Below is a list of the candidates for this election along with some biographical information for each. Click here when you are ready to vote.
 
Pamela Alvarez
Pamela  Alvarez Pamela Alvarez Zurita is a citizen of Ecuador who has worked in PAHO since 2015 in the Financial Resources Management Department. She is a professional with over 12 years of experience in project management, implementation of new financial systems (ERP/PMIS), Fund operations, financial reporting, internal and external auditors handling, budget management, and execution of multi-donor portfolios in various international organizations such as the OAS and the World Bank. She holds a degree of Master of Science in Finance from Johns Hopkins University and Master of Science in Accounting from American University. She is interested in joining the PAHO/WHO FCU Board of Directors to contribute collaboratively with other board members and executive management to improve the customer experience of members as well as to bring forward appealing financial products and instruments that can help our members to increase their revenues and minimize their liabilities. She firmly believes that she could add a wide variety of skills and competencies to the team and would be eager to continue celebrating diversity in such a multicultural environment where her knowledge of different languages could be of benefit. She hopes that her passion and motivation to work towards the FCU goals come across clearly and can gain your confidence and vote to prudently serve you and your best interests.
 
Sarah Arneson
Sarah  Arneson Diligence, enthusiasm, a positive can-do attitude, sincerity, and the willingness to work both with and for others - these are all attributes that I will continue to bring as a representative on the PAHO/WHO FCU Board of Directors. Since starting at PAHO in November of 2005, I have strived to demonstrate these qualities every day. I began in the Financial Resources Management Department where I worked in different units, including Payroll, Pension and Taxes; Staff Health Insurance; and Trust Fund Management. In 2018, I moved to the Human Resources Department, where I am currently a Human Resources Specialist. These positions have allowed me to meet many of my colleagues and to see the specialized needs the Credit Union addresses for many of its members.

I began working at PAHO not long after receiving my Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Center. Before that, I received a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Spanish and Anthropology at the University of Utah. I consider learning a lifelong path and am always looking for new training opportunities. I recently successfully completed the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Certified Credit Union Board Member Program, which has helped me become a better Credit Union Board Member by learning about strategic planning, fiduciary responsibility and understanding/analyzing financial statements. I will continue to look for innovative ways to create more efficient processes for the Credit Union and its service to all members.

In July of 2018, I was nominated to serve on the Supervisory Committee at the Credit Union during which time I learned how the Credit Union works and learned more about the valuable work the Board of Director conducts on behalf of the members to uphold the financial stability of the Credit Union. In 2020, I was elected to serve as member of the Board of Directors. During my term on the Board, I have played key roles in several committees. I am currently the Chair of the HR Committee which allows me to apply the skills I have learned while at PAHO as well as the additional skills I have learned at the Credit Union.

While the learning curve has been steep, I am eager to continue to apply the lessons learned in another term as a Board Member and would appreciate your support to continue to serve as a Credit Union Director. I promise to continue to listen, look out for the best interests of the members and apply the same level of diligence and integrity that I apply in my job and life every day. Thank you for your time and consideration.
 
Antonio Hernandez
Antonio  Hernandez I am Antonio Hernandez and, for those of you who do not know me, I retired from PAHO/WHO as the Senior Advisor on Health Services Physical Infrastructure and Technology after more than 29 years of service. During my time with PAHO, and continuing after retirement, I have had the privilege of serving as a volunteer on the Board of Directors for your Credit Union uninterrupted since 1998.

After retirement, I have continued working as a consultant and collaborating on the board of directors of several health technology organizations worldwide. In 2021, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Foundation and the American College of Clinical Engineering (ACCE) awarded me the "AAMI Foundation & ACCE's Robert L. Morris Humanitarian Award".

Currently, I am the first and only retiree serving on the Board of Directors for PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union. This unique situation has allowed me to better understand the financial needs of retirees and to better serve this important segment of the membership. As a volunteer of the Association of Former Staff Members (AFSM), I have also contributed to strengthening the relationship and collaboration between both organizations.

During my tenure with the Board of Directors, I have served in most of the available positions. I have been part of the team of volunteers who have contributed to the transformation of the Credit Union from a small organization to the strong institution of today. My contributions have been mostly in the areas of my expertise: technology and safety.

During these financially challenging times, I believe that I can continue contributing to the financial stability and growth of the Credit Union. I plan to continue to craft financial opportunities based on the needs of all members. For these reasons, I have decided to continue serving as a volunteer, and I am seeking your support and your vote.
 
Luis Proaño
Luis  Proaño My family and I have a personal interest in the continued success of the PAHO/WHO Credit Union, having done an extensive amount of business over the years.

Through my extensive experience as a volunteer for the Credit Union I have gained a very thorough understanding of the financial and regulatory intricacies the institution has to deal with. I have earned the designation of Certified Credit Union Director (CCD). This prestigious certification honors my professional development efforts and represents my dedication to the credit union movement.

Compared to big banks, I am a strong advocate of the credit union concept. I appreciate the member focus and attention to members' needs. I value characteristics like favorable credit union interest rates and the community structure of credit unions. The "not for profit" gives its members a fair cost for their financing needs. In this modern age where more of the world's assets are being absorbed by super-corporations and super-banks it is even more important for everyday people to step forward and protect their self-interest. It is even more critical now in these times of uncertainty.

My education (BS/MS), work experience, and volunteer backgrounds provide me with many of the tools I need to effectively support the PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union. I will be honored to serve again and I pledge that I will continue to use my experience and expertise to support the Credit Union management, and more importantly, represent your interests as members/owners, to ensure that the Credit Union delivers superior financial services.
 
Pamela Tejada
Pamela  Tejada I was born in Lima, Peru and received my Bachelor's Degrees in Information Technology and a Master's Degree in Technology Management, both from George Mason University in Virginia.

I began working at PAHO in 2005 in the Immunizations Unit, under FGL, and then worked in the Human Resources Management Area, and currently working in the Information Technology Services Area. Over the course of my work functions, I have had the pleasure of interacting with many of you in various capacities and had the opportunities to collaborate with you in many technology-oriented projects towards business automation and modernization.

As a Credit Union member since 2005, I am pleased to be a candidate for the Board and would be honored to represent you. Over the years, I have shared valuable suggestions to improve the user experience, and I am eager to contribute my ideas to enhance member services further. I believe that I can bring a fresh perspective to the Board, driving innovation, and introducing new ideas to help the Credit Union navigate the ever-changing financial services landscape. If elected, I will approach this role with professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to excellence.