Meet Our Mentors
Each of the three Finalists will receive mentoring from either an executive at their credit union or from a member of Credit Union Central of Canada’s National Young Leaders Committee.
Kris Babbings
Business Relationship Manager at Affinity Credit Union
Kris started his Credit Union career in 2005 as an Agricultural and Commercial Account Manager with Affinity Credit Union in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. In 2011 he accepted a Business Relationship Manager position with Advantage Credit Union (now Affinity Credit Union) where he currently oversees branches in Birch Hills, Kinistino and Weldon. He is responsible for providing leadership to team members to foster a member centric culture, while achieving organizational goals. Kris holds two diplomas from the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology in both Marketing and Business Administration. Also a member of the National Young Leaders Committee, Kris enjoys working with other young leaders in the Credit Union system to provide leadership development and networking opportunities to today’s young credit union employees. When away from work Kris can usually be found outdoors enjoying Saskatchewan’s world class fishing and hunting.
Trevor Beaton
Manager of Wealth Services at Synergy Credit Union
Trevor started his career in
the credit union system in 1999 with MemberCARE financial. He was dually
licensed as an Insurance Representative and Investment Advisor. Trevor has been
recognized for sales success by achieving qualification to the Million Dollar
Round Table (MDRT) in 2002, 2004 and 2005. Trevor moved into his current role
as Manager of Wealth Services in 2005. In this capacity Trevor provides
strategic direction and day-today operational sales and service support to 15
sales and service staff. In addition, he continues to manage his own client
portfolio. Trevor has a commerce degree and holds the CFP, CLU and FMA
designations, and an Executive Mini- MBA in Strategy from Satell Center.
Outside of work, Trevor plays an important leadership role in his community of
Lashburn. Trevor coaches minor sports, is chairperson of the local Professional
Bull Riding event, and is an active board member of the Lashburn arena. Trevor was recognized as a Credit Union Central
National Young Leader in 2012 and serves on the National Young Leader Committee.
Lisa Castle
Regional Manager at Synergy Credit Union
Lisa started with the Saskatchewan credit union system while in high school as a member service representative. The credit union was so inviting that she chose to make it her career. She worked towards her Business Admin Diploma while working full time and continued to gain valuable work experience. In her 19 years of credit union service, she has held a total of 13 positions at three credit unions from MSR to everything in between and is now a Regional Manager at Synergy Credit Union with four branches reporting to her. For the years of 2010 and 2011, Lisa was a member of the SYL and held the Vice Chair and Chair positions. As a member of the SYL committee, Lisa saw the immediate value and established a Young Leader Committee at Synergy Credit Union. This original group began as a place to share SYL and CU System information and has grown to a regionalized active group of 30+ engage emerging leaders at Synergy. In 2011, Lisa was awarded the National Young Leaders award. She is a member of the National Young Leader committee and is excited about the Credit Union System’s future. As a committee member she has had the opportunity to present at several national venues to credit union executives and board members. To Lisa, seeing the Young Leader groups across Canada continue to grow and make a difference in their credit unions and communities is a very thrilling. Her goal is to serve, inspire, strengthen, elevate and celebrate performance with all teams that she is involved in. Lisa’s ability and dedication to the credit union system is significant.
Outside of credit union activities, Lisa has been married to Reese for 14 years and they have two beautiful daughters Haedyn is 9 and Sydney is 6.
Jill Huls
Division Leader at Conexus Wealth Management
Jill is a committed and energetic leader who strongly believes in organizations who are committed to building our economy in a sustainable way and improving quality of life. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Jill spent time working in retail, agriculture and business banking at a “Big Bank.” Seven years ago she made the move to Conexus and has never looked back. Her roles in the CU System have mainly focused on delivery of Wealth Services for members. She is currently the Division Leader of Conexus Wealth Management. Jill was a Top 5 Finalist in the CUES Next Top Credit Union Executive competition in 2012.
Lori Walsh
Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Solutions
at Cornerstone Credit Union
Lori began her career with Cornerstone Credit Union in 2003 holding various positions in the Marketing department before her current position of Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Solutions. Lori is responsible to develop and direct strategic business activities related to the credit union’s overall marketing plan. Lori manages the communications, public relations and community investment efforts of the credit union to ensure Cornerstone Credit Union maintains a prominent profile in the communities they serve. Lori holds a key position in providing leadership, direction and support throughout the entire organization. Lori was recognized as a National Young Leader in 2012 and currently serves on the National Young Leaders Committee. She also serves on the Saskatchewan Credit Union Research Advisory Committee and previously served as a member of the Saskatchewan Young Leaders committee in 2010 & 2011. Lori’s leadership ability extends well beyond the credit union as she volunteers a significant amount of time in the local community as she is currently involved with the Rotary Club of Yorkton, the Yorkton Economic Development Committee, and the Yorkton Exhibition Association. Previously she has served as President of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and Yorkton Economic Development Committee.