Outlook Financial is a member-owned financial institution, operating with the needs and interests of our members at the heart of every decision. As a division of Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU), one of Manitoba’s largest credit unions, our governance is shaped by cooperative values and accountability practices that are focused on serving members and communities.
Our cooperative model means members are more than customers—they are owners, with rights and responsibilities.
Members help shape their credit union by voting on key matters and electing representatives to the board of directors. The board is the legal body responsible for establishing policies, guiding strategy and ensuring compliance with the provincial Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act of Manitoba.
Through this governance structure, you can trust that your deposits are managed responsibly, with oversight from an experienced board of directors and executive leadership team. Governance at Outlook Financial is about accountability, transparency and ensuring that the credit union reflects the members it serves.
Learn more about ACU’s governance practices on acu.ca.
Board of Directors
The board of directors provides oversight and sets the strategic direction to ensure Outlook Financial continues to deliver long-term value and financial stability to members. Each director brings expertise, professional experience and a shared commitment to cooperative values.
Executive Leadership Team
The executive leadership team is responsible for day-to-day management and the long-term success of Outlook Financial. Together, they lead with a focus on financial stability, sustainable growth, innovation and trusted service to members.
Member voice in governance
As a member of Outlook Financial, you have the right to participate in the democratic processes of your credit union. By voting on important matters and electing directors to the board, you help ensure that the governance of ACU and Outlook reflects the interests, values and diversity of members.
Annual meeting
Each year, members are invited to attend the annual meeting to learn about our performance, ask questions, and hear directly from leadership.
Nominations & elections
Outlook Financial members have the opportunity to vote in board elections and to run for election themselves. This process helps ensure that our board reflects the diversity, voices and perspectives of the entire membership.
Note: The nominations and election process (from nominations through the Annual Meeting) typically runs from early October to mid-March. Specific dates, nomination periods, and deadlines vary from year to year; details are published when the dates are set.
Annual reports and accountability
We are committed to transparency and keeping members informed about our financial and community performance. Each year, Outlook Financial and ACU publish an Annual Impact Report and audited financial statements.
Garnet McBurney, Chair of Assiniboine Credit Union, hails from a grain farm in southwestern Manitoba. With extensive experience in accounting since 1988, including serving as Controller for major Brandon-based companies, he now leads Venture Accounting Group Ltd. Garnet’s passion lies in nurturing new business start-ups and mentoring entrepreneurs. Garnet served on the Westoba Credit Union Board since 2019, and as Chair since 2021.
Priti Mehta-Shah
Priti Mehta-Shah
Vice-Chair
Term 2026 - 2029
Priti Mehta-Shah
Vice-Chair
Term 2026 - 2029
Priti Mehta-Shah (FCPA,FCA,CBV, ICD.D) is a leading transaction advisor who has provided guidance to clients in Canada and around the world for the past 30 years. Priti’s expertise includes assisting clients with buy side and sell side transactions, mergers and acquisitions, management buyouts, and placing financing for the acquisition. She has chaired and served on ACU’s Audit & Risk and Nominating Committees and is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship for women.
Jim Abernethy
Jim Abernethy
Director
Term 2025 - 2027
Rural director
Jim Abernethy
Director
Term 2025 - 2027
Rural director
Jim Abernethy is a cattle producer from Glenboro. With a diploma in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba, Jim previously chaired Westoba’s Board (2016–2021) and also served as Vice-Chair of Westoba’s Board of Directors. Jim has contributed to various other boards, including Assiniboine Hills Conservation District, Glenboro Consumers Co-op, and a Provincial Advisory Board for Credit Union Central of Manitoba.
Jane Brown
Jane Brown
Director
Term 2026 - 2029
Rural director
Jane Brown
Director
Term 2026 - 2029
Rural director
Jane Brown previously served as Audit and Risk Committee Chair with Westoba’s Board of Directors and has past experience on the IT Oversight Committee. Jane is a Rivers, Manitoba native. She spent 26 years at Behlen Industries, where she held diverse roles spanning accounting to IT. Jane’s retirement from her family business, HiWay Esso, has allowed her to serve on various boards, including Career Connections and Family Visions.
Stéphane Dorge
Stéphane Dorge
Director
Term 2025 - 2027
Francophone director
Stéphane Dorge
Director
Term 2025 - 2027
Francophone director
Stéphane Dorge, previously Vice-Chair of the Caisse’s Board of Directors, brings extensive experience through his leadership position in governance services and as Corporate Secretary of the Réseau Compassion Network. A graduate in management and law from the University of Ottawa, he has held key positions in the public and legal sectors.
Patrick Fortier
Patrick Fortier
Director
Term 2026 - 2029
Francophone director
Patrick Fortier
Director
Term 2026 - 2029
Francophone director
Patrick Fortier previously served as a member of Caisse’s Board of Directors and has served on many non-profit Boards. He holds a master’s degree in public administration and a BA in economics. A graduate of the Leadership Winnipeg program, Patrick is currently the Managing Director of the Internal Trade Secretariat. He lives in St. Boniface and is francophone and Métis.
Don Johal
Don Johal
Director
Term 2025 - 2027
Don Johal
Director
Term 2025 - 2027
Don Johal is passionate about automobiles, commerce and people, which led to leadership roles in the vehicle rental industry — as a licensee/franchisee and as President of the Manitoba Car and Truck Rental Association. Don has served on ACU’s Governance & Ethics, and Human Resources Policy & Compensation Committees, and previously as Vice-Chair and Chair of Entegra Credit Union.
Jacqueline Keena
Jacqueline Keena
Director
Term 2025 - 2028
Jacqueline Keena
Director
Term 2025 - 2028
Jacqueline Keena, a professional agrologist of Métis descent, is managing director of EMILI, a Manitoba-based non-profit, working to increase the adoption of intelligent technologies in agriculture. In 2023, she was appointed to the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council, where she chairs the AI, Technology and Jobs committee. Jacqueline has served as Chair of ACU’s Nominating Committee and Human Resources Policy & Compensation Committee, and is also past-chair of the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba.
Crystal Laborero
Crystal Laborero
Director
Term 2025 - 2028
Crystal Laborero
Director
Term 2025 - 2028
Crystal Laborero, a member of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, previously served as ACU’s Board Chair. She is a Graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors and has served on each of ACU’s board committees and other committees within the credit union system. Her experience in banking includes opening the first on-reserve RBC branch in Manitoba, at Peguis First Nation. She is the owner of Laborero Consulting, a management and HR consulting firm that focuses on innovative projects that positively impact communities.
Jeff Leclerc
Jeff Leclerc
Director
Term 2026 - 2029
Francophone director
Jeff Leclerc
Director
Term 2026 - 2029
Francophone director
Jeff Leclerc is a proud Franco-Manitoban who has dedicated his education and career to board governance. For the past two decades, he has held the position of University Secretary, the senior governance officer of the University of Manitoba. Jeff has served on the ACU Nominating Committee and has also held director roles on the boards of United Way Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba Pension Plan.
Alain Molgat
Alain Molgat
Director
Term 2025 - 2027
Francophone director
Alain Molgat
Director
Term 2025 - 2027
Francophone director
Alain Molgat is a CPA, CMA with 30+ years’ experience in auditing, financial management and business advisory services. Alain is a Franco-Manitoban and as President of Alain Molgat Consulting, provides management and consulting services primarily to Indigenous-owned enterprises. Since first elected, Alain has served on each of ACU’s Board Committees, most recently as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.
Darrel Nadeau
Darrel Nadeau
Director
Term 2025 - 2028
Francophone director
Darrel Nadeau
Director
Term 2025 - 2028
Francophone director
Darrel Nadeau, CPA, MBA, is a board member from Caisse Financial Group and brings over 13 years of experience in non-profit management. A proud Franco-Manitoban and member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Darrel is currently the VP of Visitor Experience at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. He has served on various boards, including Pride Winnipeg, Winnipeg Arts Council, and the International Bureau for Children’s Rights.
Executive Leadership Team
Kevin Sitka
Kevin Sitka
President & Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Sitka
President & Chief Executive Officer
I’m Kevin Sitka. As President and CEO, I am accountable for all aspects of Assiniboine Credit Union’s strategy and operations.
I, along with my executive team, lead an organization of over 450 employees, who are all committed to ACU’s triple bottom line of people, planet, and prosperity.
Guided by our vision, mission, purpose, and values, I’m accountable for executing our strategic plan through a values-based banking philosophy, approach and culture.
My goal is to ensure ACU is using finance as a force for good. I am proud of our achievements as a top employer, carbon neutrality, and the highest Benefit Corporation (B Corp) certification in Canada out of all Canadian B Corps. All the while helping our members achieve their dreams by providing the products, services, and advice they need and want.
I am very engaged in the credit union system and in developing strategic alliances with local community partners. As the leader of one of Manitoba’s largest and most dynamic credit unions, I have also played a significant leadership role in the provincial, national, and world credit union systems. I am currently a board member of Credit Union Central of Manitoba and previously served on the boards of the Canadian Credit Union Association and the World Council of Credit Unions.
I have over 30 years of business experience across numerous industries and have been privileged to work in the credit union system for the last 20 years with urban and rural credit unions. I’m truly energized each and every day to work hard to realize our vision of a world in which financial services in local communities contribute to a sustainable future for all.
Outside of work, family is very important to me. We enjoy spending time taking in all Manitoba has to offer —world-class cuisine, the arts, our beloved sports teams, and the great outdoors.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts, Honours (Applied Economics)
Masters of Arts (Economics)
Masters of Business Administration
Chartered Professional/Managerial Accountant
Institute of Corporate Directors Designation
Chartered Director Designation
Andrea Dysievick
Andrea Dysievick
Chief Retail & Wealth Officer
Andrea Dysievick
Chief Retail & Wealth Officer
I’m Andrea Dysievick, the Chief Retail & Wealth Officer at ACU, where I oversee the Retail and Wealth departments. I have the privilege of leading talented teams dedicated to providing exceptional advice and service to ACU’s member-owners. With over 20 years of experience in the Financial Services industry, spanning retail and commercial banking, I am deeply passionate about enhancing both the employee and member experience.
At ACU, I am inspired by the simple, everyday actions that have a profound positive impact on our members' lives. We have the unique opportunity to assist members through some of the most significant moments in their lives, and we take pride in using business as a force for good. This commitment is a privilege that I, along with everyone at ACU, hold dear.
Outside of work, I cherish spending time with family and friends, especially at the lake. I enjoy running, adventure racing, and any activity that gets me out in the fresh air.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing and Human Resources
I’m Casey Fox. I lead a team of talented professionals who serve the financial needs of ACU’s business and producer members. Our goal is to deliver an exceptional banking experience and sound advice based on decades of helping businesses succeed.
With more than 20 years' experience as a commercial and agricultural leader, I have built and managed diversified teams and lending portfolios, led strategic growth initiatives and participated in merger integrations. My varied positions have included Vice-President of Diversified Banking (where we developed and implemented cash flow and First Nations lending programs), Associate Vice-President of Agriculture, and Director of Commercial Banking.
I’m passionate about building relationships that promote a healthy internal environment for change and problem solving, and developing and implementing strategies to expand our commercial/agricultural portfolio with current and future ag and business members.
Outside work, I enjoy time with my family at the cottage, on the golf course or in the stands at Winnipeg Jets games.
Education and Credentials:
MBA – University of Manitoba, Asper School of Business
Bachelor of Science (Agribusiness) – University of Manitoba, Faculty of Agriculture Professional Agrologist – Manitoba Institute of Agrologists
Esther Friesen
Esther Friesen
Chief Risk Officer
Esther Friesen
Chief Risk Officer
Hi, I’m Esther Friesen. As Chief Risk Officer, I’m responsible for the overall leadership and business direction of the Risk Division, which includes enterprise risk management, credit risk, corporate risk and governance.
I have worked in commercial credit, enterprise risk management and organizational transformation in the credit union and banking sectors for 35 years, seven as a chief risk officer in the credit union system. In my credit union leadership roles — which included a stop at ACU earlier in my career — I have gained diverse experience in consumer, commercial and agricultural adjudication, credit risk, loss prevention and compliance. I’ve also managed residential, multi-unit, industrial and syndicated lending portfolios.
My role demands leadership that emphasizes operational discipline, risk alignment and sound governance and process standardization, but I am also passionate about uncovering new opportunities and fostering collaboration to enhance the growth of our organization.
A lifelong Manitoban, I value time with my family and enjoy spending time outdoors, travelling, and exploring creative pursuits.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Commerce – University of Manitoba
Licensed International Financial Analyst – International Research Association
Sara Rusak
Sara Rusak
Chief Digital & Operations Officer
Sara Rusak
Chief Digital & Operations Officer
I’m Sara Rusak. As Chief Digital and Operations Officer, I’m responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the ACU Innovation Division, including Information Technology and Digital Delivery. I’m passionate about innovation, progress, and discovering what’s possible as I harness the talents of the teams around me to work towards ambitious goals. I draw on my 20 years of experience in financial services and software while staying informed through continuous learning.
I bring enthusiasm and focus on constant improvement to help find creative solutions. My values are very much aligned with ACU/Caisse Assiniboine. Working here allows me to contribute to our community, helping to shape a more equitable future for everyone.
I’m a mother to two children, a continuous learner, and an avid reader. I enjoy watching my kid’s sports and activities and spending time at our family cottage.
Education and Credentials:
MBA, University of Manitoba, Asper School of Business
Masters Certificate in Project Management
Project Management Professional (PMP) Designation
Kim Champion Taylor
Kim Champion Taylor
Chief People & Brand Officer
Kim Champion Taylor
Chief People & Brand Officer
I’m Kim Champion Taylor and I oversee the Marketing, Communications, Human Resources, Learning & Development, Values-Based Banking and Strategic Facilitation teams at ACU. I believe that everyone has unique talents and perspectives that make up their own special sauce, and everyone wants to be a valued member of the team. I believe we all have more to learn, and that we all can learn from one another. I believe in accountability to our members and to each other. And I believe that planning is absolutely essential. There isn’t anything I do that doesn’t reflect these values. And all these values can certainly be found at ACU.
My life is all about spending time with family and friends, enjoying great food in Winnipeg’s awesome restaurants, walking the dog and exploring the beautiful lakes in Manitoba and neighbouring provinces.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) with majors in Marketing & Human Resources, from University of Manitoba
Member of Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Manitoba
Member of Credit Union Central of Manitoba’s Human Resources Advisory Committee.
Michael Taylor
Michael Taylor
Chief Financial Officer
Michael Taylor
Chief Financial Officer
I’m Michael Taylor. I am responsible for the overall leadership and business direction of the Finance division. I manage the finances and am responsible for financial reporting and analysis, including facilities and procurement, payment processing functions, and environmental sustainability areas.
I’ve worked in the credit union system since 2003. After obtaining my designation, I began with Astra Credit Union and became part of ACU with the merger in 2007. Being honest, reliable, sincere and compassionate, while also being highly motivated to succeed, are values that are core to me. While I’ve always been comfortable working with numbers, I also really enjoy and appreciate the impact ACU has on its members, employees, environment and community at large. It’s much more than numbers and I can see the tangible impact we make on a daily basis.
When I’m not working, I really enjoy the outdoors; hiking, canoeing/kayaking, fishing. I also enjoy reading and travelling.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Manitoba
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
Chartered Accountant (CA)
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