Audit & Compliance Foundation
A governance career built from the audit function up — beginning on the Supervisory Committee in 1993, giving a first-principles command of internal controls, risk, and financial reporting.
Strategic Financial Governance
Governance & Impact
More than three decades of board leadership at a thriving, member-owned financial institution — built on audit discipline, prudent risk-taking, and a long-term view of the whole enterprise.
As Board Chairperson of FreeStar Financial Credit Union, Raymond leads the strategic oversight and long-term positioning of the institution — guiding executive strategy, risk management, and regulatory compliance. His work is grounded in board governance best practices: clear fiduciary duty, disciplined oversight, and accountability for outcomes.
What distinguishes his governance is where it started. Raymond came up through the audit function — chairing the Supervisory Committee before joining the board — so he reads a financial statement, a risk register, and an internal-control report the way a seasoned director should: with the right questions already in hand.
Board Leadership Journey
From audit chair to board chairperson
A three-decade governance arc at FreeStar Financial Credit Union.
1993
Supervisory Committee — FreeStar Financial Credit Union
Began credit-union governance leading the Supervisory Committee — internal controls, audit oversight, risk assessment, and financial-reporting integrity.
1999
Board of Directors — FreeStar Financial Credit Union
Elected to the Board of Directors, broadening from audit and compliance into full fiduciary oversight and strategic direction.
2013
Board Chairperson — FreeStar Financial Credit Union
Named Board Chairperson, leading the board through significant growth, technological evolution, and strategic mergers — setting executive strategy, risk posture, and long-term positioning.
2023
MCUL Board Member of the Year · District 8 Outstanding Volunteer
Recognized statewide and locally for governance leadership and volunteerism — the inaugural Michigan Credit Union League Board Member of the Year.
2025
DCUC Hall of Honor
Inducted into the Defense Credit Union Council Hall of Honor — a peer recognition reserved for a select few whose contributions shaped the defense credit-union community.
Governance Highlights
Where the oversight showed up
Strategic board achievements — growth, audit oversight, and merger integration.
Growth & Asset Scaling
Board-level oversight of sustained organizational growth — asset scaling, branch expansion, and the technology investment required to modernize a member-owned institution.
Strategic Mergers
Guided the board through strategic credit-union mergers, including the Eastpointe Community Credit Union integration — expanding reach while protecting members and culture.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk
Steady stewardship of regulatory compliance and enterprise risk — the fiduciary discipline that keeps a financial institution safe, sound, and trusted.
Executive-Committee Leadership
As Chairperson since 2013, sets board agenda and executive strategy, partners with the CEO, and holds long-term positioning and accountability for the institution.
Board Competencies
What that translates to for your board
Financial & Fiduciary Oversight
30+ years of direct credit-union governance — from Supervisory Committee Chair (audit & compliance) to Board Chairperson. Fluent in internal controls, risk assessment, and financial reporting.
M&A & Strategic Expansion
Oversight of organizational growth, asset scaling, branch expansion, and strategic credit-union mergers — including the Eastpointe Community Credit Union integration.
Crisis & Risk Management
34+ years of military leadership under pressure, retiring at the top enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant — disciplined decision-making and adherence to protocol when the stakes are highest.
Peer-Recognized Governance
Recipient of top industry governance honors — inducted into the DCUC Hall of Honor (2025) and named the Michigan Credit Union League's inaugural Board Member of the Year (2023).
Considering Raymond for your board?
Whether you're a nominating committee, a search firm, or a board chair building your slate — start a conversation. Raymond is open to select corporate, advisory, and non-profit board and committee roles.