Advia Credit Union is thrilled to announce the addition of Rafael Castañeda to its Board of Directors. Castañeda, a resident of Woodstock, IL, joins the Board as an Associate Director, bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Castañeda, a graduate of Leadership Greater McHenry County, takes pride in his involvement in planning and organizing educational conferences for minority students.
Expressing his deep connection to the community, Castañeda states, "I am honored to be part of this community, and I believe my role on this Board will not only benefit me but also contribute significantly to the community. Having grown up in this area and volunteered since high school, giving back has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey to where I am today."
One of the key initiatives that Castañeda aims to champion for Advia is new member growth in the Illinois communities the Credit Union serves. As an influential leader with a keen understanding of the area, Castañeda's vision for growth and community engagement will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Advia.
Presently, Advia operates branches in Cary, Crystal Lake, and Woodstock, all located in Illinois. Individuals residing, working, or worshiping in the following counties are eligible to become Advia members: McHenry, Lake, DuPage, Kane, DeKalb, Boone, Winnebago, and select areas of Cook County.
"We are delighted to welcome Rafael to our Board as an Associate Director,” said Nicole Kalmbach, Advia's Board Chair. “His passion and strategic vision for expanding our reach in our Illinois market make him an invaluable addition. It's an honor to welcome him to the Advia Credit Union Team.”
Jeff Fielder, Advia's President and CEO, added that Advia looks forward to leveraging Castañeda's insights and expertise to enhance its mission of providing financial advantages for its membership, delivering exceptional banking experiences, and fostering positive change in the communities it serves. The Credit Union is confident that Castañeda's leadership background will contribute significantly to the institution's continued growth and community impact.
Castañeda holds a bachelor's degree in social justice and Spanish from Roosevelt University, complemented by a master's degree in business management from DePaul University. As the proud proprietor of Dairy Queen franchises in Woodstock, IL, and Cary, IL, he reflects on the pivotal role Advia has played in facilitating his success and turning his entrepreneurial aspirations into reality.
In expressing his gratitude, Castañeda shared, "Advia has been instrumental in my journey, supporting me in acquiring my businesses and realizing my dreams. Joining this Board holds a deeply personal significance for me, making it an exceptionally special endeavor. I want the community to recognize that achieving our dreams and reaching our goals is always attainable, especially with the support of organizations like Advia. It is truly an honor for me to be a part of this Board."
About Advia Credit Union
Advia Credit Union’s mission is to provide financial advantages to its members. With nearly $3 billion in assets, Advia seeks to provide quick and easy access to money and time-saving financial tools to nearly 200,000 members in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Advia’s team of over 500 professionals delivers excellent service and innovative products at 28 locations and via digital and mobile platforms. Advia is guided by its core values: driving progress, acting with integrity, building and strengthening relationships, and keeping people at the core. Visit adviacu.org to learn more about how Advia provides Real Advantages for Real People.™