Folsom, Calif. – (April 30, 2024) – As SAFE Credit Union continues its business transformation and adopts a stated purpose of helping its members build financial freedom, the SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors recently elected a new chair and named others to key leadership positions to set vision and strategy to propel the credit union forward.
The board elected Rick Blumenfeld as chair of the all-volunteer body that leads governance for the $4.6 billion financial institution.
Blumenfeld, who has served on the board since 2014 and most recently as 1st Vice Chairman, officially became chair on April 25, 2024, as former chair Terrance Tremelling stepped down from the role after seven years. Tremelling will continue to serve as a director.
Terry Tremelling and Rick Blumenfeld
“It is a true honor and privilege to be elected chair by my fellow volunteers,” says Blumenfeld. “I want to especially thank my predecessor, Terry Tremelling, for his leadership and stewardship over the past seven years he has been chair. He helped guide SAFE through significant, positive change, including technological advancements, mentoring new board members, and setting a clear vision for the future in choosing and working closely with SAFE’s CEO, Faye Nabhani. I look forward to building from his achievements on behalf of SAFE’s membership.”
Blumenfeld joined SAFE’s board in 2014 and served as treasurer from 2018-2023 before being named 1st Vice Chair. He brings stellar accounting credentials and impactful regional board service. His professional experience includes serving as a regional managing partner with Arthur Andersen LLP, (retired); as an independent Certified Public Accountant; and as a principal of a real estate consulting practice. Caring deeply about ensuring the next generation has the knowledge and tools necessary to provide ethical and knowledgeable counsel to business, Blumenfeld has served on the faculty of CSU San Francisco, CSU Sacramento, UC Davis School of Management, and Sierra College. Blumenfeld honors his deep commitment to education and business by providing his expertise on various community organization boards, including Board Member and Treasurer of United Way California Capital Region; founding Board Member and Treasurer of Eureka Schools Foundation; and former Board Member and Treasurer of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce.
“This is an exciting time for me and for SAFE as we continue to innovate, grow, and enhance our technology through focused strategies led by a highly experienced executive team positioned to effect great change,” added Blumenfeld.
Tremelling, a board member since 2006, steps down from the chair role after seven years of service that saw important changes at SAFE, including the implementation of a new technology system upgrade; recruiting new board members with expanded skills and scope of experience; providing governance for business changes made in response to the COVID pandemic; and strengthening the board’s committee structure. Tremelling was awarded the J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award from the California and Nevada Credit Union League in 2020 and the Volunteer of the Year Award from the same organization in 2023.
“It has been an absolute honor serving as chair for the SAFE Credit Union board,” Tremelling says. “I have had the pleasure to work alongside some wonderful people who care deeply about our members and ensuring our credit union remains strong and secure. I am confident Rick will continue to serve SAFE’s membership well and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes.”
With Blumenfeld taking on the chair position, several other board members received new officer assignments. Sonia Lewis moves into the 1st Vice Chair role; Bernadette Austin becomes 2nd Vice Chair; Donald J. Ball Jr. becomes Treasurer and 1st Assistant Secretary; and Ryan Larkin becomes Secretary. Longtime board members James Jefferson and Ronald J. Seamon retired from the board.
“James and Ron together had more than 68 years’ service on the board,” Tremelling says. “I thank them for the countless hours and selfless dedication they put in during their tenure. SAFE is the financially strong credit union and community leader it is today due in part to their leadership and vision. They truly set the template for what success means as a board member. On behalf of everyone at SAFE, we sincerely thank them for their service and wish them the best.”
For more information about SAFE, the SAFE Board of Directors or to interview Board Chair Rick Blumenfeld, please contact VP Communications and Government Relations Micah Grant at [email protected] or (323) 868-9067.
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About SAFE
SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading financial institution in Northern California with $4.6 billion in assets and about 236,000 members. SAFE crafts every cutting-edge product and sterling service with members’ needs foremost in mind. In addition to banking services conveniently available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, SAFE offers in-person services for members and small businesses at service centers across the Greater Sacramento region. SAFE is a not-for-profit, state-chartered credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda counties. Insured by NCUA. www.safecu.org