Affinity Plus promotes Laufers, Rupp to senior management team
ST PAUL, MN (September 26, 2017) —
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union has announced two new additions to its senior management team.
Teri Laufers has been promoted to senior vice president of IT Operations and Development. Corey Rupp has been promoted to senior vice president of Lending.
ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE, IMPROVEMENTS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Most recently vice president of Information Technology, Laufers joined Affinity Plus in June of 2014, bringing with her 30 years of industry experience, which includes leading IT departments at other financial institutions.
As senior vice present of IT Operations and Development, Laufers oversees Affinity Plus’ IT applications and technical-support team. Currently she leads organizational change as the executive sponsor of several system conversions – including the core processing and digital banking systems – as Affinity Plus works to position itself for the future and advance the cooperative’s well-being.
Dave Larson, Affinity Plus President/CEO, said that when Laufers arrived at the credit union several years ago, she quickly became a well-respected leader and made an immediate impact.
“Teri is a credit union advocate and an outstanding leader of people. She displays our core values in her daily interactions,” Larson said. “She’s an internal champion for our technology advancements. She’s playing a critical role in the many conversions and technology initiatives we’re in the midst of.”
Laufers said she enjoys advocating for change and has a strong desire to bring superior technology solutions to Affinity Plus members and employees. She appreciates the collaborative spirit and cooperative nature of the credit union industry, where she has spent much of her career.
“I love going home at the end of the day knowing we did our best to truly make a difference in the financial lives of everyday people and their families,” Laufers said. “As a member of the senior team, I appreciate the ability to represent all areas, make strong decisions and have the members’ and employees’ best interests at heart.”
Laufers has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and an MBA in Technology Management. Throughout her career she has shared her knowledge and expertise serving on several industry committees, technology councils and software user groups.
EXPERIENCED LENDING WITH CARE FOR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES
As Senior Vice President of Lending, Corey Rupp oversees all aspects of consumer lending, business lending and real estate.
Rupp has worked for Affinity Plus for 13 years. He started in 2004 as a branch manager in Rochester, Minn., and moved in 2010 to Bemidji, Minn., to oversee the credit union’s lending operations.
During his career, he has led the implementation of new lending platforms, made significant enhancements to mobile lending, established a loan preapproval program, and completely overhauled the credit union’s lending program.
Also during his tenure, Affinity Plus has grown significantly in the Bemidji market and created jobs, now employing more than 60 people at three branch offices and a call center.
“Corey has been instrumental in the evolution of our lending program, and he operates with care and excellence, ensuring that we are doing what is in the best interest of our members,” Larson said. “He’s a driven leader, a hard worker and a genuine human being – the kind of person everyone would want to have on their team.”
Rupp has influenced several lending user groups and software advisory boards. He is a consistent leader within the community, currently serving as a member of the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce and as treasurer of Northwest Technical College Foundation.
Previously, he was president of the Bemidji Youth Hockey Association and on the Career Advisory Board at Bemidji State University. Rupp has a Bachelor’s degree in Business with an emphasis in healthcare administration.
“I really appreciate the cooperative structure of credit unions – knowing that the harder we work and the more successful that we are, the more benefits we are able to offer to our members,” Rupp said. “I enjoy the challenge of helping people save money and achieve their goals.”
Corey Rupp
Teri Laufers
About Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 30 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by over 250,000 members. Affinity Plus has more than $4 billion in assets. Additional information is available at
www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.
