bios for ARHCU executive team

Robert Steponovich, President/Chief Executive Officer

Robert (Bob) Steponovich began his career in the California Credit Union League's Research & Information Department in June of 1980 - immediately after earning a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of California-Irvine. He joined SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in 1983, and was part of the senior management team that lead SchoolsFirst to its current standing as the largest credit union in California and one of the 5 largest credit unions in the United States. While at SchoolsFirst, Bob held several positions including Vice President of Marketing, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Chief Operating Officer for Orange County Teachers Service Organization, Inc. He co-founded National Creditors Connection, Inc., a nationwide collection services firm, where he was Chairman and President. In August 1994, he was named President/Chief Executive Officer of American River Credit Union. Two years of negotiation and planning culminated in the merger of American River Credit Union and HealthPro Federal Credit Union, creating American River HealthPro Credit Union. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of the merged institution since. Bob has held the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, NASD Series 7 & 63 securities licenses, and California Life/Disability and Fire/Casualty insurance licenses. Bob has served on various industry committees and he was formerly chairman of the board for CU Auto Sales & Leasing, a vehicle brokerage corporation owned by several Northern California credit unions, now operating as Autoland. He serves on the Mercy Folsom Community Council and other healthcare industry organizations, and is a past director of the Greater Sacramento Urban League.

Forest Hayes , Chief Financial Officer

Forest brings fifteen years of experience in the financial services and insurance related industry to his role of Chief Financial Officer of the organization, where he is responsible for the financial, operations, IT, compliance and audit related functions of the organization.  Prior to joining ARHCU, Forest was the CFO at Norlarco Credit Union, served in multiple capacities within the Investment and Commercial Bank’s at Bank One/JPMorgan Chase and practiced as a Management Consultant for both Big 5 and boutique consulting firms, leading and participating on engagements both domestically and internationally.  Early in his career, Mr. Hayes worked in strategic planning for a venture funded online services firm, as well as holding positions in finance, marketing, business and branch operations.  Mr. Hayes earned his MBA from the University of Hartford studying the effects of international expansion, concentrating in the fields of Finance and International Business and his BA with a concentration in Management/Marketing from Sonoma State University.

Steven R. Schaffert, Executive Vice President

Steven is the newest member of the Executive Team, joining ARHCU in November of 2006 and bringing over 17 years of financial industry experience. He is responsible for the Go-To-Market Division, which includes overseeing member-service activities and business development / marketing efforts. Prior to joining ARHCU, Steven was with Sierra Central Credit Union where he served as Senior Vice President. He has also had successful tenures with Wells Fargo Bank and Safeway Select, a start-up Internet bank. He is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington and holds an A.A.S. in real estate and finance from San Mateo College. Prior to starting his career in the financial industry, Steven spent two years as a catcher in the California Angels Professional Baseball organization. He is now a Little League coach and resides in Newcastle with his wife and two sons.

Ben Asuncion, Vice President, Sales and Business Development

Piper Berge, Vice President, Systems and Facilities

Piper joined ARHCU in January 2006. She has over 15 years of leadership, project management, and technical experience in the Telecommunication and Credit Union industries. She oversees all information technology for ARHCU, including branch connectivity, LAN/WAN, computers, phone systems, core member database, Intranet, and the data center. She also oversee the Facilities Department, including a network of 24 ATMs, and serves as ARHCU's Security Officer overseeing disaster recovery plans for both physical and technical disasters. Piper holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Management from California State University, Sacramento, she is certified as an MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), and she is a member of the CUNA Technology council

Blake Cairney, Vice President, Market Development (Lending and Investment Services)

Blake brings eighteen years of of real estate lending experience to his position. He has extensive experience in originating, processing, marketing and funding residential home loans, as well as successful tenures managing residential loan divisions. He believes getting the right home loan is one of the most important decisions an individual ever makes. Prior to working at ARHCU, Blake was at USFinancial Mortgage Corporation where he and his team originated, processed, and funded conforming, non-conforming , government, and commercial loans. He also created strategic partnerships with financial service organizations who service the senior market. Blake began his lending career at First Mortgage Corp., starting as a Loan Officer and later serving as Assistant Vice President, where he recruited, trained and coached new and experienced Loan Officers. Blake has a Bachelors degree from San Diego State University in Public Administration and also is a licensed Real Estate Agent. Blake is an avid golfer and tennis player and resides in Sacramento

Matt Harms, Vice President, Accounting and Support Services

Matt, Vice President of Accounting and Support Services, joined ARHCU in December 1999. Matt oversees Accounting/Finance and Business Analysis. In addition, Matt facilitates the Asset Liability and Supervisory Committee meetings and is the Compliance Officer. Matt formed the first ProfitStar Users Group in Northern California, which meets quarterly to discuss asset/liability management, budgeting and profitability issues at local financial institutions. Matt has been in the Sacramento credit union industry since 1992. Matt has held positions with other local credit unions as Chief Financial Officer and Financial Analyst. He has had previous experience in the Financial Planning industry, where he held a NASD Series 6 & 63 securities licenses, along with the California Life/Disability licenses. Matt holds an Executive MBA from the Golden Gate University, where he was selected as President of his class and he earned a Bachelor's degree in Finance from California State University, Chico (where his was active in intercollegiate and intramural athletics, on the Dean's Honor list and an active member on the CSUC Finance Club). Matt has attended several management courses, including CUNA's Financial Management School and MERIT Management Enrichment. Matt has volunteered his services for business/community-based projects, one involving income tax assistance for lower income individuals and another as a Physical Education assistant at a local elementary school.

Randon T. Schultz , Vice President, Marketing

Randy comes to ARHCU with both credit union and community banking experience.  Most recently working at Wells Fargo (formerly Placer Sierra Bank), Randy managed the bank’s electronic services division, including the MCIF and CRM tools as well as new product development.  At ARHCU, in addition to providing the Marketing strategy and direction for the credit union, Randy also manages the website and online banking content.  Prior to working in the financial services industry, Randy marketed the launch of popular online gaming site, okbridge.com.  He holds a degree in Marketing from the University of Colorado at Boulder.  Outside of the office Randy provides marketing advice to nutrition consultants in Northern California and works with his wife to further nutrition awareness and healthy living in the Sacramento area.