Robin Romano
CEO, MariSol FCU (Phoenix, AZ)
Robin Romano has served as CEO and Chief Bottlewasher for MariSol Federal Credit Union, a CDFI in Phoenix, Arizona, for 20 years. She is proud to work every day on financial empowerment and inclusion for MariSol's members and serve the community needs of metropolitan Phoenix's low-income and disenfranchised markets. The credit union creates unique products and services for members often overlooked in the banking community is what puts a smile her face.
Working with community partners is a large part of being a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). That willingness to look at many sides of a problem is what Robin brings to the Inclusiv Board. Previously, she served the dark side as a Principal Examiner for NCUA for over seven years. It was a great learning experience that has helped her navigate many regulatory roadblocks. She has also served as the Credit Union Advisory Committee Chairman for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Past board service includes, the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, Turn A New Leaf – Tripartite Board for Mesa, AZ, and the Arizona Credit Union League.
Robin is active in her local community and serves as the Director for Local First Arizona Foundation, Human Campus Services, 501c 3, and Advisory Committee Director for the Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation, CDE.
Her credit union may be only $54 million in assets, but it must operate like a larger credit union to stay relevant and profitable. Like most small credit union CEOs, Robin has to wear many hats, and she loves her job.