Meet the 2025 Candidates

Meet the 2024 Board of Director Candidates

ABOUT CLAUDIA Claudia Consuelos was raised in Rockford, IL and graduated from Rock Valley College with an Associates of Arts and an Associates of Science. She then transferred to Illinois State University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology with a focus on PreMedicine. While in college, Claudia helped increase voter registration, lobbied for institutional funding, and pushed for accessible scholarships among holding different executive positions in extra curriculum organizations. After college, she returned to work in Rockford. Through her education and professional career, Claudia’s passions are demonstrated through bringing awareness to different topics such as Mental Health, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, LGBTQ+, First Generation Students, and other underrepresented groups. Claudia implemented and led the first Latinx Graduation at Rock Valley College, assisted in creating different DEI statements and initiatives, and connects individuals and organizations to important resources. Claudia currently works as the Director of Workforce Development for Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc. (CCS). Claudia oversees two youth workforce development programs- YouthBuild Rockford and RockForWork. Claudia also organizes marketing for CCS, write grants, conducts different fundraising initiatives, and forms partnerships with community organizations and members. Claudia believes in the mission of CCS and is passionate to help young adults with personal and professional development. Claudia is trained to be a Real Colors trainer, Safe Zone trainer, Bridges out of Poverty facilitator, and facilitates diverse professional development programs including but not limited to- community success, workforce development and culture, inspirational, personal growth, and other topics. In the community, Claudia currently serves as the Artistic Director for the Rockford New Words Festival. Claudia also serves on the Board of Directors for the Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Remedies Renewing Lives. She is a member of the Coalition for Latino Leaders and is happy to volunteer for different organizations and events. In her free time, Claudia enjoys playing soccer, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. 

ABOUT PAUL Paul has been a credit union advocate since his family was well-served by a credit union for employees of the paper mill his father worked at for his entire career in Northern Maine. Paul comes from a working-class background and believes in giving back to his community. He is also a naturalized American citizen, having been born in Canada and first learning English when he started kindergarten. He has lived in Beloit, Wisconsin for over 15 years and this community is home for his family. He has academic and professional experience in cooperatives, credit unions, and consumer finance, and he wants to serve on RVCU’s Board as a way to make the best use of his skills in supporting the community. Paul believes RVCU’s mission will help grow financial literacy and empowerment. He is a strategically minded, mission-oriented leader with a record of successfully promoting and nurturing innovation in a variety of contexts. He is skilled in conducting research, identifying core insights, and bringing people and groups together to support organizational growth and transformation. He's also passionate about collaborating to achieve excellence while making a difference in our communities. He would endeavor to serve on the Board to the best of his ability, applying all of his skills and experiences to provide effective fiduciary oversight and support the development and execution of RVCU’s strategic objectives. With over five years of experience in researching and supporting credit unions at a national level, Paul is also ready to leverage a broad professional network of credit union professionals and system partners to support RVCU’s growth goals. Locally, Paul is willing to advocate for RVCU in the communities served by the credit union.

 ABOUT ANNTONISHA With over a decade of HR experience, Anntonisha is the Director of Human Resources, Aerospace -Fuel Systems & Controls Division at Woodward, Inc, an independent designer, manufacturer and service provider of energy control and optimization solutions for aerospace and industrial markets. She holds an MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Rockford University. She is also certified in HR Strategic Workforce Planning and HR Building a Performance Management System by LinkedIn. Her core competencies include HR strategy, process improvement, performance management, learning and development, recruitment and retention, compensation and benefits, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and employee engagement. Anntonisha is passionate about creating a positive and productive work environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth for both the organization and its employees. As part of the senior leadership team, she partners with various stakeholders to align HR initiatives with the company's vision, mission, and values. She is interested in joining the Board of Directors for Rock Valley Credit Union because she's deeply committed to contributing her strategic leadership, financial acumen, and extensive experience in Human Resources to support her community. With a proven track record in guiding organizations towards success, she believes her multifaceted skill set, including HR strategy, process improvement, and fostering a positive work environment, aligns with the values and goals of Rock Valley Credit Union. By serving on the Board of Directors, her aim would be to actively contribute to the Credit Union's mission of empowering members financially, driving sustainable growth, and upholding the highest standards of service and integrity. Anntonisha is excited about the prospect of leveraging my skills and experience to contribute meaningfully to the Rock Valley Credit Union's continued success and its positive impact on the community. She plans to leverage her business and human resources expertise, along with community engagement experience, to help drive Rock Valley Credit Union's growth. This includes partnering to optimize HR practices, foster community relationships, contribute to strategic planning, and leverage her professional connections to explore strategic partnerships. Through these efforts, she aims to propel the Credit Union toward its strategic goals, expand its membership, and enhance its impact within the community.

ABOUT DEBBIE Debbie is an active Real Estate Broker with Maurer Group- Exit Realty Redefined in Loves Park. She resides in Roscoe with her husband and two teenagers, and stays busy in the Hononegah High School sports and extracurricular activities scene. Being active in the community helps her keep a pulse on trends for her business and allows her to meet so many great people. In a past life, before children, Debbie was introduced to the credit union movement and remained a management employee in the industry for twenty years. She is a true credit union believer and a lifelong member.

ABOUT THERESA Theresa began her accounting career over 34 years ago. She has worked in private, public, and nonprofit organizations. She earned her BA in Business, as an accounting major and has decades of experience with Boards. She joined United Way in 2008 and has spent the last 16 years helping the community. Theresa is married, has three adult children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family and camping.

ABOUT MARTIN Martin J. Reyes was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has lived in the Rockford area his whole life. He is married and has 4 adult children. In 2005, he and his wife moved their family to the City of Loves Park, IL. He graduated from Rockford East High School and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. Martin's relationship with the Rock Valley Credit Union started through his previous employment at the Barber Colman Company in Loves Park and has been a loyal member of the credit union since 1985. He is the proud son of two Mexican migrant workers; with his Hispanic heritage and culture, he is confident that he will be a positive and professional advocate for the credit union and will influence the Hispanic community to join the credit union. As a board member, Martin wants to be a part of the decision-making process to ensure financial stability and growth for members as well as for the credit union. He wants to make sure that the credit union continues to provide exceptional customer service to all the members as well as make sure that the credit union continues to be a trusted partner. He wants to help secure his financial future, and the financial future of all the members of the Rock Valley Credit Union.  

ABOUT JEREMY Jeremy is a midwestern native with a little bit of southern roots. For the last two decades, he has worked in and out of the Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin real estate world. He has an extensive background working in residential real estate, accounting, and professional photography. His current, key focus is supporting Making Dreams Realty, a Janesville based brokerage, as an Administrative Coordinator in a role that includes, but is not limited to, supporting real estate transactions, providing professional photography, connecting with future clients, and aiding the overall growth and success of the company. Jeremy believes that this skill set will help contribute to the board in a positive way and support future endeavors that the credit union wishes to undertake. In his free time, he explores the midwest with his family and two golden retrievers: Silas and Shelbie. 

ABOUT GARNETT Garnett is a 65-year-old resident of the great city of Rockford, IL, and has been for the past 23 years. He was born and raised in Jamaica and legally migrated to Philadelphia, PA in May 1987. After living in the Philadelphia area for 14 years, his job offered him a transfer to the Rockford area in 2001, so he moved to Rockford one day before 9/11. He was previously married and is the proud father of a daughter, and two granddaughters, who currently reside in Fairburn, GA. Living in Rockford over the past 23 years has given Garnett the distinct privilege and opportunity to interact with some of the hardest working, ambitious and most friendly people the Midwest. He has been an Electronic Engineering Technician for over 30 years. My job entails the servicing and calibration of electronic laboratory test equipment across the length and breadth of the United States. I have therefore had the opportunity to travel to 49 of the 50 states and interact with as well as provide calibration services to owners, managers, and other quality personnel of manufacturing companies of varying sizes. He is a Christian and has been a member of City First Church here in Rockford for over five years. Prior to that, he taught Sunday School for several years while living in Jamaica and continued doing so while living in Philadelphia, as well as here in the Rockford area. While living in Jamaica, he worked as a head teller and was therefore directly responsible for trading in foreign currency at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Jamaica. Six years later he decided to make a career change and joined one of the largest life insurance companies in Jamaica, as a licensed Life Insurance Salesman. Garnett was very successful in that field and after three years was admitted to the Million Dollar Round Table; a very prestigious group of individuals who sold life and health insurance policies with face values totaling more than one million dollars each year. Based on his vast experience and interaction with the public over the years in such direct ways, and the success he has achieved, his is quite confident that he has the experience, the integrity, the drive, and the will to serve his community in this capacity as a voluntary member of the board of the Rock Valley Credit Union. Additionally, he believes he can help to harness good talent that is necessary to lead this organization while simultaneously fostering a sense of responsible banking while increasing membership, thus allowing this organization to have a stronger influence in this part of the country. His experience in working with others, in making financial decisions as well as creating solutions for personnel and financial issues, make him extremely confident that he will play an integral role as a board member.

ABOUT JOHN John Sprayberry has been a dedicated member of Rock Valley Credit Union for over two decades. His long-standing relationship with the credit union reflects his trust in its values and commitment to community-centric financial services. In addition to his membership, he is the proud owner of Premier Rental Purchase, a thriving business established in Dixon, IL, in 2007. Through his experience as a business owner, he has honed his strategic thinking skills and the ability to navigate challenges and foster growth in a dynamic market. His passion for business extends beyond the walls of Premier Rental Purchase. He is deeply committed to community involvement and believes in the importance of relationships between local businesses and local communities. Over the years, John has actively participated in many community events to contribute to the betterment of the communities he is a part of. As he seeks the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for Rock Valley Credit Union, his extensive experience as both a dedicated member and a successful business owner uniquely positions him to contribute valuable insights and a fresh perspective. He is eager to leverage his passion for business and community involvement to contribute to the credit union's mission and growth. John looks forward to the possibility of collaborating with fellow board members and lending his expertise to guide Rock Valley Credit Union toward continued success. He has a deep appreciation for the credit union's commitment to community engagement and financial education, and believes his background in business and finance aligns well with the organization's goals. Having followed the credit union's initiatives closely, he is impressed by its dedication to providing accessible financial services and supporting the financial well-being of its members. As someone who values community involvement, John is eager to actively participate in shaping and executing strategies that will benefit both the credit union and its members. He is drawn to the collaborative nature of the Board and the opportunity to work with other dedicated individuals who share a passion for making a positive impact. He is confident that his business skills and perspective will contribute to the overall success of Rock Valley Credit Union, and he is excited about the prospect of being part of a team that plays a crucial role in guiding the organization toward continued growth and success.

ABOUT BRENDA Brenda currently works in finance and has a background in banking as a teller, real estate, and working with volunteers. She has recieved an associate degree from Rock Valley College. She strongly believes in the foundational values of credit unions and is currently a member of three. Her father was even a worker for Barber Colman. Brenda has experience with problem solving and looking outside the box for all the right answers.