About Us
Proudly serving the communities of San Francisco and San Mateo County for nearly 70 years.
People Helping People
San Francisco Federal Credit Union proudly serves the communities of San Francisco and San Mateo County. For nearly 70 years we have aligned our focus on the philosophy of “people helping people.” Starting with a humble beginning in 1954 at a kitchen table on Capp Street, to becoming the full-service, multi-branch financial institution we are today, we pride ourselves on making a difference in the financial lives of our members and dedicating time and resources to improving our communities.
As a not-for-profit cooperative, our board members are volunteers; we do not have stockholders demanding higher profits. Our earnings are returned to the membership by offering savings products with higher returns and loans with lower rates.
Philosophy & Core Values
San Francisco Federal Credit Union believes in strong driving principles to deliver exceptional member service. It is part of our mission to provide genuine, professional advice in a way that makes members feel comfortable and supported.
What Is Our Mission?
We are a high-performing and empowered team of financial professionals serving Bay Area communities by providing innovative solutions that bring peace of mind and financial stability.
Credit Union employees look to our four core values for moral guidance and professional consistency when interacting with members.
Serve More
- Consistently and enthusiastically deliver exceptional member experiences
- Educate and proactively create solutions to members’ needs
- Treat members the way they want to be treated
Own More
- Follow through on commitments and be accountable
- Demonstrate integrity in every decision and action
- Take ownership in the Credit Union’s success
Partner More
- Listen, support and respect diversity
- Collaborate to build effectiveness
- Encourage positive energy
Be More
- Challenge yourself to seek opportunities for growth
- Be better than you were yesterday
- Be part of the solution
Here For The Community
San Francisco Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution. We differ from big banks by offering higher earnings and dividends on deposits accounts, lower interest rates on loans and by charging fewer fees. Plus, members have access to more than 30,000 free ATMs across the country.
For over 70 years our mission has been to make financial life easier for our members and their families. San Francisco Federal Credit Union offers genuine, professional advice in a way that makes members feel comfortable and supported. We invite you to become a member and to take advantage of the many benefits we provide. Membership is open to those who live, work, go to school or worship in San Francisco or San Mateo counties.
Our History
Our story started in 1954 when accountant George Trelut wanted to provide financial security for his family. In support of his fellow city employees, he sought to provide a responsible financial institution where everyone could obtain affordable loans, save money safely and gain a voice in their own financial experiences. Today, we continue to pursue and foster those same ideals.
We Support Our Community
For San Francisco Federal Credit Union, being part of the community means a sense of responsibility to give back, in a variety of ways. We help community members become financially literate by offering numerous free webinars and seminars throughout the year. We help organizations who help the less fortunate by donating – whether it be through clothing or food drives, by donating money to charities or by employees volunteering through our CommunityShare program.
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Board Members
Associate Directors
Supervisory Committee
Leadership Team
We are executives, innovators, entrepreneurs, bankers, and community leaders – united by a commitment to financial empowerment and growth.
Ray Shams
Chief Executive OfficerRay Shams joined the Credit Union in 2017, bringing over 30 years of lending and risk management experience. Ray holds a Master of Business Admi…
Susan Lansing
Chief People OfficerSusan Lansing brings global human resources experience across financial services, luxury, beauty, academia, and technology. She builds…
Melissa Palwick
Chief Lending OfficerMelissa is an accomplished lending professional with extensive experience in banking and credit unions. She excels in strategic planning, lending…
Celeste Fehely
Chief Member Experience OfficerCeleste Fehely is a champion of enhancing the member journey, with 25 years of experience in banking, sales, operations, and customer experience. She has worked in major markets…
Susanne Miller
Chief Financial Officer Senior Vice PresidentSusanne Miller is a seasoned finance executive with over 25 years of experience leading financial strategy, transformation, and performance across global institutions including…
Edmond Sahakian
Chief Risk OfficerEdmond Sahakian brings over 30 years of experience in credit management, compliance, and enterprise risk management. He has led risk functions at multi-billion-dollar banks and credit unions…
Valerie Salamon
Chief of Staff Head of Community Outreach and Government AffairsValerie Salamon joined the Credit Union in 2024, bringing over 30 years of experience in government affairs, public relations, and…
Steve Shead
Chief Technology Officer Senior Vice PresidentSteve Shead joined the Credit Union with over 20 years of executive experience in technology, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. He has led enterprise IT operations, security strategy…
Tim Ma
Head of Mortgage SalesTim Ma is an experienced mortgage professional with a strong background in residential lending, credit analysis, and relationship management. He holds a degree in finance and has…
John McCurdy
Head of Corporate and Commercial BankingWith a strong background in commercial real estate (CRE) and member business lending (MBL), John McCurdy brings extensive expertise in driving strategic…
Al Tappe
Head of Mortgage Banking OperationsWith over 30 years of executive leadership in operations, technology, lending, and risk management…
Kelly Tsukamoto
Head of Consumer Lending and Digital Banking ServicesKelly is a dynamic financial leader with over 20 years of experience in commercial lending, relationship management, and…
Kirk Yee
Head of IT Digital ReleaseKirk Yee is an accomplished financial professional with expertise in commercial analysis, portfolio management, and small business lending…
