Who We Are

Who is Thinkwise Credit Union?

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 Credit Union serves individuals and organizations in the educational community of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties, California. Eligibility is divided into two tracks: Individual Membership and Business Membership.

1. Individual Membership

Eligible Individuals Details
Active Educational Employees Teachers, administrators, classified/support staff, faculty, para‑educators, and contractors whose primary worksite is an educational institution within our three‑county area.
Retirees, Pensioners & Annuitants Individuals who have retired from any eligible educational occupation above.
Immediate Family & Household Spouses/domestic partners, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and anyone sharing the same household with a current or eligible member.
Volunteers & Affiliated Organizations PTA/PTO officers, booster‑club leaders, board members, and other recognized volunteers directly supporting educational institutions in the service area.

2. Business Membership

Path Eligibility Requirements
A. Automatic Qualification
  • The individual opening the account is already a TWCU member and is the legal or majority owner of the entity.
  • The business operates in one of the Permissible Industry Categories.
  • The entity is headquartered or primarily conducts business in Orange, Riverside, or San Bernardino Counties.
B. Field‑of‑Membership Qualification
  1. Geographic Test — The business is located or primarily operates within the three‑county service area.
  2. Educational Nexus — The business demonstrably supports the educational sector (e.g., schools, education nonprofits, student‑service vendors).

Permissible Industries

  • Educational Services & Childcare (NAICS 61)
  • Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (legal, accounting, consulting)
  • Healthcare & Social Assistance
  • Retail Trade (storefront and e‑commerce)
  • Accommodation & Food Services
  • Construction, Trades & Contracting
  • Information & Technology Services
  • Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (excluding adult‑entertainment)
  • Manufacturing & Wholesale
  • Real Estate & Property Management
  • Government, Public Administration & Municipal Agencies
  • Non‑Profit & Charitable Organizations (education, youth services, community development)
  • Political Campaign Committees (with required segregated FBO accounts)

Restricted Industries

  • Money Services Businesses (MSBs)
  • Cannabis / Marijuana‑Related Businesses
  • Internet Gambling & Gaming Operations
  • Adult‑Entertainment Businesses
  • Virtual‑Asset / Cryptocurrency Exchanges or Custodians
  • Payday & Title‑Loan Lenders
  • Shell companies lacking verifiable operating purpose

NCUA Framework: Organizations may qualify if located in the community field of membership or are “organizations of such persons,” provided the credit union applies a risk‑based approach to due diligence.

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.

  • John Guttierez - Supervisory Committee Chairman

  • Miya Edwards - Supervisory Committee Member

  • Alex Becerra - Supervisory Committee Member

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.

  • Brad McDuffee - Board Chairman

  • Linda Bardere - Board Vice Chairwoman

  • Kim Martinez - Board Secretary

  • Richard Carlos - Board Treasurer

  • Joseph Paulino - Board Member

  • Marcia Mulvaney - Board Member

  • Dr. Marcus Funchess - Board Member

  • Syeda Jafri - Board Member

  • Yvonne Molles - Board Member

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, community partners, and key business development initiatives. The CFLO ensures financial stability through meticulous budgeting, compliance, risk management, and accounting, while 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 and the member contact center, and assisting with operational elements of business development plans, while spearheading innovative solutions to improve efficiency. Together, the executive team ensures Thinkwise Credit Union operates with excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the success of its members.

  • Heri Garcia - President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

  • Damian Victoria - Chief of Finance & Lending (CFLO)

  • Wendi Sheehy - Chief Operating Officer (COO)