Serving our members, it’s our sole purpose. Providing stellar service and products is what’s kept us in business since 1936. Together, we are real people, living the credit union philosophy of #PeopleHelpingPeople. Every day, we are grateful for the chance to showcase the #CUDifference.
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Bill has over 40 years of experience in credit unions and previously served as Chair of the Board of Directors for 30 years. Bill is a retired Captain of the Cleveland Fire Department. Along with his credit union experience, he has served for 16 years on the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund Board. He believes that credit unions are powered by providing the best customer service to members. Bill volunteers at St. Ambrose Parish and the Fire Museum renovation. Bill and his wife live in Brunswick and have two grown children.
Tony is honored to have been the current Board Director since 1999. He has been a credit union member of Cleveland Fire Fighter since 1988. Tony graduated with a BA degree in Business from Hiram College and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace College. He is currently an Assistant Chief with the Cleveland Fire Department.
Ben Laurendeau has been employed in the credit union industry since 1987 in a variety of positions. Ben has held the position of President/CEO with Firefighters Community Credit Union since January of 2005. Ben holds an Associate Degree in Accounting from Terra Community College, A Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Tiffin University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Baldwin Wallace University. Ben serves as a Director on the Ohio Credit Union League Services Corporation Board and serves on the Ohio Credit Union League Audit Committee.
Gary is a lifelong resident of Greater Cleveland and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2018. Many of his family members have served in the Cleveland Fire department and are long-time members of FFCCU. Gary holds a BA from Columbia College and a JD g from Cleveland State University. He has worked for both Cuyahoga County and the US Attorney’s office in Cleveland during his legal career. Now retired, Gary and his wife live in Lakewood.
Barb is a current Board Director of FFCCU and a fully vested member. She has an MBA in Finance and has spent 25 years teaching to all walks of life. Barb is a volunteer with the Foundation for Geauga Parks, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Lorain County Spirit of America, and Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. Barb is a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area. She and her husband have one daughter.
Alyssa Garcia Evanoff joined Firefighters Community Credit Union as the Chief Marketing Officer in February 2019. Alyssa has nearly two decades of experience in brand management and strategic marketing with a variety of organizations across the Greater Cleveland area. During her career, she has developed successful marketing and creative campaigns that have repositioned brand image and increased brand loyalty through emerging digital trends, content marketing and user experience strategy. Alyssa is a graduate of Miami University and sits on the board of the Cleveland chapter of the American Advertising Federation.
Jessica Bittner joined FFCCU as a teller in 2009. In 2012 she was promoted to branch manager, and has managed multiple branches throughout the credit union. Jessica holds a Bachelors in Human Resource Management & Business Management, with a minor in accounting from Baldwin Wallace University. She was promoted to COO in 2021.
Kathleen Riggs joined FFCCU as Chief Retail Officer in 2013. Kathy has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years, holding a variety of positions. Kathleen received her bachelors degree in psychology from Kent State University and is a certified trainer of CUNA’s Creating Member Loyalty program.
Paul Humphrey was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. He joined FFCCU in 2017 as the Chief Lending Officer. Paul is a graduate of Kent State University. He holds the designation of Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) from CUNA. Paul has managed lending programs in both small and large credit unions and brings that unique perspective to serve the members of FFCCU.
John Carrick is the Chief Financial Officer of Firefighters Community Credit Union in Cleveland, Ohio. John was hired by Greater Cleveland Firefighters Credit Union (former name of Firefighters Community Credit Union) as an Accounting Assistant in February 1993, was promoted to acting CFO in 1995, and was awarded the position of CFO in 1996. John has assisted in the acquisition of multiple mergers for Firefighters Community Credit Union and has managed two different Merging Credit Unions during the merger process. John is a former member of the Audit Committee of the Cleveland Chapter of the Ohio Credit Union League. John holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State University.
Dennis has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2017. He is invested in forming bonds between the Credit Union and the community and helping members improve their economic situations. He has a strong desire to have a voice in the decision-making process of an institution that he was raised with and believes in. Dennis has been a part of the Cleveland Fire Department for 25 years and is currently a Captain. Dennis and his wife live in the Cleveland area with their three children.
Damian has served on the Board of Directors for over 10 years. He has been the Citywide Service Manager for the City of Cleveland since 1983 and manages the demolition of houses and buildings. He holds degrees in Law and Engineering and is a member of the Ohio Bar. Damian lives with his wife in the Cleveland area. He has been a credit union member for 30 years.
Rich serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors and has been a board member since 2009. He has been a Cleveland Firefighter since 1989 and is presently a Battalion Chief serving the city’s lower west side. Rich is a founding member and Treasurer of the Firefighters Memorial Ride. Since their inception in 2004, they have donated over $250,000 to the families of fallen Fire, Police, and EMS workers. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance from Cleveland State University.
James is the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors and has served on the Board since 1982. He has also held the position of Secretary. Jim is a retired Cleveland Firefighter after 30 years of service. He is the past treasurer of Fire Fighters Local 93 and served on the Union Executive Board for 18 years. Jim is also a former Worker’s Compensation Representative for Local 93 and the NOFF.
Bryan has served on the FFCCU Board of Directors since 2006 and looks forward to continuing to help the credit union move forward and provide quality services to members. Born and raised in Cleveland, Bryan and his wife live in Lakewood and have three grown children. He holds a degree in Communications from Cleveland State University and spent 40-years as a cameraman for the MLB and NBA. After 33 years, he retired as a Captain from the Cleveland Fire Department. He is a former Sergeant at Arms for Local 93 IAFF and was Secretary for the Firefighters Memorial.
Bob is a lifelong Cleveland resident and has been a member of FFCCU since 1993. He has served on the FFCCU board since 2019. Bob is a graduate of Cleveland State University and has served as a Cleveland firefighter for the past 28 years, becoming a lieutenant in 2002. He and his wife live in Cleveland and have two grown daughters.
Jim has been a credit union member for over 40 years and has served on the Board of Directors since 2012. He has been a Cleveland Firefighter for 29 years, currently stationed at Engine Company 13. James has served on the Cleveland Firefighters Relief Fund board and was a former Union Steward and Committee Member for Firefighters Local 93. He and his wife have three children.
Just joined and received awesome support when opening my accounts and from LeeAnn. GREAT experience so far. So glad I joined!!
LeeAnn is awesome! She was so patient with me! I am an older person and have been with FFCCU for over 30 years. Technology is tough for us older people (who remember those 5″ tv screens from the 50’s)! I will always belong to FFCCU!
This Co-Op member from Delta Community Credit Union in Newnan, GA thanks you for being here for me whenever I visit Cleveland, Ohio. More importantly, I’d also like to commend Tiaunna, a teammate at your St. Clair Avenue location for her outstanding excellence in Customer Service. She’s an invaluable asset to your organization. Thanks again Tiaunna for your kindness and for being an invaluable asset to this organization.
Once again Karen, one of the outstanding ladies that handles Live Chat, has done a great job helping us through an unplanned need to move funds between accounts. All these ladies do an outstanding job, allowing us to complete financial tasks without a visit or phone calls. A few words tapped out on a keyboard and tasks are quickly handled. My thanks to Karen and her team!
Jenny and Victoria from the Wellington branch were super helpful on getting things going for me and gave me ease of mind. So grateful for their help!
Suzette attended to my online needs in a timely manner and I was very happy. Thank you Suzette for responding in a timely manner. You are appreciated 💛
Thank you! It was my pleasure taking care of you!
Karen was awesome today, her response was very timely and she answered all of my answers. She is a tremendous asset to the FF Community.
I have been with FFCCU for over 25 years and have never had anything but great experiences. Lisa Snell was no exception: from all my online interactions with her to meeting in person to close my auto loan, she was fantastic! Professional, pleasant, and personable!! How refreshing. Thanks, FFCCU and Lisa – great work!
Tiffany Zifcak worked with me on my recent home equity loan and did an amazing job. She was quick to respond and made the whole process easy for me. Will be using FFCCU for more of my banking needs in the future.
LeeAnn, Karen, and Emily always do an outstanding job handling my frequent use of the online messaging feature. I’m hearing impaired and prefer messaging to voice phone calls. They handle all my issues quickly and thoroughly.
LeeAnn and Emily do an outstanding job on the electronic messaging. We use it often and they are alway quick with a detailed response or a resolution.
Had a marvelous introduction to the wonderful customer service of FFCCU today! As a new member I had several questions regarding my account. The customer service representative online was fantastic! They answered all of my questions effectively and efficiently via the texting service. They were courteous and professional. I couldn’t ask for better customer service from a credit union/bank. Cheers! 😁😊👍
Lisa Snell helped me refinance an auto loan and was so very helpful and responsive throughout the entire process. She is always available for any questions and makes an effort to ensure her clients are comfortable and knowledgeable.
Brian Velioniskis was very helpful in setting up our home equity loan. He explained the options very clearly and made the process very easy. Thanks to him our financial goals are back on track.
Jeff and Sherry
Emily was super helpful over text chat – answering all my questions through our back-and-forth and made an appointment for me to take care of my remaining concerns! Emily is Awesome!
Emily answered my text quickly on a Saturday morning and helped me promptly with my request. I love the text feature at FFCCU!!
Karen is great!!! Thank you Karen!!!
Karen was a huge help today answering my questions quickly and clearly!!
Talked with LeeAnn about postponing a loan repayment until the following week. She was happy to help and went into detail, explaining how my account has been updated and how the payments will continue to go without interruption after next week. This was a huge help!!
Called about a car loan for my daughter who is a student and Sumintra helped determine the best option. I have been a member for 25+ years and the staff has always been available to answer questions and help us with our financial needs!
I called and spoke with Suzette 1/23/24. If I were to say she was amazing and extremely helpful, it would be an understatement. As a new FFCCU member, she actively answered all of my questions and gave great feedback. Suzette was able to provide an informative and pleasant experience for me. For that I am grateful. Thank you Suzette!
Thank you, Deneen! It was a pleasure assisting you!
GREAT service every time I have interacted with ALL of the FFCCU staff whether IRL or online over the many years I have been associated. Kudos. I love this credit union.
Every time I have needed assistance someone from the staff has helped quickly and thoroughly. Today it was Will retrieving account statements that weren’t available due to a technical glitch.
LeeAnn has always responded to my concerns in a timely, respectful, and concerned way!
She is great! I am been a member for many years and it is due to the customer service!!!
I would like to extend my gratitude to Megan Scott. I had a fraud charge for a large amount in March 2023. Then came Megan Scott to the rescue. Once I told her what happened, she was determined to help me out. It took her no time at all to have the fraud charge credited back to my account along with all the interest that had accumulated. Thank You Megan so much for your help I truly appreciate all your help!!!
Brian Velioniskis is the best thing that happened to the Parma branch. Brian made several follow-up calls to assist me with an issue. He is knowledgeable and caring. His title, “Financial Solutions Specialist,” fits him perfectly.
I have been a FFCCU member since I was a teen. I have both business and personal accounts. Jearadith Cruz, a teller at the West Side Cleveland branch, has met the majority of our banking needs over the last several years. Jearadith, is friendly, thorough, knowledgeable and confident when handling all of our transactions. I am grateful for her expertise and also her friendship.
MARGARET GILBRIDE went way above to help with a bill pay issue. I would like to acknowledge her with a great big THANK YOU!
LeeAnn and the entire customer service team exceed my expectations regularly!
Thank you.
Once again, great service! I go back almost 40 years with FFCCU. Never a disappointment.
LeeAnn Ballish was a TREMENDOUS help in setting up my wife’s online access to our account! She was very patient with my technical glitches, and was very friendly!
The team at FFCU were exceptional in handling the distribution of New Debit cards. Thanks for your diligence.
I had the pleasure of working with Lisa Snell. She was great. Good communication, super friendly and helpful through the process! Thank you!!
Much thanks to Tiffany Zifcak for being an awesome representative! She answered all my questions and was very prompt in responding to my emails!
Jashira did great work solving my problem and answering my questions Thank You, Jashira.
LeeAnn explained the interest on a certificate of deposit perfectly via chat. Thank you again!
I had the pleasure of working with Tiffany Zifcak as I was selling one of my cars being financed by FFCCU. There were several tricky circumstances and Tiffany was awesome. She stayed on top of all entities involved, guided everyone through the transaction, it resulted in best scenario – all parties were very happy! You have a terrific employee in Tiffany. She’s likable, she is trustworthy, and she is smart.
I give Kudos to the entire awesome credit union staff – especially to Karen , LeeAnn, Jashira , and Beverly. Excellent service! I am so glad to be a member.
Jashira is great. Answered my question right away.
LeeAnn was awesome!
Thank you for all your help. Karen was amazing.
Much kudos deserved and THANK YOU your assistance is greatly appreciated once again!
The entire team answering the electronic messages is outstanding. I’m hearing impaired and have trouble dealing with issues on a voice call. Jashira, LeeAnn, Jessica, and Karen have all helped me with quick and accurate answers. These ladies have been wonderful in helping me through any issues I run into.
LeeAnn is fabulous. She is so patient and gracious !!!! She took care of my issue and went beyond the normal. I’ve communicated with LeeAnn on different occasions, and she always took care of my issues. She is awesome!!!
Lee Ann always takes care of business and does a great job!
Carol Merker has been my rock for many years.She saves me on a regular basis – between loans, debit card issues, checking – you name it. She has the patience of a Saint! Love her!
I’d like to give Kudos to Sue Whitt!! Sue was patient, answering all my questions, discussing my options, and together we put forward a solution. The best part: she always made herself available to answer phone calls, was prompt in providing documents in a way convenient to my work schedule, and found an expedited resolution. Thank you, Sue!!
I stopped in today and was helped by Lisa Shell. She was friendly, professional and had a great attitude. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable for the issues I was having and knew how to navigate the system to correct and install my new accounts. Great job, Lisa!!! Thanks again!
I called the FFCU on 8/1/2023 for help with the new format. I talked to Liz {ext 1402} for an extended period. She was nothing but pleasant, helpful and understanding helping me with navigating this new format. I could not have asked for a better person to help me. Shout out to her!!!