Dear Member,
NOMINATIONS FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Northland Area Federal Credit Union's Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Northland Alpena Headquarters at 1161 N. Bagley St. Alpena, MI 49707.
Notice for Nominations
There are four vacancies for 2025.
Nomination petition information can be obtained from the President’s office (1161 N. Bagley St., Alpena, MI 49707) through April 2, 2025.
Candidate Profiles
These are candidates selected by the nominating committee.
Mike Palumbo
Michael Palumbo has served NAFCU for more than 22 years in several roles. Mr. Palumbo advocates for credit union member rights through his service to the Michigan Credit Union League. He serves on both the Federal and State Regulatory Issues Working Group and Blue Ox Chapter Executive Committee. Mr. Palumbo is a semi-retired investment advisor with Woodbury Financial Services and previous member of American Funds Service Company's prestigious All-American Team.
He has completed all VAP and VLP programs, Bank Secrecy Act and Financial Literacy training and attends the Credit Union National Association Governmental Affairs in Washington D. C. to
further the protection of credit unions and members. Mr. Palumbo is a Tawas Area native and an avid sports fan. He has two adult children living in the area. He has been a credit union supporter for over 40 years.
Howard Spencer
Mr. Spencer has been a credit union member since 1970 and has served faithfully on the NAFCU Board of Directors since June of 1974. Twenty of those years, he served as Chairman of the Board.
Howard Spencer has an extensive background in leadership within the credit union industry. He has served on the Board of Directors for the National Credit Union Foundation and the Michigan Credit Union League Education Needs Committee. Additionally, Mr. Spencer has held the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Credit Union League, NACUC, and the Michigan Credit Union League Political Action Committee Board of Trustees. Furthermore, he has served as vice chair of CUNA's Volunteer Leadership Committee and as a member of the CUCorp Board of Directors.
In 2004, the Michigan Credit Union League awarded Mr. Spencer the Distinguished Service Award and in October of 2015, he received the Gene Ball Award from the National Association of Credit Union Chairmen's Group. Mr. Spencer and his wife Jewel have two adult children and three grandchildren. The couple has made Northeastern Michigan their home for more than 45 years.
Jimmy Luthmann
Jimmy Luthmann gained management experience through 22 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. He retired in 1990 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He has been a credit union member since 1991.
His credit union membership led to a career in marketing and community relations beginning at Northland in 1991 as Marketing Manager and two years at the Michigan Credit Union League as a Sales Associate. During this time, he was involved in many community projects including membership in the Blue Ox Chapter promoting Northeastern Michigan Credit Unions.
He has served on the Board of Directors for the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years and more than 20 years as Post Adjutant and Color Guard Captain for VFW Post 3735. Jimmy is committed to the overall success of NAFCU. Jimmy and his wife Gina live in Oscoda.
Ann Balfour
Ann Balfour has served as an Associate Board Member at NAFCU for three years and is currently serving as a Northland Board Member. She has completed the first six VAP courses and completed additional credit union trainings.
Ann earned a Bachelor’s degree and holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration. She worked at St. Joseph’s in Tawas for over 40 years and retired in 2018 as Chief Administrative Officer.
Ann lives in Tawas with her husband and has been a Northland credit union member since 1985.
