Join us for important updates about Premier Credit Union!
When: Tuesday April 25, 2023 at 3:30pm
Where: Swartz/Walsh room of the Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
Prizes and giveaways will be available, some refreshments provided.
Please note all branches will close at 2:30pm on this day.
RSVP Here!
Board Candidate Bios:
Jesse Bawek
- Credit Union member since 1995.
- Incumbent, currently serving on the Audit and IT Committees.
- Graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1995 with a BA degree in Finance and minors in Economics and Mathematics.
- Broad career spanning almost 30 years focusing on cybersecurity, business continuity, disaster recovery, auditing and accounting activities for Federal and corporate organizations using cloud and traditional data center environments.
- Married for 27 years (Michelle) and has 3 adult children (Connor, Alex, and Joslin) who are all working in Iowa or attending grad school at the University of Iowa. Hobbies include attending rock concerts, bike riding, and playing the drums.
- “I am excited to continue assisting on the board to “Make Life Better” for our members!”
Betsy Jepsen
- Credit Union Member since 1989.
- Incumbent, currently President of the board.
- BBA in Finance from the University of Iowa.
- Coaches Training Institute graduate.
- 35 years with Principal Financial Group, currently the National Director – Talent Growth.
- Has held leadership roles with Principal in sales, underwriting, operations, product management, and business development.
- Member of Premier CU Board of Directors from 1995 to April 2002 and 2011 to now. Serving as: Chair, Vice Chair, President and Audit, Credit and HR Committees.
Todd Mendenhall
- Credit union member since 2009.
- Incumbent, currently Board Secretary and serves on the Credit Committee.
- 30 years as a business owner and entrepreneur
- Owner/President of Cleaning Connection, Inc.
- Owner/President of Earthwise Disposal Inc.
- Partner – Mid-America Recycling Inc.
- Owner –TSM Hospitality
- Managing Partner of T&M Inc., T & T Investments Inc., M & S Investments.
- Graduated from Drake University.
- Professional or Civic organizations:
- Young Entrepreneurs Organization of Iowa.
- YMCA of Greater Des Moines.
- Greater Des Moines Business Exchange.
- Blank Park Zoo.
Mary Ward
- Credit Union member since 2013.
- Incumbent, currently Vice Chair.
- Over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry with expertise in various lines of group and individual insurance. She has served in multiple roles such as sales, client management, customer service and underwriting.
- Currently employed with Sarah Noll Wilson Inc, a local leadership development firm in Des Moines.
- Prior to Sarah Noll Wilson Inc, she was part owner of a Professional Employer Organization which was sold to G&A Partners.
- She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska.
- Personal interests include travel, biking, working out and reading.
Darin Zahn
- Credit Union member since 1993.
- Incumbent, currently a member of the Credit and IT Committee.
- Member of the Premier CU board since 2014. Served as the board President, Vice Chair and a member of Audit, HR and Credit Committee. Served on the PLA Managing group.
- BA degree in Finance from University of Northern Iowa, graduated with honors 1993.
- 30 years with Principal Financial Group, currently the Assistant Director-IT and Information Services.
- Fellow-Life Management Institute (FLMI).
- Iowa native from Dubuque. Married 27 years (Karen) and has a 22-year-old daughter (Jessica). Hobbies include golfing, camping, motorcycle riding, and many other outdoor activities.
