Winter 2024 Coastline Quarterly Newsletter

What’s your primary vision for Coast Central in 2025?
As of our most recent deposit market analysis, we now have the largest market share in every community we serve, which is a testament to the incredible work of our staff. My vision for 2025 is to build on this achievement by continuing to strengthen our relationships with members and communities. I want to see Coast Central recognized not only for its financial stability but also as a leader in innovation, service, and local impact. By focusing on both technological advancements and personalized service, we can ensure that members feel supported and empowered to reach their financial goals.

What are some key challenges facing Coast Central in the future?
One key challenge is helping members navigate an increasingly complex financial world. That’s why we’ve introduced EasyVest, a new investment platform that allows members to start investing with as little as $25. EasyVest offers two main options: an automated solution focused on lower-risk, diversified investments, and a self-directed option for more experienced investors. While this innovation opens new opportunities for members, it also requires us to educate and support them responsibly without offering specific investment advice due to regulatory constraints.

Additionally, regulatory challenges to overdraft protection programs continue to evolve, which could affect members who rely on these programs the most. Striking a balance between compliance and member support will be crucial in the years ahead.

Tell us about your career.
I’ve been an actively licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for 30 years and began my banking career as a teller at Bank of America in Henderson Center, Eureka. Over the years, I worked in various roles at Humboldt Bank before assisting with the start-up of Redwood Capital Bank, where I served as its founding Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for 15 years. Joining Coast Central Credit Union almost seven years ago, CFO here was a natural next step, allowing me to combine my expertise with my deep roots in the local community. Now, as President & CEO, I’m proud to continue the legacy of this extraordinary institution.

How have you been involved in our community?
Community involvement has always been a cornerstone of my life. I served on the Humboldt Fire District Board for over 10 years, coached youth sports, and participated in various church and civic organizations. At Coast Central, we’ve worked to expand our community giving programs, which now contribute over $650,000 annually, and I remain committed to visiting our 11 Member Services Branches and engaging directly with members and employees. This region has given me so much, and I’m passionate about giving back in every way I can.

Tell us about your family.
My wife, Jackie, and I have been married for over 30 years, both of us from generations of Humboldt County families.  We have two wonderful daughters, Natalie and Maddie, we raised in Eureka who attended local schools. Natalie married last year, and Maddie is planning her wedding next May. My family is my foundation and my inspiration, and I feel immensely fortunate to share my life and achievements with them. My parents, who were deeply involved in Humboldt County, instilled in me a strong sense of community, and I strive to honor their legacy in all I do.

A little-known fact about you?
I started my banking career as a teller, which gave me a firsthand understanding of how important every interaction is with our members. On a more personal note, I’m a BBQ enthusiast who’s always experimenting with smoking techniques—though not every attempt is a success! It’s a reminder that growth and improvement come from trying new things, which is a philosophy I carry into both my personal and professional life.

Congratulations to Sarah Scott, Willow Creek Member Services Manager, on her additional responsibilities of Hoopa Manager.  Sarah joined CCCU in 2020 as a Member Services Rep at Willow Creek, also working in New Accounts and serving as Supervisor prior to her promotion to Manager in December 2023.  Sarah was an Employee of the Month in both 2022 and 2024 and has received multiple Quality Service Awards.  She is active in her community including Dream Quest and Toys for Tots.  

Claudia Serrano-Ramirez
Crescent City Member Relationship Services Specialist
Claudia volunteered a total of 60 hours during the quarter for four organizations, all aimed at providing opportunities for and supporting local youth. She coaches soccer, attends school PTSO meetings to plan fundraisers, volunteers at community events, works the snack bar at football games, organizes Halloween Trick or Treating for youth groups, and more. Claudia is fiercely determined to improve the lives of kids in Del Norte County in a variety of ways, advocating for their needs. Thank you, Claudia, for your dedication to local youth in your community, and congrats on your well-deserved recognition!

This round, our 16-year program had 52 applications totaling over $650,000. With $150,000 to give, our grant committee devoted a significant amount of time to read through and discuss every application in detail. We were able to award 18 projects for a total of $150,000.

Fall 2024 Grant Recipients:

Humboldt County

• $25,000 Redwood Community Action Agency; van to transport families
• $20,000 American Legion Post 415-Hoopa; new insulation for hall
• $9,193 Dept. of Health & Human Services; child safety seats for low-income families
• $8,898 Humboldt Senior Resource Center; multi-sensory room for dementia patients
• $7,500 Humboldt Soup’s On; food ingredients for homeless
• $5,000 McKinleyville Little League; low-income players’ fund & new equipment
• $5,000 Life Plan Humboldt; technology equipment & phone system for senior living
• $4,000 Humboldt Bay Fire; swiftwater safety equipment serving Eureka residents
• $3,900 Humboldt Bay Search & Rescue; drysuits for rescue team serving county residents
• $3,000 North Coast Rape Crisis Team; 24-hour crisis hotline system
• $1,855 Providence St. Joseph Hospital; gas cards for cancer patients’ travel

Del Norte County

• $15,000 American Legion Post 548-Gasquet; emergency equipment for disasters

• $5,675 Redwood Elementary PTSO; baseball field safety renovation

• $5,000 Del Norte Youth Football & Cheer; new equipment & uniforms

• $4,579 Mountain School PTO; outdoor protection area

Trinity County

• $21,000 Trinity Alps Unified School District; baseball field bleachers

• $3,700 Trinity Center Volunteer Fire Dept; tools for wildland brush truck

• $1,700 Friends of Trinity Co. Resource Conservation; youth education program

Just because a caller states they are a CCCU employee doesn’t mean they actually are. Phone scams are getting trickier! Scammers have been spoofing our Fraud Department, calling and texting after hours, stating they are CCCU employees needing to verify transactions and instructing you to provide Online Banking login information and other personal details. Remember, CCCU employees will never ask for passwords, access codes or full card numbers. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately and call us at (707) 445-8801. Be aware, be skeptical, and stay safe.

We have a wider array of fraud resources and CCCU locations at coast.org/fraud-scams, including key information from the FBI. Check them out today!