Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Leading into the future
Our Board of Directors are local leaders elected by you. They’re here to help guide our credit union to a successful future.
Meetings & Elections
Learn about elections and meetings
Find information regarding the East Coast CU AGM, as well as the election process, and how to vote for your Board of Directors.
Meet our Directors
Melanie Sampson (Chair)
Melanie is a faculty member in the School of Business – Accounting at NSCC’s Strait Area Campus. She has held various executive roles within the Atlantic Academic Union. In addition to her teaching and union work, Melanie is self-employed, offering accounting services to a diverse range of clients. A committed community volunteer, she previously served as a Councillor for the Municipality of the County of Richmond. She currently serves as Chair of the East Coast Credit Union Board and is an active member of both the Strategic Planning Committee and the CEO Evaluation Committee.
Tyrell Giffin
Tyrell resides in Antigonish county, is a lifelong member of the St. Andrews branch and has been on the Board of Directors for nine years. He currently serves on the Credit, Governance and CEO Evaluation Committees. Tyrell holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation and works as the CFO for High Crest Solutions and Stephenson Property Management. In his free time, Tyrell is passionate about spending time with his wife, making maple syrup, and watching football.
Christine Hanlon
Christine is proud of her co-operative roots and her 64 year membership in the credit union. She worked at the Bergengren Branch of ECCU for twenty 20 years as well as being the Financial Officer for the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre. As an active community volunteer, she founded the Area District School Association, Keppoch Neighbourhood Child Care Co-op and sat on the Antigonish Town Planning Committee. Currently she is a member of UNIFOR Retired Workers, Treasurer for the Antigonish Rivers Association and a financial resource for the ENSE. She has been an ECCU Director for five years and currently sits on the Communications, Credit and Nominations Committees.
Kathy MacDonnell-Rankin
Kathy worked over 30 years at a major steel company in Ontario and has a degree in Labour Studies and achieved the national ACCUD designation (Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director). In addition, she has served on the League Data Board of Directors and presently serves as ECCU Board Secretary, and on the CEO Evaluation, Community Impact Nominations Committees.
Mary Oxner
Mary is an accounting professor at St. FX University, Past‐President and CO‐Chief Grievance Officer of the StFXAUT, Faculty Coordinator for Service Learning and Chair of University Senate. She enjoys volunteer work and is the Treasurer of the Creative Wellness Project (Friendship Corner) and Chair of the Finance Council of the Diocese of Antigonish. Mary currently serves on the Audit, Communications and Governance Committees.
Bill Timmons
Bill is a retired educator and has over 20 years of service on the credit union Board. Hs is a former Board Chair and has served on the Board for both Atlantic Central and League Savings & Mortgage. He is a dedicated community volunteer and serves on the Audit, Community Impact, and Governance Committees and is also a member of the Nova Scotia Co-op Council.
Julie Marchand
Julie (CPA, CMA, MBA, PFP) has a diverse background in accounting, management, banking, and education. Currently employed in the Financial Services Department at St. Francis Xavier University, she brings over two decades of experience in financial leadership, including roles in corporate accounting, post-secondary instruction, and strategic planning. Julie has worked in banking, small business, education, and large-scale manufacturing, where she led teams, managed complex budgets, and improved operational efficiency. As a Director on the East Coast Credit Union Board, she combines her financial expertise with a commitment to community services and serves as Credit Committee Chair, along with serving on the Community Impact and Strategic Planning Committees.
John Berk
John is the owner operator of Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs in Baddeck, a showcase venue for local celtic musicians. John has been active in many aspects of community life and is currently a member of the Masonic Lodge #35, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 53, a member of the Crowdis Mountain Snowmobile Club and Baddeck Valley 4-H Leader. John has opened his home as a Foster Parent over the past 20 years with Mi’kmaw Family and Children Services. John serves as Vice Chair of the Board, as well as on the Audit, Community Impact and Communications Committees of the East Coast Credit Union Board.
Will Frankland
Will is the founding member of the Willows Bend Collective and has served on the board of the Antigonish Farmers Market, where he led a successful fundraising campaign for a new Agricultural Center. Through his farm, Big Barn Little Farm, Will works to democratize access to health food and collaborates with local organizations to support low-income community members, and regularly teaches organic food production to students. Will is serving his first term on the Board, and currently sits on the Community Impact, Governance, and Nominations Committees.
Annual Report
Strategic Plan
