Rockville Centre, NY (February 1, 2024) |
Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union (OFFCU) announced that six employees have passed the exam to become Certified Financial Counselors, making a total of eight employees on staff that are Certified Financial Counselors.
The CUNA Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) is a 13-week program that provides credit union employees with the skills and knowledge required to guide their members to sound financial decisions.
“At Ocean Financial, part of our mission is to positively impact the financial well-being of our members,” said Joseph Tedesco, President and CEO of Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union. “With these six individuals certified as financial counselors , we are one step closer to our goal of having all Member Service Representatives and Loan Officers certified.”
The employees that have passed their Financial Counselor Certification Exam include:
- Sergio Bedoya, Oceanside Branch Manager
- Sandra Cardona, Member Service Representative
- Steven Geiger, Member Service Representative
- Elizabeth Lora, Seaford Branch Manager
- Carol Stuber, Oceanside Assistant Branch Manager
- Taynia Vendryes (previously certified), Financial Counselor
Two additional employees, Patricia Daley, Director of Marketing & Member Development, and Angela Fulgieri, Director of Branch Operations & Member Experience are also certified but are not member-facing in the branches.
“Americans often learn about finances from their families and friends, or just go at it alone. The need for expert help is real, especially when so many face uncertain economic futures,” said Sergio Bedoya, Oceanside Branch Manager at Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union. “With eight total certified financial counselors available at Ocean Financial, three of those being bi-lingual, we are able to better assist members experiencing financial difficulties and share the credit union difference.”
From left to right, Steven Geiger and Elizabeth Lora
Standing from left to right, Sandra Cardona and Sergio Bedoya; sitting from left to right, Carol Stuber and Taynia Vendryes.