2025 Annual Meeting

All About the Annual Meeting

Board of Directors Voting

• Voting times on 5/9 and 5/12 will be 8am – 4pm EDT. (in person and online)
• Voting time on 5/13 will be 10am – 6pm EDT. (in person and online)
• All primary members, 18 and over, with accounts in good standing are eligilbe to vote for up to three candidates.

Candidates

• This year we have three incumbents and two nominees.
• Each member may vote for up to three candidates.

Incumbent:

Michael Monds –Syracuse, N.Y.

Credit Union member for 25 years

Board member since 2012

Michael Monds

“I am truly honored to serve on the Board of Directors of our Credit Union since 2012, following my time on the Supervisory Committee. My commitment to the growth and stability of our financial institution mirrors my dedication to serving the Syracuse Fire Department for 25 years.

In my role as Fire Chief for more than 7+years, my focus has been on growing and strengthening our department to better serve our firefighters and our community. I have worked to increase staffing and enhance resources, ensuring a safer environment for all. I vow to continue bringing that same vision and careful stewardship to the Credit Union, where my goal is to help create a lucrative, stable and efficient financial institution that benefits every member.

Managing a $56.3 million budget as Fire Chief has provided me with a unique perspective, one deeply rooted in fiscal discipline and accountability—practices that have contributed significantly to our Fire Department and Credit Union’s growth over the years. I believe leadership should be built on four core principles: strategic growth, fiscal responsibility, customer service, and unwavering support for our members.

As you prepare to cast your vote, please consider the importance of thoughtful, humble leadership. With your support, I will continue to work diligently to ensure that our Credit Union thrives for the benefit of our entire membership. Vote for steady leadership. Vote for responsible growth. Vote for my commitment to service. Thank you for your trust and support.”

Incumbent:

Alan VanDonsel –Homer, N.Y.

Credit Union member for 29 years

Board member since 2010

Alan VanDonsel

“As a proud member of our credit union for 29 years and a board member since 2010, I am privileged to play a role in supporting our members and ensuring their financial well-being. My career with the Syracuse Fire Department began in 1996, and after 23 years of service, I retired as a lieutenant in 2019. Throughout my career, I remained dedicated to helping firefighters both on and off the job, a commitment that continues in my work with the credit union.

During my tenure on the board, I had the privilege of serving as chairman of the Supervisory Committee, ensuring our credit union maintains strong financial oversight and accountability. My extensive credit union training has provided me with the knowledge to help guide our institution forward, and I take pride in staying up to date on our newest products and services. From testing ATMs to personally informing firefighters in the firehouses about the latest financial offerings, I believe in making sure our members have access to the best tools available.

My focus has always been on improving the lives of firefighters in more than just a financial sense. Our credit union is more than a financial institution—it’s a resource for education, support, and financial security. I remain dedicated to helping our members achieve their financial goals while ensuring our credit union continues to grow and evolve.

I sincerely thank our employees and members for their trust and support. It has been an honor to serve, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue working on your behalf.”

Incumbent:

Robert Whitehead –Woodgate, N.Y.

Credit Union member for 38 years

Board member since 2010

Robert Whitehead

“As a 38-year member of our credit union and a board member since 2010, I am honored to continue serving our members. With a 33-year career in the Syracuse Fire Department, retiring as District Chief in 2016, I have always prioritized service, integrity, and community commitment.

On the board, I have served on the Loan Credit Committee and managed new member approvals, ensuring our credit union supports members’ financial needs. Our mission goes beyond banking—we strive to improve lives through financial counseling and personalized service. Member service has always been my top priority because it’s what sets us apart.

Balancing growth while staying true to our values is crucial, and I am proud of how far we’ve come. I sincerely thank our employees and members for their trust and support. It’s an honor to serve, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue working on your behalf.”

Nominee:
Michael Cimino – Syracuse, N.Y.

Credit Union member for 26 years

Licensed New York State Attorney

Michael Cimino

“I believe I am fully equipped with the necessary qualifications for this position.  I am educated in finance, accounting, and general business practices.  At Le Moyne College, I was a dual major in Finance and Business Analytics.  Following my undergraduate, I worked for a year in the insurance industry before attending Syracuse University College of Law.  Further, while in law school, I took several specialized courses which are directly relevant to this position, including Banking Law, Accounting for Lawyers, Pension and Employee Benefits Law, and three separate courses on Tax Law.  Now, I am a licensed New York State Attorney, and routinely engage in the practice of corporate and business law.

As a proud member of the Syracuse Fire Department Credit Union, I am strongly interested in serving on its Board of Directors.  Being the son of a Syracuse Firefighter, my parents opened an account for me before my first birthday, and I am extremely grateful for this.  As a lifelong member, the wellbeing of my fellow members, and the institution itself, is something I care strongly about.  I understand the unique benefits of a local credit union, and wish to share these benefits with all the members.  I live and work within the City of Syracuse, and am readily accessible for any necessary meetings and events.

I believe my strong experiences, educational background, and enthusiasm towards financial practices make me a qualified candidate for the Board of Directors.  I am grateful for the opportunities the Syracuse Fire Department Credit Union have provided my family and me throughout my entire life, and I am eager to give back to it.”

Nominee:
Matthew Corbett – Syracuse, N.Y.

Credit Union member for 41 years

Credit Union Supervisory Committee for 8 years

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University at Buffalo (2007)

Matt Corbett

“For the past 8 years, I have been on the Credit Union’s supervisory committee allowing me to have a broad understanding on how the Credit Union operates.  After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University at Buffalo, I worked professionally for 7 years predominantly in risk and control roles as well as business analytics for the Bank of New York Mellon.  Those 15 years of experience, along with formal accounting education, suits me well for serving on the Credit Union’s board.  In addition, as an active member of the Syracuse Fire Department since 2014, I have heard from many members on things they like from the Credit Union as well as areas they feel could be improved upon.  My intentions are to gain additional understanding of the Credit Union’s services and products currently offered and work to responsibly expand them so we can truly be a “one stop shop” for all members’ financial needs.”

• Voting times on 5/9 and 5/12 will be 8am – 4pm EDT. (in person and online)
• Voting time on 5/13 will be 10am – 6pm EDT. (in person and online)
• All primary members, 18 and over, with accounts in good standing are eligilbe to vote for up to three candidates.