Community Futures Westman is thrilled to announce that Melissa Rushton, MBA, FCUIC, has joined the organization as its new Executive Director. Melissa brings over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in Manitoba's cooperative financial sector, along with a deep, lifelong commitment to the communities of southwestern Manitoba.

Melissa's career has been built entirely within our region's financial and business community. She began her career in the credit union system in 2005 and has since progressed through roles spanning member service, consumer and commercial lending, branch management, and senior leadership. Most recently, she served as Director of Credit Risk at Fusion Credit Union, where she built the organization's Credit Risk department from the ground up, led its credit adjudication and recovery functions, and represented Fusion in a landmark infrastructure financing agreement.

Earlier in her career, Melissa served as Manager of Business Solutions at Westoba Credit Union and as a Loans Officer with Crocus Credit Union. She also spent time as a Finance Manager with Murray Auto Group. Across every role, Melissa has been known for her strategic thinking, sound credit judgment, and genuine talent for building relationships with businesses, boards, and community partners throughout Manitoba.

Melissa holds an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business (2023), graduating with Dean's Merit List honours, and is a Fellow of the Credit Union Institute of Canada (FCUIC) as well as an Accredited Business Lender (ABL) through the Canadian Credit Union Association. She credits much of her success to a commitment to lifelong learning.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Melissa is a dedicated community volunteer. She currently serves on the board of Helping Hands, previously served as President of the Rivers Chamber of Commerce and the Young Leaders of Westoba council.

When she's not at work, you will likely find her enjoying time outdoors, staying active, getting lost in a good book, or spending time with her husband and dog around Brandon.

Please join us in welcoming Melissa to the Community Futures Westman team.

By Community Futures Westman Marketing and Communication Team
Unit D – 217 10th Street, Brandon, MB
(204) 726-1513