Meet The Team

Kevin Hood serves as Chief Executive Officer of 1st University Credit Union, leading with a focus on service, long-term stability, and putting members first. He works closely with the team and Board of Directors to ensure the credit union remains financially strong and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.

Kevin most enjoys seeing members achieve meaningful milestones whether that’s purchasing a first home, building savings, or gaining financial stability. He believes a strong credit union should create lasting impact for the people it serves.

The best money advice Kevin has ever received is: “Be intentional with your money so it supports the life you want.” He believes thoughtful financial decisions today create freedom and opportunity for tomorrow.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys simple moments with family and believes some of the best memories come from experiences—not spending. To him, Helping You Do Life means building a credit union members can rely on through every stage of life.

Shelley Carlson serves as EVP of Marketing and Relationship Management at 1st University Credit Union, where she helps people understand who we are, how we can help, and how our financial products support real life. She also works closely with local leaders to build partnerships that strengthen the credit union’s presence in the community.

Shelley most enjoys seeing members feel empowered and confident in their financial decisions. She values knowing that clear communication and strong relationships can truly make a difference in someone’s life.

The best money advice Shelley has ever received is: “Don’t use credit cards to extend your income. Pay off the balance every month if possible.” She believes financial clarity creates confidence. And confidence helps people move forward.

Outside of work, Shelley enjoys spending time with family and friends while traveling, cooking, wine tasting, and gardening. To her, Helping You Do Life means walking alongside members with practical solutions for every goal and hurdle ahead.

Ethel Jennings serves as EVP of Accounting and Operations at 1st University Credit Union, where she helps ensure the credit union operates with accuracy, integrity, and financial strength. She supports both members and staff by providing careful oversight and stepping in whenever additional expertise is needed.

Ethel enjoys working with members because they feel like family away from home. She believes strong relationships are at the heart of what makes the credit union special.

The best money advice she’s ever received is: “Track your money. When you know where it’s going, you’re in control.”

Most members are surprised to learn that Ethel has served at 1st University Credit Union for 29 years. To her, Helping You Do Life means being there through life’s ups and downs with steady support.

Patti Parker serves as VP of Mortgage Services at 1st University Credit Union, helping members purchase or refinance a home and access equity when needed. With extensive experience in mortgage lending, she guides members through each step of the process, ensuring they feel informed, confident, and supported from application to closing.

Patti enjoys knowing that the work she does truly improves members’ lives. Whether assisting a first-time homebuyer or helping someone refinance for greater financial flexibility, she values being part of meaningful milestones.

The best money advice she’s ever received is: “Buy the home you can comfortably afford — not the maximum you qualify for.”

Outside of work, Patti enjoys quiet time with her cat, feeding the birds, and tending to her backyard flowers. To her, Helping You Do Life means helping a member achieve the dream of becoming a first-time homeowner.

Michael Connolly serves as Senior Loan Officer at 1st University Credit Union, where he provides personalized lending guidance and practical credit advice to help members make confident financial decisions. He works closely with members to understand their goals and identify loan solutions that best support their long-term financial well-being.

Michael enjoys the face-to-face relationships he builds each day. He values getting to know members as people, not numbers, and finds it especially rewarding when someone realizes how much the credit union can help.

The best money advice he’s ever received is: “Put money into savings every paycheck — even a small amount — and don’t touch it.”

In larger settings, Michael tends to be more reserved, but with members he feels at home. To him, Helping You Do Life means doing what’s best for the member, even if that means recommending a path that doesn’t involve a loan.

Ki Briscoe serves as a Member Services Representative at 1st University Credit Union, assisting members with everything from opening and closing accounts to handling transactions and answering questions both in person and over the phone. She performs teller duties and takes pride in being patient, attentive, and thorough in every interaction.

Ki enjoys building connections with members and values the sense of teamwork that makes each day rewarding. She finds both professional satisfaction and personal fulfillment in helping members feel supported and understood.

The best money advice she’s ever received is: “Pay yourself first, avoid bad habits, and build an emergency fund.”

Though she may seem quiet at first, Ki loves learning new things and continually growing in her role. To her, Helping You Do Life means offering dedication, guidance, and steady support while encouraging healthy financial boundaries.

Ashley Cathey serves as a Member Services Representative at 1st University Credit Union and is often one of the first voices members hear when they call. She assists with everything from opening accounts and issuing debit cards to transfers, wires, and account updates, always taking pride in finding answers and providing clear guidance.

Ashley enjoys building genuine relationships with members and getting to know their families. She finds it especially rewarding to earn their trust and support them through both life’s milestones and everyday financial needs.

The best money advice she’s ever received is: “If you can’t buy it twice, you can’t afford it.”

Outside of work, Ashley is an avid reader who often stays up for “just one more chapter” and can sing along to most ’80s songs word for word. To her, Helping You Do Life means being there when life changes — and offering steady support through whatever comes next.

Connie Hatfield serves as a Senior Loan Processor at 1st University Credit Union, where she assists members throughout the home loan process. She helps ensure applications move smoothly and works behind the scenes to support members as they take one of the biggest financial steps of their lives.

Connie especially enjoys seeing the excitement of members purchasing a home — particularly first-time homebuyers. She finds it rewarding to be part of such an important milestone and to help make the process feel clear and manageable.

The best money advice she’s ever received is: “Ask questions until you fully understand — especially with something as important as your home.”

Outside of work, Connie enjoys time with her family (especially her grandchildren) as well as listening to music, reading, and keeping her mind active with word games and crossword puzzles. To her, Helping You Do Life means listening, being supportive, and offering a helping hand whenever it’s needed.

Nicholas Rafferty serves as a Member Services Representative at 1st University Credit Union, assisting members at the teller line and helping them complete their day-to-day financial transactions with accuracy and care. As part of the front-line team, he works to ensure members’ needs are handled efficiently and professionally.

Nicholas enjoys being on the front line, where he can directly support members and help them accomplish their financial goals. He values the opportunity to guide members in the right direction and make their experience smooth and positive.

The best money advice he’s ever received is: “Money doesn’t grow on trees, so don’t waste it. Value your money the way you value your time.”

Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys spending time with family and reading. To him, Helping You Do Life means being there for members, listening to their needs, and helping point them toward the right solutions.