Affinity Plus Announces New Board Chair and Director
Robyn Cousin and Joe Khawaja highlight 2022 leadership changes
ST. PAUL, MINN. (April 4, 2022) – Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Affinity Plus) is pleased to announce two changes to its Board of Directors. Joe Khawaja, who served as a volunteer of the Affinity Plus’ Supervisory Committee is now a Director. Robyn Cousin, who joined the Affinity Plus Board of Directors in 2015, is now Board Chair.
Affinity Plus is coming off of a record year for net income and membership, leaning into a strategy of “doing good is good business.” Their investments in the member experience and finances earned them the top ranking nationally for returning value to their members, while also earning Forbes; Best-In-State Credit Union Award. Their commitment to financial inclusion, meeting the banking needs of underserved individuals, and community engagement throughout Minnesota earned several additional industry accolades.
Khawaja has experience in public, private, government, and non-profit sectors rebuilding balance sheets, raising capital, managing growth, financial transformation, corporate restructuring, mergers and synergies. He is currently the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for St. Paul-based Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, where he oversees finance, accounting, information technology, risk management compliance, and property management. Prior to that he was the CFO for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, where he led treasury, accounting, finance, audit, technology and ReStore Outlets.
He was named a 2020 CFO of the Year by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Khawaja resides in Maple Grove and enjoys spending time with his two children and wife, playing volleyball and watching the financial markets.
“I am really excited about being a Director,” said Khawaja. “I think we have some great things ahead. Affinity Plus is a great brand and already has an outstanding reputation in the marketplace. I am eager to help Affinity Plus grow and continue to do well in the line of customers and regulations.”
Cousin joined the Affinity Plus Board of Directors in 2015. She retired in 2019 as a business representative with Middle Management Association. Cousin specializes in strategic planning, organizational development, training and development and work in the field of volunteerism, community involvement, equity and inclusion and racial justice. She was also recently nominated for Credit Union Magazine’s 2022 Credit Union Hero of the Year award.
“I am gratified and excited to begin my term as Board Chair of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union,” said Robyn Cousin. “These are unprecedented times, where many in our communities face challenges in creating economic security and gaining access to strong financial institutions. I’m so proud to be a member of Affinity Plus, one of those strong financial institutions, where we put our values and beliefs into action. We are so fortunate to have a diverse board of incredibly talented people, bringing a range of skills, knowledge, and experiences, serving as our leaders.”
Others on the Board including: Chad Trench (Vice Chair); Deb Bednarz (Secretary); Ron Rollins (Director); Demetrius Chester (Treasurer); John Carlson (Director); Margaret Egan (Director); Karen Foreman (Director).
Learn more about our Board of Directors, please visit our Board of Directors page on our website.
Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 30 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by more than 250,000 members. Affinity Plus has more than $4 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.
