SAFE management.

Martha Lofgren serves as Board Chair of SAFE Credit Union. A dedicated volunteer board member since 2022 and SAFE member since 2017, she was named 1st Vice Chair in 2025 before stepping into the Chair role in May 2026. She currently serves as Chair of the Executive Committee. 

In her leadership at SAFE, Lofgren collaborates closely with fellow board members, President/CEO Faye Nabhani, and executive leadership to advance the credit union’s purpose of helping members build financial freedom. She emphasizes collaborative excellence, innovation in products and services, and enhanced community impact. Her governance approach draws on deep expertise in strategic planning, risk management, economic development, and public-private partnerships to ensure decisions prioritize member well-being, regulatory compliance, and long-term organizational strength. 

A partner and co-founder of Brewer Lofgren LLP in Sacramento/Folsom, Lofgren is a recognized expert in land use entitlement, regulatory advocacy, government relations, transportation funding, affordable housing, CEQA compliance, and economic development. Her practice blends litigation precision with high-level public sector insight gained from over a decade in municipal leadership. She previously served as City Attorney (1994–2000) and City Manager (2000–2006) for the city of Folsom during a period of rapid growth, where she addressed complex housing, transportation, and infrastructure needs while forging creative, collaborative solutions. Earlier in her career, she practiced litigation at prominent firms including Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe and Gray Cary Ames & Frye.  

Lofgren’s extensive community engagement reflects a career-long commitment to regional leadership and civic betterment. She has held prominent roles including Chair of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Chair of Valley Vision, Chair of the Folsom Lake College Foundation, and interim President/CEO of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. She is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum (Mountain Valley Chapter), member of Comstock’s Magazine Advisory Board, and a 2nd Vice Chair of the Folsom Tourism and Economic Development Corporation (TEDCORP). Her past service includes the American Heart Association, B Street Theatre, and numerous other organizations focused on economic development, education, the arts, and community services.  

Honored as a leader in business and public service, Lofgren’s recognitions include Women of Influence (Comstock’s Magazine), Sacramentan of the Year, Women Who Mean Business, and Volunteer of the Year (Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce). She holds a J.D. from UC Davis School of Law (Senior Articles Editor, Law Review) and a B.A. in Sociology from Wellesley College (Phi Beta Kappa, highest academic distinction).  

Bernadette Austin serves as 1st Vice Chair of the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors. She joined the Board in 2021 as a Director and previously served as 2nd Vice Chair before her election to 1st Vice Chair in 2026.  

As a dedicated volunteer leader, Bernadette Austin is deeply committed to SAFE Credit Union’s mission of providing exceptional financial services and supporting the well-being of its members and communities across Greater Sacramento. Her board service emphasizes strategic oversight, community impact, and advancing inclusive financial solutions. 

Austin is the Chief Executive Officer of CivicWell, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting civic innovation and helping communities respond to complex challenges such as climate change, housing, and infrastructure. She brings extensive executive experience in regional planning, housing, and community leadership. Her prior roles include Executive Director of the UC Davis Center for Regional Change, leadership positions with Domus Development, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, California Capital, and other organizations focused on affordable housing, economic development, and social equity.  

Known for her strong record of community service, Austin has served on city and county commissions and advisory committees for several state agencies, including the California Department of Housing. She is known for her thought leadership on land use planning, sustainable development, and inclusive leadership.  

Her board and volunteer leadership includes service with organizations such as AARP California, Girl Scouts Heart of Central California, Alchemist Community Development Corporation, and Sacramento ENRICHES, among others. She is also active in professional associations including the Urban Land Institute, American Planning Association, and California Planning Roundtable, where she has held leadership positions. 

She holds an MS from the University of California, Davis, and a BS from Saint Mary’s College of California.  

She is widely recognized as a collaborative, forward-thinking leader committed to building equitable, resilient communities through cross-sector partnership and innovation. 

Sonia Lewis serves as 2nd Vice Chair of the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors. Since joining the Board in 2020, she has held multiple leadership positions, including 1st Vice Chair (2024-2025), Board Secretary, and Chair of the Governance Committee. She currently serves on the Executive, Audit, and Governance and Nominating Committees. She is a past member of the Policy Committee and has served on various ad hoc committees, including CEO selection. 

With 20 years of multinational company experience across high-tech, management consulting and financial services plus years of Board and public sector service, Lewis is a skilled, collaborative leader who brings deep executive-level experience and broad perspective to SAFE. Her expertise includes executive leadership development; diversity, equity and inclusion; performance management; strategy; and finance. 

Lewis also serves as a Board Trustee for the Strauss Foundation, which funds and mentors college students selected to lead innovative, sustainable projects focused on social change, public service, and/or social entrepreneurship. Previously, Lewis was Board Vice Chair for an education nonprofit, where she chaired the Strategic Planning Committee.  

Prior to her current Board service, Lewis was the Director of Intel’s Executive Performance and Progression organization where she led a global team that designed, enhanced and drove key leadership programs as well as succession and talent pipeline management processes for Intel’s top 1,500 leaders (out of 100,000+ employees). In addition, she was frequently recruited to deliver to enterprise-wide priorities such as goal setting to achieve representation at market availability, year-round performance management, and pay equity & compensation audits. Before those roles, Lewis held senior and lead positions at Accenture, Credit Suisse, a federal financial institution regulator, and as an entrepreneur advising Boards and executive teams on strategy and governance. 

Lewis is deeply committed to SAFE’s mission of supporting members’ financial well-being. She is particularly passionate about financial literacy and ensuring personalized, community-focused service that meets the evolving needs of members. 

Combining executive finance and strategy experience, leadership in complex organizations, and dedication to community service, Sonia contributes valuable insights to the SAFE Credit Union Board as it continues to serve members across the Greater Sacramento region. 

Lewis holds a Master of Science in Business with concentrations in Finance and Management from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in economics/business from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). 

Donald J. Ball Jr. serves as Treasurer of the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors, a role he has filled since 2023. Ball brings deep expertise in corporate finance, risk management, and operational leadership to the SAFE Board. His extensive background helps strengthen financial strategy and long-term sustainability for the credit union.  

Since joining the SAFE Board in 2020, Ball has provided steady financial leadership and currently serves on the Executive Committee, as well as Chair of the Finance Committee, and Chair of the Enterprise Risk Committee.  

His board service focuses on prudent financial oversight, strategic governance, and advancing SAFE’s mission to deliver exceptional value and financial well-being to its members across the Greater Sacramento region.  

A seasoned finance executive with over 40 years of experience, Ball’s professional experience includes serving as former Chief Financial Officer of Foster Poultry Farms LLC, a major family-owned agribusiness and the leading chicken and poultry provider in the Western United States, former Chief Financial Officer of VSP Global, former SVP and Chief Financial Officer of Raley’s grocery stores, and former senior executive and Chief Financial Officer of IKEA North America. During his career, Ball has had opportunities to lead aspects of finance, accounting, tax, treasury, audit and underwriting in his senior executive roles.  

Ball currently serves on the Board of Directors for Crystal Creamery (Foster Farms’ Dairy Division). He has brought his strategic expertise to other boards, including as a former board member at IKEA North America and as a former representative of the VSP Global Board of Directors, Finance, Retirement, Public Policy, and Audit committees.  

Ball has a passion for supporting children and families and has volunteered his time as a former board member of Make-A-Wish Sacramento and Northern California and in his spare time has served as a guest lecturer at California State University, Sacramento.  

He has a bachelor's degree from Marist College and an MBA from Pace University in New York City.  

Ryan Larkin joined the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors in 2021 and has served as Secretary since 2024. He is a member of the Executive, Enterprise Risk, and Audit Committees. 

Ryan is the Chief Executive Officer of MDstaffers, a national healthcare staffing company headquartered in Sacramento. He is a hands-on senior executive with a track record of building and scaling high-performing teams, driving revenue and margin growth, and improving operations through process, innovation, and technology. He is experienced in translating corporate strategy into execution across sales, operations, and technology to deliver consistent operational and financial results. 

A SAFE member since 2012, Ryan brings a practical, member-first perspective to the Board. His focus includes sound governance, responsible growth, and enhancing the member experience, including how technology can expand access and improve service in support of SAFE’s mission of improving members’ financial well-being. 

The Sacramento Business Journal recognized Ryan as C-Suite Executive of the Year in 2022 and named him a Sacramento 40 Under 40 honoree in 2023. He was also selected for Staffing Industry Analysts’ North America 40 Under 40 list in 2020. He is a U.S. Army veteran. 

Rick Blumenfeld serves as a Director on the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors. 

He joined the board in 2014 and has held several key leadership positions, including Board Chair (2024-2025), 1st Vice Chair (2023-2024), and Treasurer (2018-2023). He currently serves on the Finance Committee and Enterprise Risk Committee. 

His dedicated service centers on strong financial governance, strategic oversight, and advancing SAFE’s mission to deliver exceptional value and financial well-being to members. 

A retired independent Certified Public Accountant, finance and accounting executive, Rick Blumenfeld brings decades of high-level expertise to the Board. He served as the Pacific Northwest Regional Managing Partner with Arthur Andersen LLP. He also operated a real estate consulting practice and previously held a California real estate license. His professional background provides deep knowledge in audit, financial management, risk oversight, and business strategy. 

Blumenfeld previously served on the faculty at Sierra College, CSU Sacramento, UC Davis School of Management and CSU San Francisco.  

His community service record is extensive; Blumenfeld has served as a Board Member and Treasurer for the United Way California Capital Region, as a founding Board Member and Treasurer of the Eureka Schools Foundation, and as a former Board Member and Treasurer of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce. He is currently (24 years) a Blue and Gold Officer for the U.S. Naval Academy Admissions Group.

Terrance Tremelling currently serves as a Director on the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors. He joined the board in 2006 and has served in various leadership positions, most notably as Chair from 2017-2024, as well as 2nd Vice Chair. He currently serves on the Finance Committee, Enterprise Risk Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee.  

His passion for member service, commitment to serving others, and strong advocacy for the credit union movement support SAFE in providing exceptional services to its members.  

His tenure as Board Chair saw the credit union nearly double in asset size, from $2.5 billion to $4.4 billion. During that seven-year period, his principled and steady leadership helped guide the credit union through significant growth, change, and challenges, including a repositioning of the branch footprint that included a new branch in Land Park; the naming of a new CEO, Faye Nabhani; and the COVID-19 pandemic. Always putting the financial stability of the credit union and members’ needs first, Terrance Tremelling ensured that the credit union quickly adjusted to address the unique challenges the pandemic presented, including ensuring member and employee safety and supporting individuals and businesses with emergency assistance.  

As Board Chair, he also led strategy for a comprehensive technology upgrade to SAFE’s banking platform SAFE in 2022, providing increased security and convenience for members and positioning the credit union to be able to more quickly pivot to meet members’ needs.  

Tremelling’s professional career culminated in the role of Vice President of Corporate Services for Raley’s, where he provided leadership and insights that helped the business expand and grow throughout the Sacramento and Northern San Joaquin valleys before retiring in 2007.  

His interest in providing financial well-being and quality banking services started during his board service on the California Grocers Credit Union from 1983-1985, when it merged with SAFE Credit Union. He also served on the Regional Advisory Council for ByDesign, and IMCO General Construction.  

Terrance Tremelling’s strong commitment to the community includes direct support for Habitat for Humanity and Building Together.  

In 2020, his credit union leadership was recognized with the prestigious J. Alive George Outstanding Volunteer award by the California/Nevada Credit Union League, which honored his accomplishments and successes as a volunteer credit union board chair and longtime director.  

He has a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sacramento and is a graduate of the USC executive food management class.

Patricia Rodriguez serves as a Director on the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors. She is currently the Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee. She joined the board in 2021 and has contributed her extensive leadership expertise to support strategic oversight, community-focused initiatives, and SAFE’s mission of enhancing financial well-being for its members, 

A highly accomplished healthcare executive, Patricia Rodriguez is currently the Regional President for Kaiser Permanente in Nevada. She previously served as Senior Vice President Area Manager and Hospital Administrator for Kaiser Permanente in South Sacramento and Elk Grove, where she oversaw the area’s only Level II Trauma Center and all health plan and hospital operations, providing care for more than 225,000 members. Additional former roles include former Chief Operating Officer of Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan, Northern California region, and former Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer Kaiser Foundation Hospitals Hawaii region. 

With over 30 years of experience at Kaiser Permanente, she has held progressive leadership roles across clinical services, hospital operations, continuum operations, and care delivery strategy in Hawaii, Northern California, and now Nevada.  

Rodriguez is deeply committed to community health and service. She has participated in local leadership initiatives, including service on the Sacramento Host committee, and contributes to efforts addressing healthcare access, equity and community well-being in the Greater Sacramento area. 

She has served as past chair for the American Heart Association and the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on the boards of the American Leadership Forum, Linked Learning Alliance, Align Capital Region, and the Sacramento Mayor’s Commission on Climate Change.  

She currently extends her business acumen in serving on the executive committee of Valley Vision and as a Board member for the Crocker Art Museum.  

She holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Hawaii and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. She attended the Executive Leadership Program at the Harvard Business School and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). 

She received the Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2020 from the Sacramento Metro Chamber, named to the Sacramento 300 by Sacramento Magazine in 2019, and was honored in the Women Who Mean Business awards by the Sacramento Business Journal in 2013.  

Rodriguez brings a blend of senior executive experience in large-scale operations, strategic leadership, and dedication to community service to benefit SAFE members and the communities the credit union serves. 

Sonbol Aliabadi serves as a Director on the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors. She joined the Board in 2022 as an Associate Director and was named a Director in 2023. She currently services on the Finance Committee and Enterprise Risk Committee. She contributes her extensive nonprofit leadership and community development expertise to support strategic governance, financial accessibility, and SAFE’s purpose of helping members and the community build financial freedom. 

A longtime nonprofit executive, Sonbol Aliabadi most recently served as Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation for over 22 years until her retirement in May 2026. During her tenure, she provided visionary leadership that significantly expanded philanthropic programs, strengthened community partnerships, and helped thousands of students access higher education through scholarships and support services.  

She is widely recognized for her dedication to educational equity and community advancement in Placer County and Greater Sacramento areas.  

Aliabadi brings deep experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, board relations, and community engagement to the SAFE Board. Her background strengthens the credit union’s focus on member service and regional impact.  

She has a strong record of community service, including leadership roles supporting education, student services, and local development initiatives throughout Placer County and beyond. Her other board service includes the Network for California Community College Foundations, KVIE Public Television, American Leadership Forum, and Peace for Families.  

Aliabadi has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Engineering from San Jose State University.

Richard SooHoo serves as a Director on the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors. He joined the board in 2025 as an Associate Director and was named a Director in 2026. He serves on the Finance Committee. He brings valuable healthcare leadership and financial expertise supporting strategic oversight, operational excellence, and SAFE’s mission to deliver exceptional financial services to its members.  

A seasoned healthcare executive, SooHoo currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Sacramento Surgery Center. He previously held dual rules as Co-CEO and Chief Financial Officer of River City Medical Group.  

Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Sutter Medical Center Sacramento, where he was recognized as a CFO of the Year honoree from the Sacramento Business Journal for his contributions to financial strategy and operational leadership in a major healthcare system.  

He is committed to advancing community-focused financial solutions in the Greater Sacramento area and is an advocate for strong financial stewardship; He serves as Board President of the Riverlake Community Association RLA Board and is a former member of the Los Rios Community College District Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee.  

SooHoo is passionate about peer-learning and shares his expertise to benefit the Health Financial Management Association (HFMA) as a member. In his spare time, he also helps other business and health care leaders learn the key principles of operational effectiveness as a certified trainer in Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence.  

SooHoo holds a bachelor’s in science and an MBA, both from St. Mary’s College of Moraga. 

Darla A. Colson serves as a Director on the SAFE Board of Directors. She joined the Board as an Associate Director in 2025 and was elected as a full Director in 2026. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee, bringing strong financial oversight and governance expertise to support SAFE’s strategic direction and commitment to sound financial management.  

A respected finance and accounting professional, Darla Colson is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in public accounting and firm leadership. She served as CFO/COO and Shareholder at Gilbert Associates, Inc., a well-regarded Sacramento-region CPA firm, where she played a key role in growing the organization and delivering high-quality audit, tax, and advisory services to clients. Her career also includes prior experience as a Senior Accountant at Grant Thornton LLP. 

Colson is deeply committed to community service and has been actively involved in supporting local organizations and initiatives in the Sacramento area, including as a former Board member and Treasurer of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento; a former Board member and Treasurer of the Volunteer Center of Sacramento; a former member of the Finance Committee of SACTO, and a former member of the Fund Development Committee for Stanford Sierra Youth and Family Services, where she also served as a Wonder Mentor.  

She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from CSU, Sacramento, and a Master of Science in Taxation (MST) from Golden Gate University. 

Robert E. Logue III serves as a Director Emeritus on the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors. He first joined the Board in 1990, serving in several leadership positions, including as 1st Vice Chair from 2018-2023, and as a 2nd Vice Chair and Director Pro Tem. He currently serves on the Finance Committee and Enterprise Risk Committee. 

Robert E. Logue’s long tenure on the board encompassed years of significant change and growth at the credit union. His business acumen and organizational insight contributed to strategic measures that saw SAFE grow from $1.3 billion in assets in 2009 to $4.4 billion in 2026. 

He brings empathy and dedication to his role, supporting initiatives that introduced comprehensive digital banking services and streamlined branch and Contact Center experiences. Logue also collaborated with other board members in naming two new CEOs, Dave Rougton in 2015 and Faye Nabhani in 2023. 

As a SAFE member since 1990, he takes considerable pride in being a part of the public/private partnership with the city of Sacramento for the naming rights of the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and Performing Arts District. 

Logue retired as Director of Business Operations for DST Output LLC (Cable Data USCS, Inc.) where he led strategy and initiatives that optimized operations with an eye toward efficiency and overall operational effectiveness for the high-volume printing company. 

His years of business experience and service included serving as the former Chair for the Board of Directors for the American River HealthPro Credit Union from 2001-2003 and again from 2006-2009, when he led American River HealthPro Credit Union’s combination with SAFE Credit Union.  

Logue has long valued personal growth through education and attended Advanced Management College and Finance Course at Stanford University, is a Six Sigma Champion, and holds a BA in Microbiology and Chemistry from California State University, Chico.