Press Releases

New employees take on responsibilities after long-time CFO retired

PLANO, TEXAS, April 27, 2021 – The Cornerstone League has announced the addition of three employees:

• Sarah Bowman, engagement consultant and program manager, serving small credit unions and leads the Young Professionals (YP) program
• Ericka Calvillo, engagement consultant and relationship manager, serving midsize-to-large credit unions
• Shoaib Salamat, SVP of administration, overseeing Cornerstone’s financial reporting, accounting, and administrative functions

Bowman brings seven years of credit union experience to Cornerstone, having most recently worked on Oklahoma Central Credit Union’s marketing team. As a passionate credit union advocate, Bowman will leverage her creativity to bring fresh ideas on engaging small credit unions.

Calvillo is a 20-year credit union veteran who—like Bowman—brings a diverse perspective to Cornerstone. Having worked as a director of strategic services, training specialist, and marketing director, Calvillo has spent her career serving credit unions and supporting their mission through a strategic and creative lens.

Salamat has been in the financial services industry for 20 years, having served primarily as a controller at various financial institutions. Among his specialties include internal controls, financial reporting and monitoring, and SOX process management.

“I’m excited to join the Cornerstone League in a role that promises to be both challenging and rewarding,” said Salamat. “I can already see that it’s a great organization with a strong commitment to serving and supporting our member credit unions. I look forward to sharing in that commitment.”

The new hires come on the heels of former EVP/CFO/CAO Karen Hart’s retirement earlier this month, after 41 years with Cornerstone. Other adjustments made to the organization’s structure include transitioning the management of Cornerstone League’s value proposition to Jim Phelps, EVP/chief advocacy officer, and the oversight of the Experiences & Events team to Jeff Phillipich, SVP of strategic development.

Cornerstone League President and CEO Caroline Willard said the new additions to the team will help the organization re-imagine its engagement with members as the nation emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

“So encompassing and critical were Hart’s contributions to Cornerstone that we divided her duties between multiple departments,” said Willard. “I’m proud to welcome Sarah, Ericka, and Shoaib, whose expertise and experience will be valuable to the organization.”

For more information on Cornerstone career opportunities, visit the website.

About Cornerstone League
Cornerstone League is the nation’s largest regional credit union trade association, serving more than 450 credit unions in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Cornerstone exists to advance the success of credit unions in the region through legislative and grassroots advocacy; regulatory and compliance support; training, educational, and networking opportunities; essential communications related to news and information affecting the credit union industry; and other products and services that establish Cornerstone as the essential partner for credit unions. For more information, visit cornerstoneleague.coop.