Background Information:
The Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP) is a nonprofit organization created to establish a Black-led financial institution to address systemic financial challenges impacting Minneapolis residents, particularly people of color. This vision was birthed from North Minneapolis community members who strongly believe that institutional economic power is the critical ingredient to addressing the inequities that African-Americans experience in our region.
With support from the community, the Arise Community Credit Union, formerly Village Financial Credit Union, can be positioned to provide financial products and services to the unbanked and underbanked residents of the community through a financial cooperative committed to Black leadership and a place focus on economic development in its community of origin. Access to economic resources will provide an opportunity for individuals to manage health, housing, education, and other concerns while breaking the cycle of poverty and economic struggle.
Establishing the only Black-led, cooperative credit union in Minneapolis is an opportunity to effect positive change, empower growth and economic stability while directly addressing the core cause of systemic poverty on a variety of levels.
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Francis Odhiambo is the Chief Executive Officer and previously served as the Arise Board Chair. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in leading credit unions, having twice previously served as a credit union CEO.
Board of Directors:
Chair: Debra Hurston – Executive Director of the Association for Black Economic Power. Brings years of experience in nonprofit management and will serve as a point of contact for both industry and philanthropic supporters, having previously led the credit union chartering process.
Vice Chair: Jeff Wills – He currently serves as the Economic Services Manager of Model Cities of Saint Paul. He has served as an Assistant Branch Manager at U.S. Bank and also previously served as a Consumer Loan Officer and Branch Manager at Mill City Credit Union.
Secretary: Steve Kelley – Served as the MN Commissioner of Commerce with regulatory responsibility for banks and credit unions. Is an attorney who has practice in litigation and issues related to financial institutions. Served in the Minnesota legislature for 14 years and taught at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Treasurer: Benson Webb – Project Manager with Black Farmer Equity Initiative. Mr. Benson is the founder and director at Golden Web Capital and has a strong background in accounting and finance.
Director: Keillen Curtis – Attorney in private practice primarily focused on serving entrepreneurs from start up to exits. He helps business owners understand transactions from a legal perspective, as well as a business perspective.
Supervisory Committee:
Megan Tarnow – Accounting Professional and current board member and past board chair of the Charities Review Council. She was the Founder and President of the Mobius Group prior to its acquisition by High Rock Accounting.
Steve Kelley – Served as the MN Commissioner of Commerce with regulatory responsibility for banks and credit unions. Is an attorney who has practice in litigation and issues related to financial institutions. Served in the Minnesota legislature for 14 years and taught at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Zackery Brown – As an Operations Manager he is responsible for overseeing and managing quality control, inventory audits, supply chain management, distribution and staffing for Shiloh Food Shelf Services which delivers resources to over 6000 residents monthly in North Minneapolis.
Credit Committee:
Gracie George – Dedicated Risk and Compliance Professional with 9+ years of experience working in the financial services industry. Skilled at conducting research and analysis to ensure a financial institution's end-to-end compliance.
Leo Gabriel – Professor of Business at Bethel University. A former member of the Credit Union Steering Committee at the Association for Black Economic Power and a Credit Union Organizer.
Jeff Wills – He currently serves as the Economic Services Manager of Model Cities of Saint Paul. He has served as an Assistant Branch Manager at U.S. Bank and also previously served as a Consumer Loan Officer and Branch Manager at Mill City Credit Union.
"Our objective is to create community economic development through institutional economic power."
