BCU Financial CEO Oksana Prociuk Announces Her Retirement

02.04.24

After 35 years of distinguished service to Buduchnist Credit Union o/a BCU Financial, Oksana Prociuk has announced plans to retire from her position as the Credit Union’s President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 29, 2024.

Oksana Prociuk’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in the Credit Union’s development into a modern, full-service, multi-branch Ontario financial institution with assets surpassing one billion dollars. In 1989, she began her career with Buduchnist Credit Union as General Manager, transitioning to the role of CEO in 2004 and President & CEO in 2010.

BCU Financial’s branch network includes 6 branches, 2 services centres, and 2 corporate office locations. Under Oksana’s leadership, the existing Bloor Head Office and branch location were purchased and recently after 30 years, renovated, while the Mississauga branch was re-located to its current location. Mergers were completed with Wira (Hamilton) Credit Union and, Ukrainian (Ottawa) Credit Union and branches were established in both cities.  Finally, in 2009, St. Mary’s Credit Union in Toronto joined the BCU family, while two new branch locations were established in North Toronto and Oakville to better serve the expanding membership. The expanded branch network and an emphasis on member service resulted in an increase of assets under management from just over $100 million to the current $1.2 billion, and membership surpassed 20,000.

Oksana’s vision led to the establishment of BCU Financial Group which included initially Buduchnist Credit Union, BCU Wealth Management, and BCU Foundation. Beginning in 2009, expanded services for members also included BCU Insurance Services Limited which offered a full range of life, disability, and group insurance and in 2015, insurance offerings grew to include home, auto, and commercial coverage offered through BCU Insurance Inc.  BCU was truly now “With You. For Life”. TM

Throughout her career, Oksana’s dedication to our community was unwavering and inspired an organizational culture that emphasizes BCU’s roots – our connection to Ukraine and her people and service to the Ukrainian Canadian community. Some of her many accomplishments include the establishment of BCU Foundation which funds projects and initiatives in the Ukrainian-Canadian community and the community at large;  the humanitarian role of BCU Foundation particularly during the Revolution of Dignity and throughout Russia’s war in Ukraine beginning in 2014;  the growth of the Credit Union’s student scholarship program with its emphasis on the community involvement of candidates; and professional exchange and mentoring programs with credit unions in Ukraine, particularly with BCU’s sister credit union Vyhoda, in Stryj, Ukraine.

“Oksana has led BCU Financial with heart and vision,” shared Andrij Tarapacky, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Her numerous contributions to the Credit Union and the Ukrainian-Canadian community will always be valued and deeply admired. She leaves a legacy that will resonate with BCU Financial and our wider community for years to come.”

In preparation for Oksana’s retirement, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Damian Snih as BCU Financial’s new CEO. “We are confident in his ability to continue the outstanding performance of the Credit Union for the benefit of our membership and the community.”

Damian joined the BCU team in 2016 and brings eight years of credit union experience to his new position, including previously as BCU’s Chief Financial Officer and most recently as Chief Business Transformation Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa and Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designations. From 2017  to 2022, Damian was registered as an Associate Investment Advisor with BCU Wealth Management and Raymond James Ltd.

“I am pleased that the Board has appointed Damian Snih to the position of CEO.” Oksana Prociuk said. Under Damian’s leadership, I am confident that the guiding principles of our Credit Union will continue – perseverance, attention to member needs and dedication to the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Damian is hard-working and has the experience and genuine desire to carry Buduchnist Credit Union’s legacy of outstanding member service, community commitment and success into BCU Financial’s future.”

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