Six employees at Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union (OFFCU) receive Financial Counselor certifications
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.
About Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union
Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union was formed in 1969 by a group of Father Joseph O’Connell Knights of Columbus members looking to provide financial services to Brother Knights and their families. Over the years, the credit union has evolved in name and in the field of membership, while maintaining ties to their Catholic roots. Today, Ocean Financial has grown to over $359 million in assets, serving members of the Knights of Columbus in New York State, the Diocese of Rockville Centre, and any Catholic interested in the credit union. Inspired by their Catholic values, Ocean Financial provides exceptional products and services to the Catholic community. The credit union takes pride in having Catholic values you can bank on. Ocean Financial promotes these values throughout the entire organization, down to the logo. To learn more, visit https://www.oceanfinancial.org
