Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union logo

Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union

Public charity · Grantmaker Bakersfield, CA EIN: 95-1652797 Website

VALLEY STRONG CU FKA is a Form 990 public charity based in Bakersfield, California. It is a member-owned cooperative financial institution, formed in 1938, whose stated purpose includes promoting thrift and savings among members and improving their economic and social conditions.

Key facts about Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union

In short: Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union gave $1.7M across 45 grants in 2024 (avg $38K), mostly in California. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.

EIN
95-1652797
Latest 990 filing
Form 990, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$1,716,984
Grants made (2024)
45
Average grant
$38,155
Median grant
$12,965
Total assets
$3,916,563,936
Primary geography
California (93% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)

Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.

Financial Overview

From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing

Total Assets

$3.9B

-2.8% YoY

Annual Giving

$1.7M

+25.4% YoY

Grant Count

45

+50.0% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$38K

-16.4% YoY

How Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union gives

  • 43% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
  • Giving grew 41% from 2021 to 2024. Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

Valley Strong describes its cooperative mission as promoting thrift and savings, providing members with a source of credit, and enabling them to use and control their money democratically. Its website states its mission as “We help people and communities prosper.”

Its 2024 grants supported organizations working in areas including education, health, senior well-being, youth services, and business and career development. For example, the Bakersfield College Foundation says it manages funds for scholarships and other purposes; Meals on Wheels of Solano County says it provides nutritious meals and supports seniors’ independence and well-being; and the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference says it provides information, skills development, and encouragement for women pursuing education or career changes.

The filing also describes membership education, including financial literacy classes at local schools and colleges, and workshops on topics such as home and auto buying, retirement, business banking, cybersecurity, and Medicare assistance.

Grantmaking

In 2024, Valley Strong reported 45 grants totaling $1,716,984. Grants ranged from $5,150 to $500,000, with a median grant of $12,965. Among the largest awards were $500,000 to Bakersfield College Foundation for student scholarships and college facilities; $310,500 to CSUB Foundation for scholarships and campus facilities; and $117,500 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for children’s hospitals.

Other reported awards included $105,000 to CUSPINCDBA CU Strategic Planning for financial education resources for credit unions; $70,000 to Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce for business networking and promotional opportunities; $40,000 each to Kern High School District and Kern County Superintendent of Schools Educational; and $35,000 to Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference.

Valley Strong’s website provides a form for donation and sponsorship requests. Applications may be submitted through the methods listed on its website. The organization asks applicants to send requests early, noting that review and response may take up to 30 days; it also says to complete the request form and attach documents that help explain the request.

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Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

In 2024, 93% of grant dollars went to recipients in California, 6% to Washington, 1% to Wisconsin, and less than 1% to Delaware.

Grant Distribution by State

5states

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 45 itemized grants.

Cities

BakersfieldStocktonFairfieldIrvineSacramentoVacavilleVisaliaMadisonTaftTulareDes MoinesDiamond SpringsDinubaHerculesLos AngelesOntarioSuisunTacomaWilmington

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$500K$1M$1.5M$2M23 grants2020 7 grants2021 29 grants2022 30 grants2023 45 grants2024

From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $844K (2020) to $1.7M (2024). In 2024 it made 45 grants totaling $1.7M.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

Bakersfield College Foundation Inc: $519K across 2 grantsBakersfield College FoundationInc$519K · 2 grantsCsub Foundation: $311KCsub Foundation$311KChildren's Miracle Network Hospitals: $118KChildren's Miracle NetworkHospitals$118KCuspincdba Cu Strategic Planning: $105KCuspincdba Cu StrategicPlanning$105KGreater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce: $70KGreater Bakersfield Chamber ofCommerce$70KKern High School District: $40KKern High School District$40KKern County Superintendent of Schools Educational: $40KKern County Superintendent ofSchools Educational$40KBakersfield Women's Business Conference: $35KBakersfield Women's BusinessConference$35KMendiburu Magic Foundation Against Cancer: $30KMendiburu Magic FoundationAgainst Cancer$30KMeals on Wheels of Solano County Inc: $28KMeals on Wheels of SolanoCounty Inc$28K

The largest 2024 recipient was Bakersfield College Foundation Inc ($519K across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $1.3M.

Grant Size Distribution

134 grants across all recorded years

109<$50K12$50–100K6$100–250K3$250–500K4$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 109 grants of 134 (81%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Bakersfield College Foundation Inc Bakersfield, CATo assist in expanding opportunities for students by funding scholarships & enhancing college facilities.$500,000
Csub Foundation Bakersfield, CATo assist csu bakersfield in providing scholarships & improving campus facilities.$310,500
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Irvine, CATo assist in providing funds and awareness for children's hospitals.$117,500
Cuspincdba Cu Strategic Planning Tacoma, WATo Provide Financial Education Resources for Credit Unions.$105,000
Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Bakersfield, CATo assist in providing networking and promotional opportunities of member businesses.$70,000
Kern High School District Bakersfield, CATo support the educational and other programs of the kern high school district.$40,000
Kern County Superintendent of Schools Educational Bakersfield, CATo support local districts will foster the needed resources for all of our students from cradle to career.$40,000
Bakersfield Women's Business Conference Bakersfield, CATo Provide Resources for Women at a Crossroads.$35,000
Mendiburu Magic Foundation Against Cancer Bakersfield, CATo support cancer care and assistance for children suffering from any life threatening illness.$30,200
Meals on Wheels of Solano County Inc Suisun, CATo support the independence, health, and well-being of seniors by regularly providing nutritious meals and human connection.$28,400

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Filing year Assets Revenue Expenses Grants
2024 $3,916,563,936 $263,698,848 $233,387,885 $1,716,984
2023 $4,028,096,555 $265,074,915 $246,997,316 $1,369,003
2022 $4,187,947,178 $194,067,226 $177,414,551 $1,149,700

The 2023 filing reported 30 grants, and the 2022 filing reported 29.

Revenue
Expenses
Net Investment Income
$0$100M$200M$300M2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets$3,916,563,936$4,028,096,555$4,187,947,178
Revenue$263,698,848$265,074,915$194,067,226
Expenses$233,387,885$246,997,316$177,414,551
Net Investment Income$20,766,370$15,995,953$4,880,510

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 3, 2021)
  2. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 25, 2022)
  3. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 2, 2023)
  4. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 15, 2024)
  5. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 28, 2025)
  6. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2024 filing lists these officers and directors: Dr. S. William Bruce, board chairperson; Dr. Bryon Schaefer, first vice chairman; Valencia Jones, second vice chairman; Marilyn Jones, secretary; Dennis Scott, treasurer; and board members Joe Drew, Joanne Mills, Mike Kileen, Carl Ba Lange III, and Dr. Larry Reider.

Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union is led by Nicholas Ambrosini, President & CEO since 2021 (on filings since 2020); 47 of 53 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Nicholas Ambrosini

    President & CEO

    Executive Vice President & CFO → President & CEO, 2021

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $801K (2020) → $1.5M (2024)

  • Chei Whitmore

    Market President

    Vice President of Branches → Market President, 2022

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $224K (2020) → $265K (2024)

  • Bridget Lynn Johnson

    Market President

    Head of Retail Services → Market President, 2022

    On filings since 2021

    40 hrs/week

    $181K (2021) → $236K (2024)

  • Kathleen Julia Kelly

    Market President

    On filings since 2021

    40 hrs/week

    $202K (2021) → $259K (2024)

  • Troy Fringer

    Supv Cmte Chair

    Spve Cmte Chair → Supv Cmte Chair, 2023

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    $778 (2021) → $808 (2024)

  • S. William Bruce

    Board Chairperson

    Director → Board Member, 2021

    Board Member → Board Chairperson, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Vanessa L. Hudson

    Director of Business Lendi

    Senior Business Lending Manager → Director of Business Lending, 2023

    Director of Business Lending → Director of Business Lendi, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $138K (2020) → $217K (2024)

  • Christopher J. McGown

    Director of Facilities

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $181K (2023) → $187K (2024)

  • Kyle Duey

    Director of Consumer Lending Sales & Servic

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $235K (2024)

  • Maricruz Rainey

    Director of Compliance

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $182K (2024)

  • Charles Allen Smith

    Senior Vice President & Chief Lending Officer

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $331K (2020) → $544K (2024)

  • Deanna L. Blaise

    Senior Vice President & Chief Business Officer

    Vice President of Member Business Services → Senior Vice President of Member Business Services, 2021

    Senior Vice President of Member Business Services → Senior Vice President & Chief Business Officer, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $295K (2020) → $508K (2024)

  • Dennis Scott

    Treasurer

    Board Member → 2nd Vice Chairman, 2023

    2nd Vice Chairman → Treasurer, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    $1K (2023) → $1K (2024)

  • James B. Hussey

    Vice President of Wealth Management

    Director of Wealth Management → Vice President of Wealth Management, 2021

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $316K (2020) → $438K (2024)

  • Joanne Mills

    Board Member

    Secretary → Treasurer, 2023

    Treasurer → Board Member, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    $2K (2023) → $810 (2024)

  • Lindsay Reyes

    Senior Vice President & CFO

    Vice President of Accounting → Senior Vice President & CFO, 2021

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $188K (2020) → $509K (2024)

  • Maria L. Trancoso

    Senior Business Banking Officer

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $170K (2020) → $226K (2024)

  • Mark Manns

    Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources

    Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer → Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $398K (2020) → $449K (2024)

  • Ramon Hendrix

    Supv Cmte Member

    Spve Cmte Member → Supv Cmte Member, 2023

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    $1K (2021) → $4K (2024)

  • Stephen C. Roach

    Senior Vice President & Chief Digital Officer

    Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer → Senior Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, 2021

    On filings since 2020

    $389K (2020) → $525K (2024)

  • Steven Matejka

    Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Executive Vice President & COO → Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $1M (2020) → $908K (2024)

  • Tenielle Tensley

    Supv Cmte Member

    Spve Cmte Member → Supv Cmte Member, 2023

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    $849 (2021) → $2K (2024)

  • Brian Grant Reynolds

    Vice President of Real Estate Lending

    On filings since 2021

    40 hrs/week

    $186K (2021) → $407K (2024)

  • Bryon Schaefer

    1st Vice Chairman

    Board Member → 1st Vice Chairman, 2023

    On filings since 2021

    3 hrs/week

    $3K (2023) → $6K (2024)

  • Mark Moreno

    Board Member

    On filings since 2021

    2 hrs/week

    $2K (2022) → $2K (2024)

  • Nora M. Stroh

    Legacy Ambassador

    Market President → Legacy Ambassador, 2022

    On filings since 2021

    $206K (2021) → $1.6M (2024)

  • Richard Neal Sazama

    Vice President of Facilities & Capital Projects

    Head of Facilities & Capital Projects → Vice President of Facilities & Capital Projects, 2024

    On filings since 2021

    40 hrs/week

    $175K (2021) → $275K (2024)

  • Richard Ramos

    Licensed Financial Advisor

    Financial Services Professional → Licensed Financial Advisor, 2024

    On filings since 2021

    40 hrs/week

    $186K (2021) → $267K (2024)

  • Stacy Phelps

    Vice President of Accounting

    Vice President of Accounting → Vice President of Accounting & Controller, 2023

    Vice President of Accounting & Controller → Vice President of Accounting, 2024

    On filings since 2021

    40 hrs/week

    $158K (2021) → $226K (2024)

  • Steven G. Leiga

    Vice President of Accounting

    On filings since 2021

    $200K (2021) → $1.6M (2024)

  • Valencia Jones

    2nd Vice Chairman

    Board Member → Secretary, 2023

    Secretary → 2nd Vice Chairman, 2024

    On filings since 2021

    3 hrs/week

    $975 (2022) → $2K (2024)

  • Erin Rickelle Estelle

    Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $424K (2022) → $539K (2024)

  • Frank Xiaodong Feng

    Licensed Financial Advisor

    Financial Services Professional → Licensed Financial Advisor, 2024

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $752K (2022) → $1M (2024)

  • Joshua Allen Fetting

    Vice President of Consumer Lending

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $265K (2022) → $312K (2024)

  • Kevin Michael Lange

    Vice President of Finance & Capital Markets

    Director of Capital Markets → Vice President of Finance & Capital Markets, 2024

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $193K (2022) → $336K (2024)

  • Lindsey A. Balukoff Strange

    Senior Vice President & Chief Retail Officer

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $333K (2022) → $528K (2024)

  • Michael P. Duffy

    Executive Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer

    On filings since 2022

    $1M (2022) → $4.5M (2024)

  • Mirella Elizabeth Reznic

    Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $731K (2022) → $958K (2024)

  • Niki Myrto Koimtzoglou

    Senior Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $304K (2022) → $347K (2024)

  • Susan Mays

    Head of Retail Operations

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $198K (2022) → $181K (2024)

  • Christopher C. Trivers

    Vice President Salesforce Enterprise

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $209K (2023) → $286K (2024)

  • Eric Steinback

    Senior Business Banking of

    Senior Business Banking Officer → Senior Business Banking of, 2024

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $197K (2023) → $230K (2024)

  • Kevin Lee Emperger-Landel

    Senior Vice President & Chief Tech Officer

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $187K (2023) → $189K (2024)

  • Nishant Jain

    Vice President of Engineering

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $185K (2023) → $183K (2024)

  • Shira B. Spector

    Vice President of Business Strategy & Insight

    Vice President of Data Officer & Advanced Analytics → Vice President of Business Strategy & Insight, 2024

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $236K (2023) → $271K (2024)

  • Christina Ann Trayers

    Vice President of Product & Digital Solutions

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $194K (2024)

  • Edward Keelin Jr.

    It Governance Manager

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $300K (2024)

  • Nilendu Saha

    Senior Vice President & Chief Tech Officer

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $260K (2024)

  • Carl Ba Lange III

    Board Member

    Treasurer → Board Member, 2023

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Joe Drew

    Board Member

    Board Member → Board Chairman, 2023

    Board Chairman → Board Member, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Larry Reider

    Board Member

    Chairman → Board Chairperson, 2021

    Board Chairperson → Board Member, 2023

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Marilyn Jones

    Secretary

    Director → Board Member, 2021

    Board Member → Secretary, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Mike Kileen

    Board Member

    1st Vice Chairman → Board Member, 2023

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

Former officers (31)
  • Former: Amie J. Hale (2020–2023) — Vice President of Epmo, M & A
  • Former: Kevin McCloskey (2020–2023) — Director of It Development
  • Former: Shonna Shearson (2020–2023) — Senior Vice President of Operations
  • Former: Aaron Lee Williamson (2023) — Senior Business Banking Officer
  • Former: Jakhara Tandy (2023) — Bsa Director & Officer
  • Former: Christopher Hanson (2020–2022) — Vice President of Data Officer & Advanced Analytics
  • Former: Dan Shannon (2020–2022) — Spve Cmte Member
  • Former: Doug Miller (2020–2022) — Spve Cmte Member
  • Former: James Fillbrandt (2020–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Ken Gragg (2020–2022) — Spve Cmte Member
  • Former: Lee Jacobs (2020–2022) — Vice President of Information Technology
  • Former: James Lawitz (2021–2022) — Vice President of Culture & Communications
  • Former: Robyn R. Potter (2021–2022) — Director of Home Loan Center
  • Former: Amanda Joan Verstl (2022) — Human Resources Manager
  • Former: David James Rainwater (2022) — Senior Project Manager
  • Former: Faiyaz Elahi (2022) — Product Manager of Consumer Lending
  • Former: Hena Raina Bhat (2022) — Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer
  • Former: Renee Killion (2022) — Director of Marketing
  • Former: Clifford Joseph (2020–2021) — Senior Automation Specialist
  • Former: Herbert Siegers (2020–2021) — Director of Administrative Services
  • Former: Michael S. Warrell Former (2020–2021) — Vice President It & Market President
  • Former: Cheri Plett (2021) — Director of Organizational Development
  • Former: Cornelius R. Marshall Former (2021) — Senior Vice President & Chief Retail Officer
  • Former: Elizabeth Mirella Reznic (2021) — Chief Strategy Officer
  • Former: Retha Cameron Former (2021) — Compliance Officer
  • Former: Stephen P. Renock Iv Former (2021) — President & CEO
  • Former: Byron Schaefer (2020) — Director
  • Former: Retha Cameron (2020) — Compliance Officer
  • Former: Rudy Tafoya Former (2020) — Senior Vice President Chief Lending Officer
  • Former: Stephen P. Renock IV (2020) — President & CEO
  • Former: Timothy Spencer (2020) — Vice President of Lending

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Compensation Overview

From 2024 IRS filing

Michael P Duffy Retired — EVP/Chief Advocacy Officer: $4.5MMichael P Duffy RetiredEVP/Chief Advocacy Officer$4.5MNora M Stroh Retired — Legacy Ambassador: $1.6MNora M Stroh RetiredLegacy Ambassador$1.6MSteven G Leiga Retired — VP of Accounting: $1.6MSteven G Leiga RetiredVP of Accounting$1.6MNicholas Ambrosini — President/CEO: $1.5MNicholas AmbrosiniPresident/CEO$1.5MFrank Xiaodong Feng — Licensed Financial Advisor: $1.0MFrank Xiaodong FengLicensed Financial Advisor$1.0MMirella Elizabeth Reznic — EVP/Chief Strategy Officer: $958KMirella Elizabeth ReznicEVP/Chief Strategy Officer$958KSteven Matejka — EVP/Chief Operating Officer: $908KSteven MatejkaEVP/Chief Operating Officer$908KCharles Allen Smith — SVP/Chief Lending Officer: $544KCharles Allen SmithSVP/Chief Lending Officer$544KErin Rickelle Estelle — SVP/Chief Marketing Officer: $539KErin Rickelle EstelleSVP/Chief Marketing Officer$539KLindsey a Balukoff Strange — SVP/Chief Retail Officer: $528KLindsey a Balukoff…SVP/Chief Retail Officer$528KStephen C Roach Retired — SVP/Chief Digital Officer: $525KStephen C Roach RetiredSVP/Chief Digital Officer$525KLindsay Reyes — SVP/CFO: $509KLindsay ReyesSVP/CFO$509KDeanna L Blaise — SVP/Chief Business Officer: $508KDeanna L BlaiseSVP/Chief Business Officer$508KMark Manns — SVP/Chief Human Resources: $449KMark MannsSVP/Chief Human Resources$449KJames B Hussey — VP of Wealth Management: $438KJames B HusseyVP of Wealth Management$438KBrian Grant Reynolds — VP of Real Estate Lending: $407KBrian Grant ReynoldsVP of Real Estate Lending$407KNiki Myrto Koimtzoglou — SVP/Chief Compliance Officer: $347KNiki Myrto KoimtzoglouSVP/Chief Compliance Officer$347KKevin Michael Lange — VP of Finance and Capital Markets: $336KKevin Michael LangeVP of Finance and Capital…$336KJoshua Allen Fetting — VP of Consumer Lending: $312KJoshua Allen FettingVP of Consumer Lending$312KEdward Keelin Jr — It Governance Manager: $300KEdward Keelin JrIt Governance Manager$300KChristopher C Trivers — VP Salesforce Enterprise: $286KChristopher C TriversVP Salesforce Enterprise$286KRichard Neal Sazama — VP of Facilities and Capital Projects: $275KRichard Neal SazamaVP of Facilities and Capital…$275KShira B Spector — VP of Business Strategy & Insight: $271KShira B SpectorVP of Business Strategy &…$271KRichard Ramos — Licensed Financial Advisor: $267KRichard RamosLicensed Financial Advisor$267KChei Whitmore — Market President: $265KChei WhitmoreMarket President$265KNilendu Saha — SVP/Chief Tech Officer: $260KNilendu SahaSVP/Chief Tech Officer$260KKathleen Julia Kelly — Market President: $259KKathleen Julia KellyMarket President$259KBridget Lynn Johnson — Market President: $236KBridget Lynn JohnsonMarket President$236KKyle Duey — Director of Consumer Lending Sales and Servic: $235KKyle DueyDirector of Consumer Lending…$235KEric Steinback — Senior Business Banking of: $230KEric SteinbackSenior Business Banking of$230KMaria L Trancoso — Senior Business Banking Officer: $226KMaria L TrancosoSenior Business Banking Officer$226KStacy Phelps — VP of Accounting: $226KStacy PhelpsVP of Accounting$226KVanessa L Hudson — Director of Business Lendi: $217KVanessa L HudsonDirector of Business Lendi$217KChristina Ann Trayers — VP of Product and Digital Solutions: $194KChristina Ann TrayersVP of Product and Digital…$194KKevin Lee Emperger-Landel — SVP/Chief Tech Officer: $189KKevin Lee…SVP/Chief Tech Officer$189KChristopher J McGown — Director of Facilities: $187KChristopher J McGownDirector of Facilities$187KNishant Jain — VP of Engineering: $183KNishant JainVP of Engineering$183KMaricruz Rainey — Director of Compliance: $182KMaricruz RaineyDirector of Compliance$182KSusan Mays — Head of Retail Operations: $181KSusan MaysHead of Retail Operations$181KDr Bryon Schaefer — 1ST Vice Chairman: $6KDr Bryon Schaefer1ST Vice Chairman$6KRamon Hendrix — Supv CMTE Member: $4KRamon HendrixSupv CMTE Member$4KValencia Jones — 2ND Vice Chairman: $2KValencia Jones2ND Vice Chairman$2KTenielle Tensley — Supv CMTE Member: $2KTenielle TensleySupv CMTE Member$2KMark Moreno — Board Member: $2KMark MorenoBoard Member$2KDennis Scott — Treasurer: $1KDennis ScottTreasurer$1KJoanne Mills — Board Member: $810Joanne MillsBoard Member$810Troy Fringer — Supv CMTE Chair: $808Troy FringerSupv CMTE Chair$808

The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $4.5M, to Michael P Duffy Retired (EVP/Chief Advocacy Officer). 47 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.

Contact

Mailing address: 11500 Bolthouse Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93311
Phone: (661) 833-7900
Website: https://valleystrong.com

Frequently asked questions about Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union

How much does Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union give each year?

Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union gave $1.7M across 45 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.4M across 30 grants.

What is Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union's typical grant size?

Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union's median grant in 2024 was $12,965, and its average grant was $38,155, across 45 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.

Where does Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union give grants?

Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union gives mostly in California: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Washington (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Bakersfield, CA (27 grants), Stockton, CA (4 grants) and Visalia, CA (2 grants).

Does Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union give general operating support?

Not in 2024: none of the 45 grants with a stated purpose on Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.

Who are Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union's largest grantees?

Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union's largest 2024 grantees include Bakersfield College Foundation Inc ($519,250 across 2 grants), Csub Foundation ($310,500) and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals ($117,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 55% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

How large is Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union?

Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union reported $3.9B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $263.7M.

What does Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union fund?

Valley Strong describes its cooperative mission as promoting thrift and savings, providing members with a source of credit, and enabling them to use and control their money democratically. Its website states its mission as “We help people and communities prosper.” See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union?

Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check valleystrong.com for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.

What is Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union's EIN?

Valley Strong Cu FKA Kern Schools Federal Credit Union's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-1652797. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.

Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.

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