
To VOTE sign into MV Online or the MV Mobile App and select “Vote!” from the left side menu.
Follow the instructions that appear after clicking Vote! in the menu.
For additional assistance on how to vote online, please call our Virtual Community Office at 907.745.4891 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Paper Ballot:
If you prefer a paper ballot, you may request one at any MVFCU Community Office or one will be mailed to you by calling 907.745.4891. Requests for mail ballots must be made by the close of business on April 18 and all ballots must be received by our election specialist by the end of business day May 2.
Who Can Vote?
The election is open to all Credit Union primary members with an account in good standing and must be at least 18 years or older on or before March 24.
2025 Election Results will be Announced at the Annual Meeting
The 2025 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 8, at Evangelo's Restaurant in Wasilla beginning at 6 PM.
Meet the 2025 Board of Director candidates!
Karen Foster
(Incumbent Chair)
Karen Foster is a lifelong resident of the Mat-Su Valley and a proud descendant of replacement colonists. A graduate of Wasilla High School and The College of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree, she has dedicated over two decades to co-owning Foster and Company, LLC, CPAs and Advisors, specializing in non-profit financial audits and tax advisory services.
Karen has been deeply committed to community service since 2000, serving on the board of the Fuller Center for Housing Mat-Su, formerly Habitat for Humanity. Her passion for financial stewardship and strategic leadership has also been evident throughout her tenure on the Board of Directors at MVFCU, where she has served for nine years—five of those as Board Chair.
During her tenure, MVFCU grew from $500 million to just under $1 billion in assets, a testament to her leadership and dedication to the Credit Union’s growth and success. Passionate about the MVFCU Way, Karen is committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance and transparency. As MVFCU embraces new opportunities with recent leadership changes, she remains dedicated to ensuring it continues to be an invaluable resource for both its members and the broader community.
With her depth of experience and unwavering commitment, Karen Foster is proud to contribute to MVFCU’s ongoing success and bright future!
JOSEPH HAWKINS
(Incumbent Vice Chair)
Experienced Credit Union Leader | Advocate for Financial Growth & Member Success
I am honored to serve as Vice Chair of Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and have been a dedicated board director over these fast changing and challenging financial times, helping guide policies that support Alaskan and Hawaiian members. As a small business owner and healthcare professional, I understand the financial challenges and opportunities our members face daily.
As your board representative, I have worked to:
✔ Ensure financial stability and sustainable growth for all members
✔ Advocate for small businesses and local entrepreneurs
✔ Promote financial education, including supporting our nonprofit foundation and Reality Fairs, hands-on financial simulations that teach high school students budgeting and career planning skills
✔ Protect members from financial fraud, particularly seniors, by expanding financial counseling and secure banking options to help safeguard their savings
✔ Strengthen community partnerships and services that enhance member value
Beyond credit union leadership, I have been a business owner in Palmer for 25+ years-as a Chiropractic physician at BIONIC Chiropractic in touch with the physical needs of our community and a peony farmer who enjoys working with my hands while integrating sustainable energy solutions and technology. My community involvement includes serving on local boards and volunteering with events like the Arctic Winter Games.
With your support, I will continue to advocate for smart financial strategies, member-focused services, and strong community partnerships. I appreciate your vote and the opportunity to keep working for you!
Lawrence Agcaoili
CREDIT UNION ACHIEVEMENTS
Board of Directors Certificate
Credit Union Leadership Certificate
Credit Union Services Certificate
Lending Certificate
Technology Certificate
Supervisory Committee Certificate
FOUNDERS CERTIFICATES
Edward Filene Certificate
Friedrich Raiffeisen Certificate
Roy F. Bergengren Certificate
Alphonse Desjardins Certificate
Louise Herring Certificate
Dora Maxwell Certificate
WHY DO I WANT TO SERVE AS A VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR FOR MATANUSKA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION?
As a director, it is important to take the governance of the Credit Union as a serious responsibility. My top priority is to protect the integrity of the Credit Union. In the future, technology will be the driving force behind performance and service. I will strive to maximize prudent financial returns for all members and enhance member services and employee benefits.
If elected, I feel that I can be an effective director by providing my leadership in the Technology industry. The knowledge I have gained, having served as a Supervisory Committee Chair, has helped me to meet my goal; my experience has enhanced my understanding of the FCU operation.
PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE
Raised in Kalihi (island of Oahu), I am a graduate of St. Louis High School and Chaminade University with a BS in Computer Science and minor in Business. Over 22 years of accounting concepts and financial management in securing business assets for: Chaney, Brooks & Co., C. Brewer & Co., American Cancer Society, Our Lady of Good Counsel Church and Co-Cathedral St. Theresa.
It would be a privilege and an honor to serve you!
MONICA JAMES
My name is Monica James, and I am running for a seat on the Board of Directors for Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union. I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Alaska and currently serve as the Chief Executive Officer for the Natives of Kodiak.
As a Yupik Eskimo with family roots in the village of Alakanuk, Alaska, and having grown up in Bethel, I deeply understand the unique needs of Alaskans. My children attended school in the valley, where they participated in basketball and football before graduating from Wasilla High School.
My family has a proud tradition of military service, with my father, husband, father-in-law, and daughter all having served. I am a strong advocate for supporting our local veterans across the valley, including those in Palmer, Sutton, Big Lake, and Houston, to name a few locations.
Many Alaskans from rural village communities have made the valley their home, seeking greater opportunities for education, family growth, and improved access to essential resources such as housing, food, fuel, and utilities. I understand the importance of helping families expand their opportunities and thrive in their new environments in the valley.
I am passionate about ensuring that every individual has access to a credit union that prioritizes services to help its members succeed. As the Credit Union grows, so do its members. If elected, I look forward to contributing my experience from both rural and urban Alaska to support the continued growth of Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and the community it serves.