Heather Ristow

Heather rejoined Corporate Central in September 2023 as Senior Vice President / Chief Experience Officer. She has over 20 years of experience in banking and financial services including a previous role at Corporate Central as a Relationship Development Officer.

As Senior Vice President / Chief Experience Officer, Heather creates an inviting member experience by playing a pivotal role in ensuring excellence within the entire organization by managing the member journey, while helping shape the employee journey with exceptional quality products and services. She serves as a member ambassador, connecting the corporate with members, improving member relations, and contributing to business growth. She works closely with the leadership team to improve processes and systems/software utilization, while investigating and driving new technologies, new products, and new opportunities to bring to market.

Heather’s diverse background includes her most recent role as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Connexus Credit Union and her prior position as Chief Operating Officer at Heritage Credit Union, where she oversaw several teams, optimized operations, and executed strategic plans. Before her role at Heritage, she held positions Fort Community Credit Union, Corporate Central Credit Union, and St. Mary’s & Affiliates Credit Union progressively growing her expertise and contributions in the credit union industry. For the past 10 years, Heather has been actively involved as a lead trustee for non-profit organizations, granting endowment funds and significantly impacting their missions and causes.

Heather’s educational background includes earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and obtaining the prestigious Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's CUNA Management School in 2015.

Heather, her husband John, and their two children Fiona and Owen are avid travelers and enjoy exploring new places, golfing, and hiking. With a heart for service, she actively volunteers at local food pantries, providing support and assistance to those in need.