experience: Served on the boards of: (i) Helios Towers (now listed on the London Stock Exchange): (ii) Lekela Power; and (iii) Actis Energy 
Fund. Strategic Planning: Supported the formulation of strategy, organizational design, and staffing plan for IFC’s approach to creating markets. Management: (i) 20-years’ of experience managing teams and resources; and (ii) overseeing more than $5 billion annual investments in manufacturing and trade supplier finance.

Candidate’s Statement of Desire to Serve: For 18 years, BankFund has been my trusted provider of banking and financial services. During this time, I have observed with keen interest the operations of the Credit Union and the needs of the wider community of WBG and IMF employees it serves. This experience has deepened my appreciation 
for BankFund’s essential role in our multicultural community. Motivated by a sense of responsibility, I am eager to utilize my skills in the service of our community. My experience in financial management, prior board roles and dedication to community service equip me to contribute effectively. If elected, I will work with other Board Members to enhance customer service, leverage technology for innovation, and help strengthen BankFund’s credit culture. I am committed to ensuring that BankFund continues to meet the evolving needs of its members while upholding its core values of integrity and service.

Caroline Galvan

Caroline Galvan

Background: Credit Union Member for 2 years

Location: USA

Current Job Title and Employer: Operational Strategy Lead, IFC/ World Bank Group

Relevant Work Experience: I look forward to leveraging my 
20 years of experience at the European Commission, EBRD, and World Economic Forum. As macro-financial economist at DG ECFIN, I worked on financial market stability in CEE. I served as Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee at the Future Society—a non-profit to advance the Governance of AI—where I oversaw setting up the organization’s governance processes. As Associate Director to EBRD’s CFO & COO, I oversaw the day-to-day of the Finance and Operations 
Group (Financial Strategy Planning, Budget, Loan Syndication, Treasury), and developed EBRD’s annual business plan and corporate budget.

Candidate’s Statement of Desire to Serve: I deeply believe in the value of Credit Unions—to me BankFund epitomizes the values of the WBG by enabling shared prosperity, in this case staff ownership and stewardship. With a German-South Korean background, having worked and lived in + 8 countries and as a forever expat as so many of us are, I have experienced many times the complexities of opening 
a bank account/using banking services in a foreign country. I appreciate how easy BankFund has made it by comparison and am motivated by giving back and contributing to its growth. I enjoy taking a bird’s eye view, whilst equally going deep when needed and would look forward to serving on the Finance Committee, leveraging my work experience mentioned above.

Heidi Hennrich-Hanson

Heidi Hennrich-Hanson

Background: Credit Union Member for 37 years
                         (BankFund Board Member from 2016 to present)

Location: USA

Current Job Title and Employer: Retired from World Bank Group (2015); Currently serving on BankFund Board of Directors

Relevant Work Experience: Board Director since 2016; served on all committees and as Board Secretary; currently Chair of Human Resources Committee overseeing strategies and programs for employee and executive compensation; active member of Membership Services and Technology Committee overseeing technology upgrades and continuous adaptation and enhancements of services; 30 years of professional and 15 years of managerial experience in Operations, Finance and IT at WB; proven strategic planning, organizational, finance, and people management skills; managed large budgets and trust funds as CAO and led modernization of IT systems as Director CIO; advised organizations on finance and IT after retirement.

Candidate’s Statement of Desire to Serve: As a Member of the BankFund Board for 9 years, I have worked towards continued improvements in member services, implementing digital banking solutions, maintaining financial strength, and attracting and retaining qualified staff and executives. As part of the Member Services and Technology Committee, I have particularly supported BankFund’s digital and cyber security strategies and investments to keep BankFund relevant, efficient, and secure. As chair of the HR Committee, I have pursued measures to keep up BankFund’s competitiveness in attracting the right skill sets in an evolving labor market. I believe in the critical role BankFund can play in meeting the 
financial services needs of its membership. If elected for another term, I would be committed to use my expertise to ensure BankFund’s continued resilience to changing financial markets, labor markets, and regulations, and its accelerated implementation of innovative technologies to maximize the value members receive.

Diann Martin

Diann Martin

Background: Credit Union Member for 36 years
                         (BankFund Board Member from 2019 to present)

Location: USA

Current Job Title and Employer: Retired World Bank employee; Currently serving on BankFund Board of Directors

Relevant Work Experience: 30 years at the World Bank, with the last position of Director of Treasury Operations. Responsibilities included accounting policy, financial reporting, internal controls, and all operational aspects of the Bank’s cash flows, investment portfolio, bond issuance, and derivatives portfolios. Ensured we had the right people, systems, and controls in place to ensure a safe and well-functioning operation. Served on many Bank committees including the Operational Risk Committee and the Information Technology Steering committee. Before joining the World Bank, I was a senior 
manager in KPMG’s audit practice. Primary clients were financial institutions including credit unions.

Candidate’s Statement of Desire to Serve: I am honored to have served on BankFund’s Board since 2019 and would like to continue contributing to BankFund’s ongoing strength and success. I am currently Chair of the Finance Committee, serve on the HR Committee, and previously served on the Member Services and Technology Committee. My experience with accounting, treasury operations, internal controls, operational risk, information security and the relationships I developed with other financial service providers serve the credit union well. I have the time and energy to serve on the 
Board with enthusiasm and will drive to ensure the credit union’s continued success.

Adam Schwartzman

Adam Schwartman

Background: Credit Union Member for 21 years

Location: USA

Current Job Title and Employer: Senior Advisor, Risk and Finance Vice Presidency, International Finance Corporation

Relevant Work Experience: I bring 24 years of investment and risk management experience, at the IFC, WB and in government. I am a member of the US National Association of Corporate Directors, with a strong interest in corporate governance. My IFC career has included 8 years in management and 5 years in senior advisor roles to IFC’s CEO, Investment Head and Risk and Finance VP, covering financial and non-financial risks. As a director in the South African Treasury, I supported the G20 establishment of the current global financial stability infrastructure.

Candidate’s Statement of Desire to Serve: What do our members expect of the BankFund—our “community” bank? Competitive products tailored to our specific needs, strong and friendly client service, an excellent digital platform, data security and unquestionably safe financial management. For BankFund to continue to offer this—as a small bank, in an increasingly complex environment—is a tall order. Among other things, it requires ongoing best practice corporate governance—that is, how the bank is managed, how its management works with the Board, and how it assesses and responds to risks… all of which has to evolve over time. If elected to the Board, this is where I would hope to focus my contribution, bringing my experience at the World Bank, IFC, the scores of companies I’ve invested in, and in supporting IFC’s own journey in this evolution.

Alexandru Chitic Patapievici

Alexandru Chitic Patapievici

Background: Credit Union Member for 18 years

Location: USA

Current Job Title and Employer: Financial Officer, World Bank Group-IBRD

Relevant Work Experience: 18 years of work experience at the World Bank Group, of which 12 years in IFC Treasury, with relevant applicable 
expertise in managing transactions and modeling new trades (bonds and swaps). My focus was on developing domestic debt markets to enhance the capacity for long-term local currency investment. In my current role, I am the representing the Bank as Trustee for the most extensive portfolio of Financial Intermediary Funds (FIFs) in DFI. I provided a comprehensive range of financial services, including 
receiving, holding, and investing contributed funds, and transferring them as directed by the FIF governing body.

Candidate’s Statement of Desire to Serve: I am eager to serve on the Board of Directors of BankFund to support its mission of delivering accessible, member-focused financial services. I am inspired by BankFund’s dedication to inclusivity, integrity, and community engagement. I am eager to join the Board of Directors of BankFund to apply my financial expertise and international perspective to support 
its member-centric mission. As a Financial Officer at the World Bank, I manage over USD 10 billion across various global funds and provide customized financial innovations. This experience has honed my skills in financial stewardship, strategic oversight, and innovation in complex economic environments. Serving on the Board would allow me to give back to an institution supporting a diverse membership, offering solutions that meet our members’ evolving needs. I look forward to contributing my skills and dedication to advancing BankFund’s mission and supporting our members’ financial well-being.

Taoufik Benjelloun Touimy

Taoufik Benjelloun Touimy

Background: Credit Union Member for 1 year

Location: USA

Current Job Title and Employer: Independent member of Steering and Investment Committees for pension funds; Self-employed

Relevant Work Experience: With 30 years of governance and senior executive roles across banking and insurance, I have guided risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic initiatives on boards and committees for pension funds, banks, and insurance companies, managing portfolios totaling up to $15 billion. My experience includes overseeing financial strategies and operational leadership in diverse markets, requiring adaptability and strategic insight. I have led efforts in finance, asset management, solvency and capital management, and actuarial functions, ensuring financial institutions’ resilience and sustainable growth. This breadth of expertise equips me to support BankFund’s goals of delivering secure, transparent, and effective financial solutions.

Candidate’s Statement of Desire to Serve: I am honored by the opportunity to serve on the BankFund Board of Directors. With 30 years of governance and operational leadership experience in banking and insurance, I am deeply committed to supporting institutions that prioritize stability, transparency, and member-focused service. My professional background includes guiding risk management, financial strategy, and regulatory compliance on boards across multiple countries. These roles have strengthened my ability to oversee complex financial operations, address challenges proactively, and support sustainable growth. As a newer BankFund member, I bring a fresh perspective inspired by the Credit Union’s strong legacy of trust 
and dedication to its members. If selected, I will fully dedicate myself to the responsibilities of this role, actively participating in meetings, committees, and strategic initiatives. My goal is to contribute sound governance and strategic value to ensure BankFund remains a secure, resilient, and innovative financial partner for its diverse membership.