Verity Credit Union strengthens diverse leadership team with new CIO appointment
Adding Toonayya Allen to a predominantly female, BIPOC leadership team, the organization reinforces its desire to represent and reflect the communities it serves
SEATTLE, WA (July 15, 2024) — Verity Credit Union, a Seattle-based financial institution with $859 million in assets, today announced the appointment of Toonayya Allen as its new Chief Information Officer. This strategic hire underscores Verity’s Commitment to building a diverse team that sets the standard for inclusive, socially responsible, and community-centered banking.
Allen brings 26 years of experience to the executive leadership team, She embodies servant leadership while leveraging a visionary approach to technology, propelling innovation and operational efficiency within the credit union. Her approach will also help to enhance member experiences and foster organizational growth.
”We’re thrilled to welcome Toonayya to our executive team,” said Ziquora Banks, Chief Impact Strategy Officer at Verity Credit Union. “Her experience across the industry and deep understanding of credit union operations are invaluable as we continue to evolve and grow the organization.”
Allen joins following the hire of Chief Risk Officer, Alma Granic, who oversees risk, compliance and internal audit, creating a proactive culture that identifies and assesses risks and opportunities in pursuit of the credit union’s strategic objectives.
Verity’s diverse team allows the credit union to operate authentically in serving the local community. “I’m incredibly proud of the team we’re building at Verity,” said Tonita Webb, CEO of Verity Credit Union. “We’re focusing on intentionally growing our team with individuals who embrace our mission and commitment to impact the community positively, working to increase prosperity for all and reducing the generational wealth gap.”
“I’m honored to join Verity’s leadership team and contribute my expertise towards serving underrepresented communities,” said Toonayya Allen, Chief Information Officer at Verity Credit Union. “The organization’s commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility aligns with my values. I look forward to driving technical innovations that support community partnerships, allowing the credit union to understand needs and co-create solutions that move the needle.”
Mandy Lee also recently joined the team as Verity’s Community Impact Leader. She brings nearly a decade of work with marginalized communities, developing racially equitable and just community engagement best practices that center trust, accountability and authentic partnerships.
Allen, Granic and Lee join Tonita Webb, Verity’s CEO, Ziquora Banks, Chief Impact Strategy Officer, and Chief Lending Officer, Tina Narron.
For more information, please visit www.veritycu.com
About Verity Credit Union
Verity Credit Union is one of Washington State’s longest-standing credit unions, putting people, the planet, and prosperity for all above the bottom line. Our mission is to make meaningful, positive, and lasting change by partnering with our members and communities to co-create solutions. As a socially-responsible financial institution, about 95% of our deposits support the local economy and members with loans big and small to improve the well-being of businesses and individuals, especially those who have been historically left out of the financial system. We are one of few financial institutions with a Black woman CEO and leadership team and board that identifies predominantly female, allowing us to embody the change we’re working towards. Together, we can create stronger, healthier, more sustainable communities by making-people centric decisions.
