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 eight years. He currently serves as Chair of the Credit Committee, and also serves on the Governance Committee. 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 four years and currently sits on the Nomination’s Committee & Chairs the Communication Committee.
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 is presently Chair of the Credit Committee and serves on the Community Impact and Communications 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 Communications Committee and the CEO Evaluation Committee.
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 serves 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 Communications Committees and is also a member of the Nova Scotia Co-op Council.
Julie Marchand
Julie (CMA, CPA, MBA, PFP) is an instructor in the School of Business at the Nova Scotia Community College Strait Area Campus. Along with management and accounting experience, she also has twelve years of experience in the financial industry. She earned Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Designations. She has been a director on the East Coast Credit Union board since 2022 and currently serves as Secretary, along with being a member of the Executive, Credit and Nominations Committees. She is a Faculty Advisor for the Enactus NSCC Strait Area team and has previously been the Chair of the Town of Port Hawkesbury Audit Committee, Treasurer of the Community College Local of the NSTU, Chair of the St. Joseph's Parish Finance committee, and a member of the Girl Guides of Nova Scotia Finance and Provincial Camp 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 a member of the Governance, Community Impact and Communications Committees of the East Coast Credit Union Board.
Maurice Smith
Maurice is a retired lawyer having spent most of his legal career as an employee of the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission. He retired from NSLA in 2009 when he was elected as the MLA for Antigonish. He served in the Legislature as the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and as Minister of Acadian Affairs. In retirement, Maurice is active on the Sisters of St. Martha Mission Assurance Advisory Council (MAAC), L’Arche Antigonish Board of Directors, and on the Elections NS Advisory Council. Elected to the ECCU Board in 2022, he serves on the Governance and Nominations Committees.
Annual Report
Strategic Plan
