Seattle, WA (April 17, 2025) |
Verity Credit Union, a mission-driven financial institution with $776 million in assets, today announced the appointment of Paul Barenfus as Chief Lending Officer. This strategic leadership appointment strengthens the credit union’s lending expertise, deepening its impact in marginalized communities and furthering its commitment to dismantling financial barriers through inclusive, socially responsible and community-driven banking.
Barenfus brings 20+ years of financial expertise to Verity’s executive leadership team. His community-first leadership approach and dedication to service align with Verity’s mission to create pathways to prosperity for all, particularly historically excluded populations. Barenfus’ career spans various roles in the industry, rising from teller to executive leadership. He offers unique ground-level insights to elevate member experiences and shape a bold vision for Verity’s lending solutions.
”We’re excited to welcome Paul - his appointment is a purposeful step forward for our organization,” said Ziquora Banks, Chief Impact Strategy Officer at Verity Credit Union. “His proven experience developing inclusive lending solutions while driving institutional growth is instrumental as we expand our impact to reach new members and communities.”
Verity’s highly engaged and experienced team allows the credit union to co-create solutions for members with a deep understanding of their needs. “ Paul is a fantastic addition to the organization,” said Tonita Webb, CEO of Verity Credit Union. “We’re building an executive team unified by our vision to dismantle systemic barriers to wealth creation and meaningfully reduce the generational wealth gap through accessible, equitable financial service offerings.”
As Chief Lending Officer, Barenfus will lead the transformation of Verity’s lending division, implementing forward-thinking strategies and programs while ensuring sustainable growth. Barenfus’ work will focus on developing innovative loan programs specifically designed to address financial inequities.
“Joining Verity enables me to align my professional expertise with my passion for value-driven banking,” said Barenfus. “I look forward to collaborating with this visionary team to develop lending solutions that create tangible financial opportunities for underserved communities. It’s an honor to be part of an organization where I’m proud to champion the mission and culture, showcasing the future of ethical banking.”
Barenfus joins a dynamic and diverse executive leadership team, including Tonita Webb, Verity’s CEO; Ziquora Banks, Chief Impact Strategy Officer; Toonayya Allen, Chief Information Officer; Alma Granic, Chief Risk Officer; and Josh Sidell, Chief Experience Officer.
High-resolution images of Barenfus can be found HERE. For more information about Verity Credit Union, please visit www.veritycu.com
