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About Us

Proudly serving the Peace since 1943.

Who We Are

Lake View Credit Union was founded on August 3rd, 1943, and has been growing strong ever since. We currently have branches in Dawson Creek, Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge and serve every corner of the Peace through our various digital solutions.
 
In addition to being a full service financial institution catering to all personal and commercial needs, its staff and board are proud to call the Peace their home.

Lake View Credit Union's board of directors are elected by our members and a significant portion of the profits generated by Lake View Credit Union are reinvested into the regional communities by way of sponsorship and charitable donations, or we pass it on to our members in the form of lower cost services and profit sharing.
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Our History

Our history of member service began in the years after the great depression, during the Second World War. 

Born in Dawson Creek on August 1943 with 12 members and $6, by September 1944, we had 141 members and a share capital of $25,820. LVCU had the distinction of being one of the fastest growing credit unions in British Columbia, and today we proudly service over 10,500 members with assets over $310 million.

In 1974, we expanded our services by opening a branch in Chetwynd, B.C., and in 2001 it became the only financial institution in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

Today, we continue to serve our members, led by the vision and direction of our Board of Directors.

Our Brand

Symbolism and Iconography

Our icon uses a bold "L" shape to represent the three communities where we have physical branches.

It is overlaid with an inverted triangle to evoke notions of the area we serve: the entire Peace.

Lastly, in the spirit of the pioneers that settled this vast land and the frontier they embraced to do it, the page turn in the corner is suggestive of both unexplored beyond the horizon.  

Colours and Landscape

Nature has blessed the Peace with an abundance of richness to draw from.

Our shared history, culture and architecture compliments and enhances this natural splendor. 

It's our goal to ensure the palette of colours we employ in our branding is representing the beauty and diversity of the Peace.

Logo

The marriage of these many influences has given birth to an icon and logo we feel balances the need to honour what's come before with the desire to look ahead into the future and embrace the frontier, as our forebearers did. 

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Our Team

Board of Directors

John Kurjata

CHAIR
8 YEARS TENURE ON BOARD​​
CURRENT TERM: 2025-2028​​

A Chartered Professional Accountant for over 20 years, John provides a myriad of accounting, tax and financial advisory services to a wide variety of individuals and businesses in the Peace River Region and beyond.

John also has extensive experience in other small business endeavors as an owner and manager.

In addition to Lake View Credit Union, John’s board experience includes Northern Health, Northern Lights College, Community Futures Peace Liard and various small not-for-profit organizations. He is also a charter member of the Dawson Creek Sunrise Rotary Club, and since its inception in 2000 has served on the executive over many years in various roles. 

John is currently a partner with Core Partners CPAs. 

  • Ex-officio on all Committees

Shamir Mangalji

VICE CHAIR
5 YEARS TENURE ON BOARD​​
CURRENT TERM: 2023-2026

As an engaged member of the community, Shamir is a great fit for Lake View Credit Union’s Board of Directors.

His commitment to the community and to the co-operative business model are advantages that can support the strategic vision of this Credit Union. Being a voice for the members comes with great responsibility, something that Shamir makes a priority.

Currently, Shamir is part of the Executive Leadership Team at Mistahiya Development Corporation, as the Director of Commercial Operations. He helps lead the company’s strategic objectives.

His board experience with the Dawson Creek Adult Soccer League served as a foundation for his Board aspirations. Shamir has grown up in Dawson Creek and has been an advocate of the Peace Region wherever he goes. Banking at Lake View Credit Union is something members should be proud of. Shamir wants to continue that proud tradition by enriching the value of a membership and potentially attracting new members which would help grow the business.

  • Chair: Governance, Community & Policy Committee
  • Investment & Lending Committee
  • Audit & Risk Committee

Darren Hamre

DIRECTOR
8 YEARS TENURE ON BOARD
​​CURRENT TERM: 2024-2027

Darren Hamre is a lifetime resident of Dawson Creek and member of Lake View Credit Union, both personally and commercially. He brings with him 30 years of Real Estate experience. Darren will be starting his eighth year as a Lake View board member and looks forward to using the board familiarity and education he has acquired to contribute to our organization. 

  • Chair: Audit & Risk Committee
  • Investment & Lending Committee
  • Executive Member: Northline Peer Group

Jerrilyn Kirk

DIRECTOR
 
6 YEARS TENURE ON BOARD
​​CURRENT TERM: 2023-2026

Jerrilyn brings to the table a wide variety of experience and education ranging from Social Work to Emergency Management to Political Science and Tourism. She has sat on a number of boards, working groups and committees including Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Director at large for both the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the North Central Local Government Association, President of BC Library Trustees Association, South Peace Economic Development Commission and the Lake View Credit Union Board.

  • Governance, Community & Policy Committee
  • Audit & Risk Committee

Simon Ennis

DIRECTOR
2 YEARS TENURE ON BOARD
CURRENT TERM: 2024-2027

Simon is a veteran and resident of British Columbia. In his professional life, he is an in-house lawyer for a large environmental engineering consulting firm. 

Simon attended the University of Northern BC where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce with a dual major in Marketing and Human Resource Management. Simon is familiar with the credit union system, having worked at a credit union in the lower mainland for 3 years before deciding to go to law school. He earned his law degree from Thompson Rivers University and was admitted to the British Columbia bar in 2022.

He has extensive board experience and was formerly the President and Chair of the Crisis Centre for Northern BC, an organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to the residents of Northern BC and across Canada. He was also formerly on the board for the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation.

Simon has banked at several credit unions and is a strong supporter of the credit union system. He believes in the value that a credit union brings to a community, its members, and the banking system generally and looks forward to the opportunity to serve on the Lake View Credit Union board where he hopes to bring a fresh perspective.

Duncan Malkinson

DIRECTOR
CURRENT TERM: 2025-2028

Duncan Malkinson was born and raised in Dawson Creek, BC.

He holds a degree in Economics and International Studies, as well as a Certificate in Public Administration from the University of Northern British Columbia. During his studies, he worked as the General Manager of the Northern Undergraduate Student Society, served on numerous university committees, and gained experience working for local governments in some amazing communities along Highway 16.

He currently serves as the Director of Corporate Services for the Central Coast Regional District. Duncan has been involved in many community initiatives over the years, but he currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer for the Dawson Creek Society for Community Living and serves Vice President of the South Peace Historical Society.

Duncan is eager to be a voice in the significant conversations facing the Lake View Credit Union, from navigating compliance to information technology. He believes in local wealth retention, supporting South Peace businesses, and furthering the resilience of the northern economy. He is committed to building goodwill, staying positive and empowering Lakeview Credit Union’s membership.

Jaron Neufeld

DIRECTOR
CURRENT TERM: 2025-2028

Jaron Neufeld is a Partner at Eclipse LLP, where he oversees audit clients and provides support to small to mid-sized corporate clients in the oil and gas, agriculture, and logging industries. Born and raised in Dawson Creek, Jaron graduated from Dawson Creek South Peace Senior Secondary School in 2005 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta in 2009.

Jaron began his career at Ernst and Young, joining their audit division in 2010, before returning to his hometown in 2011 to join Eclipse LLP. He completed his Chartered Accountant designation in 2012 and became a Partner in 2016. He leads the firm's student recruitment program and is involved in information technology implementation.

Active in his community, Jaron coaches with the South Peace Soccer Association and serves as a member of the Dawson Creek Sunrise Rotary club and the CPA Peace Region Chapter board. He previously held board positions with the South Peace Soccer Association and the Dawson Creek Sunrise Rotary Club.

Jaron and his wife, Amanda, reside in Dawson Creek with their two sons, Jace and Xavier. His blend of financial expertise, business acumen, and community involvement makes him a great fix for Lake View Credit Union.

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Our Leadership Team

Justin LaJeunesse

co-Chief Executive Officer

As a proud Dawson Creek native, Justin brings a lifelong connection to our community, paired with extensive credit union experience, to his new role as Co-CEO of Lake View Credit Union. With a career spanning over 15 years in the credit union system, Justin has demonstrated strategic leadership and a commitment to team development. His expertise in finance, technology, and innovation has been shaped by contributions to provincial and national working groups, as well as his MBA completion in 2022.

Justin's enthusiasm, integrity, and results-driven approach have earned him recognition as a mentor, team leader, and coach. Beyond his professional pursuits, he actively contributes to the community through coaching sports teams and serving on the board of South Peace Community Resources Society, where he currently holds the position of Chair.

With genuine enthusiasm and optimism, Justin is dedicated to collaborating with LVCU's staff and Board of Directors to propel the credit union into a successful future.

Marlana Blouin

co-Chief Executive Officer

Marlana brings over 20 years of experience and dedication to her role as co-Chief Executive Officer of Lake View Credit Union. With more than 12 years in management and over 5 years in executive leadership, she has cultivated a deep understanding of the credit union system from the ground up—beginning her career as a teller and advancing through a variety of retail branch roles, including Branch Manager.

Her extensive background in retail lending and member services is complemented by her leadership of LVCU’s corporate risk management and compliance program. Marlana is an Accredited Consumer and Residential Mortgage Lender and Business Lender, certified through the Canadian Credit Union Association and Dalhousie University.

Marlana also holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the University of Northern British Columbia and has successfully led several major corporate initiatives as a project manager. Her commitment to professional growth is reflected in her active participation in industry working groups and the BC Emerging Leaders working committee.

A lifelong resident of the Peace region, Marlana is deeply rooted in the community and passionate about cooperative values. She gives back through her involvement with the Sunrise Rotary Club of Dawson Creek and is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of LVCU members and the broader community.

Selina LaJeunesse

Corporate Officer

Selina has dedicated 24 years to the banking industry, with nearly 14 of those years at Lake View Credit Union. She joined Lake View Credit Union in 2011 as a Mortgage Specialist and since then, she has advanced through various roles, including Financial Services Officer 2 and Assistant Manager of Deposit Services. She later transitioned to Retail Lending, and in early 2021, she assumed the role of Executive Assistant before her current position as Corporate Officer. Selina further enhanced her qualifications by earning her Administrative Professional Certification in 2025.

Selina and her husband decided to settle in Dawson Creek to raise their family, not only because they were both born and raised here, but because they love the community and the beautiful landscape of the Peace. Over the years, Selina has actively volunteered for numerous local causes, including the Dawson Creek Minor Hockey Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Rotary Club.

Pam Kesterke

COMMERCIAL AND SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT SUPERVISOR

Pam Kesterke was born and raised in Dawson Creek and brings over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, including  20 years with Lake View Credit Union. Throughout her tenure, she has held a variety of roles and earned multiple accreditations, establishing herself as a highly experienced and accredited commercial lender.

Pam has a deep understanding of business and is well-versed in the diverse industries and economic landscape of the Peace River Region. Her long-standing connection to the area enhances her ability to serve local businesses and members with insight and dedication.

Pam is a strong believer in the values of Lake View Credit Union and is proud to support its ongoing commitment to the communities and members it serves.

Jerimy Earl

MANAGER, MARKETING, EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS

Jerimy has been providing marketing, communications, and community engagement since joining the Lake View Credit Union team in 2018. Prior to his involvement in the credit union system, Jerimy worked in events management, sponsorship, community engagement and non-profit fundraising.

A proud graduate of Thompson Rivers University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Professional Writing and Rhetoric in 2008, Jerimy has consistently demonstrated his commitment to empowering local communities through his work. He’s served on several non-profit boards and volunteers regularly in the community. Through his involvement in various volunteer and civic activities, Jerimy has built strong relationships with local stakeholders.

His work and attitude is informed by a genuine belief in the power of community and the importance of local decision-making. He is committed to growing the potential of Lake View Credit Union to make a positive impact on the lives of its members and the broader community.

 
 

How we give back

From member dividends and student bursaries to our Community Social Responsibility Fund, giving back is in our DNA. In fact, it's so important to us we'll often come along on the day to help at your events.
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Supporting non-profits

Non-profit organizations are the glue which helps keep our community together, and we're happy to support them through our CSRF, donations, and fundraisers.

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Volunteering is part of our culture

Our staff donate hundreds of hours annually in service to causes near and dear to their hearts throughout the Peace.

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We invest in education

In addition to our annual $5,000 member bursaries, we provide programming to help support financial literacy throughout the region.

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Fostering a great quality of life

Lake View Credit Union is proud to provide sponsorship for multiple local sporting, cultural or recreational initiatives to help grow the Peace. 

Want to find out more about our commitment to social responsibility?

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Together, we'll make your financial goals a reality

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Copyright © 2020 Lake View Credit Union. All rights reserved.