Board of Directors

As a not-for-profit credit union owned by its membership, the members elect member representatives to the Board of Directors. According to the Bylaws of Kitsap Credit Union, the Board of Directors oversees the management of the credit union’s affairs, funds, and records. The Board is committed to regularly reviewing and developing strategies, policies, and programs that support the credit union’s goals and objectives.
Meet the Team

Shawn Gilfedder - President / CEO

Shawn Gilfedder, a credit union leader known for member-focused service, financial wellness, and communityinvolvement, joined Kitsap Credit Union in 2018 as President and CEO. With over 20 years of experience in thebanking and finance industry, Shawn’s strategic approach has consistently had financial prosperity andpositive community impact in mind. Shawn’s progressive leadership focuses on growth and shaping our vision toimprove the financial wellness of the Kitsap Credit Union membership and those in the areas we serve. Shawn promotesa sense of belonging and unity among staff, members, and the community and believes that by working together,it’s possible to improve all lives in our community.

Shawn on LInkedIn

Susan Baker - Chair

A Bremerton native, Susan operated restaurants in Kitsap and Pierce Counties for 39 years. Concurrently, she pursued a career in architectural and site design. Susan is now retired from the restaurant business but continues her design work. She is currently doing design work for a local development firm and working on multiple affordable housing projects. Susan is passionate about the mission of Kitsap Credit Union and its commitment to hunger, homelessness, and financial wellness. She believes that local, community-based financial institutions provide more than just a service but act as cornerstones for community involvement.

Wendie Johnson - Vice Chair

A Kitsap Credit Union member since 1990, Wendie is a certified public accountant serving as a Controller for a local multi-specialty medical group. She is committed to giving back to our community and has served on several boards including Leadership Kitsap and the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation. She is dedicated to the evolution and continuing relevance of our community cooperative, while always being guided by our values. She spends time educating Kitsap youth on financial literacy and supports KCU's financial education programs. As a KCU Director, Wendie demonstrates an intrinsic connection to the credit union philosophy of "people helping people".

Mike Goonewardene - Vice Chair

Mike, an Army Reserve Veteran, has a long track record of leading organizations and finding highly differentiated ways to succeed. Mike brings over 20 years of executive level experience to the Board, as well as an MBA from Pepperdine University. He currently serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tend Health Inc., developing innovative medical devices. He is excited about the opportunity to serve our membership and our community.

Karen Holmes - Secretary

Karen Holmes is a veteran cybersecurity and infrastructure leader. On a mission to drive automation and orchestration, she is focused on improving overall seamless and secure user experiences while creating an innovative atmosphere of “I have a crazy idea that just might work”. Karen gained experience at TrueBlue INC, Recreational Equipment Inc., Carnival Corporation, Holland America Lines and Washington Mutual/JP Morgan Chase.

Jim Rowson - Treasurer

Jim is a strong supporter of the not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative that is Kitsap Credit Union, where we are dedicated to the prosperity of our communities. Now retired, Jim brings 25 years of CFO experience, including several board directorships with community organizations and years of investment committee and grants committee work at a local community foundation. He has a BA from the University of Washington. After being a long-term resident in Bremerton, Jim now calls Mason County home.

Vicki Gambrell - Director

As a manager and engineering professional, Vicki has been contributing to NAVSEA Keyport for over 30 years as project manager, technical lead, contracting officer representative, and her current role as IWS Engineering Branch Manager for the Integrated Warfare Systems Department. A proud resident of Kitsap County, Vicki has volunteered and worked with several community and outreach organizations seeking to build quality and meaningful relationships while empowering the individual to reach their fullest potential.

Siobhan Canty - Director

Siobhan Canty is an accomplished leader in the nonprofit sector with an extensive career in philanthropy and community engagement. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Jefferson Community Foundation. Her past achievements include a National Innovation Award from the Points of Light Institute and recruitment by the Office of President Barrack Obama as a potential Presidential Appointee to the Social Innovation Fund of the White House. Siobhan graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance. She now makes her home in Jefferson County.


Vasuma Sargent - Director

A strong supporter of her local community, Vasuma is a Certified Public Accountant serving as a Director in Accounting and Financial Reporting for a Timberlands and Wood Products company with roots in Washington dating back to 1900. She brings extensive financial expertise to the board of KCU, with a proven track record across diverse sectors including financial services, biotech, telecommunications, technology, and manufacturing. Committed to community stewardship, Vasuma's involvement with the Kirkland Arts Center and Bring Change to Mind highlights his dedication to inclusivity and positive change. With a blend of financial acumen and strategic vision, she is poised to contribute meaningfully to the credit union's mission of bringing prosperity to the community and advancing financial well-being.


Matthew Ellsworth - Director

Matthew Ellsworth currently serves as the Executive Director of the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts (AWPHD) in Seattle, Washington. AWPHD serves fifty-seven districts that provide health care needs throughout the State of Washington.

Matthew has worked as the government affairs director for an international trade association, senior advisor to U.S. Senators, Governors, and legislators as well as managing the campaigns of two current United States Senators. Mr. Ellsworth has a degree in Politics and International Relations from the College of Idaho. He is also a former member of the Idaho State Board of Medicine and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Association of Washington Business and the Board of Love Heals Clinics.