Redwood Credit Union Appoints Gwen Oldham as VP of Community & Social Impact
Redwood Credit Union (RCU) has announced the appointment of Gwen Oldham as its new Vice President of Community and Social Impact. With an impressive background in corporate social responsibility and strategic communications, Oldham is set to lead RCU’s initiatives aimed at fostering positive change within the community. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in guiding RCU’s community and social impact programs, including the RCU Community Fund (RCUCF), a nonprofit arm dedicated to supporting local needs through financial education, disaster relief, and other philanthropic initiatives.
A Wealth of Experience in Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility
Gwen Oldham brings a wealth of experience to her new role at RCU, having spent years developing and executing high-impact programs focused on social responsibility and community engagement. Most recently, she served as the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at AT&T, where she led nationwide initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide, enhancing online safety, and promoting digital well-being. Under her leadership, AT&T launched programs designed to provide underserved communities with access to technology, internet connectivity, and digital literacy training.
Prior to her tenure at AT&T, Oldham held key positions in marketing and communications, including serving as Vice President of Marketing & Communications at both Redwood Credit Union the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. In these roles, she was responsible for overseeing strategic communications efforts, building community partnerships, and advocating for policies that support local businesses and economic growth.
Leadership at Redwood Credit Union
As Vice President of Community and Social Impact, Oldham will be responsible for shaping RCU’s efforts to support financial well-being among its members, employees, and the broader community. She will oversee a variety of programs and partnerships designed to enhance financial literacy, provide support for underserved populations, and contribute to long-term economic resilience in the region.
RCU’s Senior Vice President of Community and Government Relations, Matt Martin, expressed enthusiasm about Oldham’s appointment, highlighting Redwood Credit Union her deep expertise and commitment to social impact.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gwen as our new VP of Community and Social Impact at RCU,” said Martin. “Her extensive experience in leading national social impact programs will be instrumental in shaping our efforts to enhance the financial well-being of our members, team members, and communities. We are confident that Gwen’s leadership and vision will drive meaningful change and contribute to the continued success of our social impact initiatives.”
Commitment to Community and Social Change
RCU has long been dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of its members and the communities it serves. Through the RCU Community Fund, the credit union has supported various causes, including financial education initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and programs Redwood Credit Union that promote economic empowerment. Oldham’s leadership is expected to further amplify these efforts, bringing innovative strategies and a renewed focus on addressing key community challenges.
One of Oldham’s priorities will be expanding RCU’s financial literacy programs to reach a wider audience, particularly young people and underserved populations. Financial literacy has become an increasingly important focus for credit unions nationwide, as many Redwood Credit Union individuals and families struggle with financial management and planning. By providing educational resources, workshops, and one-on-one counseling, RCU aims to equip its members with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve financial stability and success.
Another area where Oldham’s expertise will be invaluable is in corporate partnerships and strategic collaborations. Her background in working with businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies will help strengthen RCU’s network of partners, enabling the credit union to leverage additional resources and expand its impact. Whether through community grant programs, volunteer initiatives, or advocacy efforts, Oldham’s leadership is expected to enhance RCU’s role as a driving force for positive change in Northern California.
A Strong Educational Foundation and Local Ties
Oldham’s impressive academic background further underscores her qualifications for the role. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Southern California, where she gained in-depth knowledge of policy analysis, economic development, and social impact strategies. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Oregon, equipping her with strong communication and media relations skills.
Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Oldham has deep ties to the community. She is a resident of Corte Madera, a town known for its vibrant community spirit and Redwood Credit Union commitment to sustainability. Her understanding of local issues and her passion for community engagement will undoubtedly be valuable assets as she works to further RCU’s mission.
The Future of RCU’s Community and Social Impact Efforts
Looking ahead, Oldham is expected to introduce new initiatives that align with RCU’s core values of integrity, service, and community support. Some potential areas of focus may include:
- Expanding Access to Financial Resources: Developing new programs to provide financial education and resources to individuals and families facing economic hardship.
- Strengthening Disaster Relief Efforts: Enhancing RCU’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters and emergencies through community support initiatives.
- Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Building initiatives that support marginalized communities and ensure equitable access to financial services.
- Enhancing Employee Volunteerism: Encouraging RCU employees to participate in community service projects and philanthropic activities.
- Forging Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to maximize the impact of RCU’s community programs.
With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and passion for social impact, Gwen Oldham is well-positioned to lead RCU’s community initiatives into a new era of growth and innovation. Her appointment marks an exciting chapter for the credit union as it Redwood Credit Union continues to expand its efforts to support financial well-being and community development.
The hiring of Gwen Oldham as the Vice President of Community and Social Impact at Redwood Credit Union represents a significant step forward in the organization’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment. With her extensive background in corporate social responsibility, marketing, and strategic partnerships, Oldham is expected to bring fresh ideas and dynamic leadership to RCU’s community programs.
As she steps into her new role, members, employees, and community partners can anticipate an even greater focus on meaningful social impact initiatives. Whether Redwood Credit Union hrough financial literacy education, philanthropic efforts, or advocacy for economic inclusion, Oldham’s leadership promises to strengthen RCU’s legacy as a trusted partner in fostering community well-being.
Redwood Credit Union’s decision to appoint Oldham underscores its dedication to making a lasting difference in the lives of those it serves. Under her guidance, the credit union is well-positioned to continue its mission of helping people achieve financial success while enriching the broader community.
