Senior Management Profile

Jim Park
President & Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Park has been President & CEO of Credit Union 24, Inc. since its inception in January 1998. The Network itself was established in the early '80s. Mr. Park was involved in all aspects of the transition, beginning with the execution of a landmark
study that provided a direction for the Network, then serving as staff liaison to the “re-structuring” task force, supervising the creation of the new corporation, and providing support for the League/Credit Union 24, Inc. in negotiations. During his tenure as President and CEO of Credit Union 24, Inc., transaction volume has increased five-fold, profits have increased ten-fold and membership has increased by 300 percent.

Prior to January 1998, Mr. Park was with the Florida Credit Union League Service Group, where he served as the Network’s first employee and its Executive Director. Mr. Park also participated in a national shared facility task force, which later led to the creation of Florida’s shared facility corporation, Florida Credit Union Shared Services, Inc. (FCUSS) and the regional CUSC Network of facilities. Mr. Park was instrumental in the creation of CU Interchange Group’s Member Access Network, the national credit union network of networks, established in 1991. During his tenure with the FCUL Service Group, he served in a variety of roles in addition to his work with Credit Union 24. Mr. Park was responsible for formalizing all aspects of the FCUL Service Group’s operations and marketing. In the mid-'80s, as Vice President of the Service Corporation, he developed the first formalized sales and marketing plan for the Service Group. It was also during this time that the Service Group was recognized by CUNA as the number-one Service Corporation in the country. It finished in the top five in the annual sales competition on three other occasions.
Prior to joining the Service Corporation in May 1982, Mr. Park served for six years as the Marketing Director of Jax Navy Federal Credit Union. During that time the credit union was the recipient of a number of state and national awards for its marketing programs. Mr. Park holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Florida, has done graduate work at the University of North Florida in the area of marketing and economics, has served as Public Relations Director for the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce and, prior to that, was a Promotion Director for WJCT/TV-FM in Jacksonville.

Jim Gowan
Executive Vice President/Chief Operations Officer

As a 25-year veteran of the credit union movement and with string of impressive results and professional accreditations, few credit union executives are as widely known and respected as Jim Gowan.

Prior to joining Credit Union 24 in October of 2007, Mr. Gowan served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for credit union processor EPL. In that role, Gowan formalized the organization?s sales process and infrastructure, leading to substantial gains in revenue and new customers.

Before working with EPL, Gowan built an inspiring legacy at CUNA Mutual, where he served for more than 20 years in a wide number of roles. Ultimately rising to Chief Officer of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Gowan oversaw $2.5 billion of annual revenue, increased revenues by double digits, and successfully led the growth of CUNA Mutual?s market share. As part of the executive leadership team for CUNA Mutual, Gowan was instrumental in the strategic planning of the organization.

Now part of the senior management team at Credit Union 24, Mr. Gowan is constantly seeking opportunities to enhance the way the CUSO responds to the needs of the credit union community, whether through improving internal processes or adding value to help make Credit Union 24 participants more successful.

In addition to his extensive credit union experience Mr. Gowan carries a chartered life underwriter insurance designation and has held Series 7 and Series 24 licenses. Gowan has served on the Advisory Committee of the Filene Research Council and on the board of directors for the Members Development Company, CUNA Brokerage and CMG Private Mortgage.

Ed Young
Senior Vice President, National Sales Group/Processor Relations

Mr. Young is responsible for all aspects of the Credit Union 24® Network. He oversees Network Member Services and Support, as well as the development and implementation of the Credit Union 24® business and marketing plans. He created a product delivery center within the Credit Union network, and is responsible for identifying and securing strategic alliance partners that will strengthen the network and enhance its product lines. Mr. Young joined the company in June 2000.

Mr. Young was formerly with the STAR Network, where he managed POS Merchant Services, including the National Independent Sales Organizations. Previously, he was with the HONOR Network, where he managed the ALERT and MOST Network consolidations and chaired the National Merchant Advisory Council, made up of the nation's top 25 retailers. Mr. Young has held positions in the electronic payments industry for over 20 years, including VP of Retail Delivery Systems for US Bank, Director of FISERV Electronic Retail Services, Western Regional Sales Manager for NDC eCommerce and VP of Sales for the Instant Teller Network. Mr. Young holds an undergraduate degree from Rochester Institute of Technology and a Graduate Degree from St. Francis College in Indiana. He is also First Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors of Gulf States Credit Union.

Mary Warren
Senior Vice President, Marketing & Product Development

Ms. Warren joined Credit Union 24® in 1998 and manages the Marketing, Communications and Product Development departments. She is heavily involved in contract development and negotiations, and supervises all marketing aspects of the Credit Union 24® network. She is responsible for overseeing all media communications and serves as liaison to Credit Union 24’s marketing agents. Ms. Warren travels extensively promoting Credit Union 24® at credit union leagues and industry trade shows, and serves as assistant secretary to the Credit Union 24, Inc., Board of Directors. Ms. Warren also provides executive support to the President/CEO and Executive Vice President/COO on special projects.

Prior to 1998, Ms. Warren was an employee with the FCUL Service Group, working in a number of management capacities. She served as liaison between CUNA Service Group and Florida credit unions for several years, providing sales and product support services including spreadsheet tracking and analysis. She was responsible for the development of business plans and budgets, and coordinated credit union auto tent sales and other events. She served as director of internal operations and expositions, managing several departments including the print shop, mailroom, computer systems, building and grounds. In addition to her other duties, Ms. Warren coordinated the annual conference and exposition for the Florida Credit Union League for 18 years.

Ava Saguin
Vice President, Relationship Management

Combining 12 years of EFT network experience with more than seven years of relationship management experience, Ms. Saguin brings a wealth of knowledge to Credit Union 24 and the credit unions that participate in the Credit Union 24 network. Prior to Credit Union 24, Ms. Saguin worked with the HONOR, Star, Concord and First Data networks, starting as a settlement specialist and eventually working with the Online Debit Services Group managing business relationships with ISOs and indirect processors and finally managing financial institution relationships. In her various roles Ms. Saguin has built an extensive understanding of EFT networks and, along with the relationship managers and client service representatives, provides a direct connection and valuable service to Credit Union 24 participants.

Jerry Strickland
Vice President, Administration

Mr. Strickland is Office Manager for Credit Union 24® and is responsible for three internal departments: Network Member Services & Support, Information Technology, and Administration. He manages all member services and support efforts, implements proactive quality enhancements and coordinates daily interaction with our switch/processors. As the Director of Technology, he maintains the Credit Union 24® infrastructure while ensuring technology compatibility. He directs all day-to-day activities and communication flow while administering network billing and accounting functions.

Mr. Strickland is a retired Senior Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force, where he earned college degrees in Financial Management and Business Administration. Prior to joining Credit Union 24, he served as Financial Superintendent and First Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, as a Product Consultant, and as a Technical Support & Conversion Team Leader in the EFT industry for two different software vendors.