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Annual Meeting and Election of Directors
Each year, Great Erie Federal Credit Union hosts an Annual Meeting to review the prior year's financial statement and discuss initiatives for the coming year. The Board of Director's election results are also shared at the Annual Meeting.
This year's Annual Meeting will be held on April 15, 2025, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., at The Columns Banquets, 2221 Transit Road, Elma. Would you like to attend? More news is coming beginning in March. All are welcome!
Volunteers are critical to the success of the Great Erie Federal Credit Union. Our Board of Directors and committee members are all volunteers dedicated to serving the credit union's members.
Each year, the Credit Union is required to elect Board members and conduct an Annual Meeting. For 2025, the Nominating Committee is pleased to nominate the following members for 3-year terms on the Board of Directors, beginning April 15, 2025: Thomas Gaillanza and Matthew Nowakowski. We are also pleased to nominate Laurie Stuntz for a 1-year term on the Board of Directors, beginning April 15, 2025.
Other members in good standing can seek nomination to the Board by submitting a short resume and obtaining the signatures of 95 current Great Erie Federal Credit Union members on a petition. Both forms can be obtained at the credit union's main office (716.662.1311) or from the Secretary of the Board of Directors, 4000 N. Buffalo Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127. The secretary of the Board must receive signed petitions and resumes by March 15, 2025.
The credit union will NOT conduct the election by ballot, and nominations from the floor will not be accepted when the number of nominees is equal to the number of open positions.
Great Erie FCU 2025 Annual Meeting
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
The Columns Banquets, Transit Rd., Elma
2025 Nominating Committee
Election of Directors
Petition For Office
PETITION FOR OFFICE 2025
I, Thomas Giallanza, submit my name in contention for the office of Director for the Great Erie Federal Credit Union.
1. My qualifications are: I have been an Associate Board member since September of 2023, which required me to pass the America’s Credit Union Board Certification course. I also voluntarily passed the America’s Credit Union Supervisory Committee course. I actively participate in all Board meetings and complete requirements, including expected certifications and webinars. Additionally, I have taught business for sixteen years. To serve Great Erie FCU even more, I continue to bring modern management, marketing, accounting, and finance techniques to the Great Erie FCU Board.
2. My reason for seeking election: “People helping people” is more than just a slogan. I have been a member of Great Erie for many years (my membership card still says “OPCS FCU”). However, after the Great Recession, I saw how vital credit unions were in helping people manage their finances. I also realized my background could allow me to play a more active role in Great Erie. I am committed to helping our credit union and its members grow and flourish as we expand into our new era.
3. Biographical Data: I am a native of Western New York, graduating from Nichols School. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College and a master’s from the University of Virginia. I live and work at the Gow School in South Wales with my wife and two college-age children. I have taught numerous courses there for 37 years, including business. I am currently the History Department Chair.
I am agreeable to nomination and will serve if elected to office.
Signature: Thomas Giallanza
Date: 02/03/2025
PETITION FOR OFFICE 2025
I, Matthew Nowakowski, submit my name in contention for the office of Director for the Great Erie Federal Credit Union.
1. My qualifications are: I have been a Director at Great Erie Federal Credit Union since November 2022 and have gone through numerous NCUA/CUNA trainings which has helped enhance my contribution to the Credit Union. I am passionate about the recent growth of Great Erie FCU and the steps we continue to take to adapt to the community's needs.
2. My reason for seeking election: This is tied to the initiatives my fellow board members and I have taken to guide this organization into the future with fresh ideas for the next generation coming up through the community and their needs.
3. Biographical Data: I've been a proud member of Great Erie for over two decades with my first savings account being opened by my mother. With a bachelor's degree in commerce from Buffalo State University, I have over 15 years in the Facilities and Construction sector and currently hold the position of Director of Design & Construction at Delaware North. My wife and son Luca reside in Orchard Park, NY.
I am agreeable to nomination and will serve if elected to office.
Signature: Matthew Nowakowski
Date: 02/05/2025
PETITION FOR OFFICE 2025
I, Laurie Stuntz, submit my name in contention for the office of Director for the Great Erie Federal Credit Union.
1. My qualifications are: I first joined Great Erie Federal Credit Union in September 2023 as an Associate Director. In August 2024, I took the interim role of Director. I have very much enjoyed my time serving the Great Erie FCU community through my board work and in attending the New York State Credit Union Associate Excel 2024 Conference. My entire career has been centered around financial literacy and helping people make the most of their savings.
2. My reason for seeking election: I am seeking the position of Director so that I can continue to serve the members of Great Erie FCU and share my passion and knowledge about financial success.
3. Biographical Data: I reside in Orchard Park with my husband and our pup. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Nazareth College of Rochester and my MBA from St. Bonaventure University. I have spent my career working through various roles responsible for employer retirement plans and currently work as the Sr. Manager of Global Retirement for Westinghouse Electric Company. Through my work I have had the opportunity to attend numerous trainings focused on helping others to succeed financially. I have great passion for making sure that people have the opportunity to understand financial matters and make sound financial decisions.
I am agreeable to nomination and will serve if elected to office.
Signature: Laurie Stuntz
Date: 02/06/2025