Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | March 29, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal 27 Her focus on balancing fiscal responsibility, member service, and innovation increased assets from $272 million to $615 million under her leadership as President and CEO. GFA became the first Credit Union in the nation to purchase a stock owned bank, and Tina guided the organization through two mergers, further expanding the branch network and presence in New Hampshire. She was instrumental in the formation of GFA Insurance Services, LLC which brought a full range of insurance products to the membership. Recognizing a significant public safety risk and an underserved market, she is recognized as a pioneer in serving the cannabis industry and its employees. She developed a compliant cannabis banking program through the formation of Lighthouse Biz Solutions LLC. Community remained at the forefront for Ms. Sbrega. She served on numerous community Boards, formed financial literacy programs such as the Student Advisory Board and high school reality fairs, as well as helped form the networking group Women's Circle of Giving, which has donated more than $100,000 to local nonprofits. She led a 26,000 square foot Headquarter expansion, a true testament to the commitment the organization has to the Greater Gardner area. Tina's dedication to the mission of GFA Federal Credit Union will ensure that the organization will succeed in the future, while never forgetting their roots. What's next for Tina… Ms. Sbrega will continue to serve in a leadership role at Lighthouse Biz Solutions, GFA's wholly owned subsidiary that serves the cannabis, HEMP and CBD industry. The cannabis banking program has grown immensely and Tina's focus will be on continuing to build the program and serving this underserved market. T ina M. Sbrega's devotion to the Credit Union movement, inspirational leadership, and bold decision making, guided GFA Federal Credit Union for over four decades. Accomplishments: • Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year • MWCC Service Above Self • Wings of HOPE • MVOC Ally Award • Heywood Healthcare Community Leader • Worcester Business Journal Top 50 Power Players • Worcester Business Journal Innovator of the Year • Worcester Business Journal Outstanding Women In Business • CCUA CEO Hall of Fame The Board would like to thank Tina for the significant contribution she has made to GFA Federal Credit Union over the past 40 years. Her leadership and vision have helped the credit union achieve so many extraordinary things and her passion to help others has had such a positive impact on the lives of the members, the employees, the Board, and our community. - Gerald L. Bankowski, Chief Governance Officer of the Board of Directors " " Tina M. Sbrega, President & CEO Gerald L. Bankowski, Chief Governance Officer of the Board of Directors Joshua I. Brier, President & CEO Elect

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