News

Three at TVFCU, TVIA Achieve Certifications in Compliance, Financial Counseling

November 30, 2023

Two Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) employees, Katrina Chesney and Holly Goines, and one Tennessee Valley Investment Advisors (TVIA) employee, Ryan Hammerick, earn differing certifications—two through the 2023 Regulatory Compliance School sponsored by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and one through the College for Financial Planning (CFFP).

Katrina Chesney

Chesney, a compliance analyst for the credit union since 2022, earned dual certifications as a Credit Union Compliance Expert (CUCE) and a Certified Regulatory Vendor Program Manager (CRVPM) through CUNA—both of which she plans to use to continue pushing TVFCU forward.

“Building and maintaining a strong compliance program with a focus on regulatory and operational compliance and risk management is essential to our organization,” Chesney said. “Earning both the CUCE & CRVPM designations equips me to continue to lead TVFCU through the industry’s most challenging compliance issues.”

Although the course itself proved difficult, including six different exams, Chesney appreciated the course. She found other benefits within it outside of just the certifications.

“I thoroughly enjoyed CUNA’s 2023 Regulatory Compliance Certification School,” Chesney said. “While it was a rigorous program, I was also able to form priceless connections with other credit union compliance professionals from across the country. Credit unions have always been a cooperative movement and having access to a credit union compliance network with whom I can brainstorm is invaluable to maintaining a strong compliance program.”

Holly Goines

Holly Goines, a business development liaison for the credit union, also earned a certification through CUNA: the Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP). The FiCEP certification provides credit union employees with the skill and knowledge required to guide their members towards sound financial decisions. Goines joins four other TVFCU employees who hold the certification: Tyler Boldin, Jennifer Lee, Valerie Stropp, and Tiffany Wolf.

“Empowering members with financial education has been a passion of mine for a long time,” Goines said. “I have helped many members during my 18 years at a branch. Now with the knowledge and certification I received from FiCEP, I am able to broaden my audience. I want to reach as many people as I can, in hopes to guide them to a healthier, happier financial situation.”

Along with this expanded reach, Goines is better equipped to serve customers after earning the FiCEP certification. She plans to use these new-found skills to help anyone who seeks financial assistance from TVFCU.

“The FICEP financial education certification will act as a toolkit, enhancing my ability to provide others with accurate, well-researched information,” Goines said. “It ensures I will stay up to date on the latest trends and regulations in the financial landscape, enabling me to offer reliable guidance. Essentially, it’s a badge that signifies a commitment to delivering trustworthy insights in the realm of personal finance.”

Ryan Hammerick

Hammerick, an LPL Financial Advisor for Tennessee Valley Investment Advisors, earned the certification Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) through the CFFP. Financial professionals who hold a CRPC demonstrate high-level expertise in retirement beyond standard industry testing and licensure programs.

Hammerick joins elite financial company by obtaining this certification. It proves his proficiency in areas such as Social Security, Medicare options, investment strategies, retirement account distribution strategies, long-term care insurance planning and more.

The recent accomplishments of Chesney, Goines and Hammerick exemplify the commitment to professional development and excellence the credit union holds. While the certifications do serve as personal achievements, they also reinforce TVFCU’s commitment to its members. As these employees apply their newfound skills, TVFCU strengthens its position as a financial institution dedicated to compliance excellence and the empowerment of its members in their financial journeys.

About Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union

Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU), a not-for-profit financial cooperative, was established in 1936 when 57 Chattanooga TVA employees pooled $500 to create the member-owned credit union. Today, TVFCU serves more than 180,000 members who live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school throughout the 17-county service community. With more than $2.6 billion in assets and 23 branches throughout the area, TVFCU is the largest credit union in Southeast Tennessee. For more information about TVFCU, please visit tvfcu.com.

About Tennessee Valley Investment Advisors

Tennessee Valley Investment Advisors (TVIA) is dedicated to providing exceptional service to help members work toward achieving their personal, professional and financial aspirations. 

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC).  Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. TVFCU and Tennessee Valley Investment Advisors are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Tennessee Valley Investment Advisors, and may also be employees of TVFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, TVFCU or Tennessee Valley Investment Advisors. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are: