2026 Board of Directors Nominations
Candidate Profiles
Nyatwa Bullock • New
Nyatwa Bullock is a community-driven executive, nonprofit founder, and former Commissioner of Education with over 12 years of leadership experience in governance, fiscal oversight, and public-interest service. She has a proven record overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, shaping public policy, strengthening accountability systems, and advancing economic mobility through workforce development and small-business leadership. Nyatwa is an experienced business owner and community advocate committed to financial inclusion, ethical governance, and cooperative values.
Frank Cetera • Incumbent
Frank is the Business Transfers Program Director at The Democracy at Work Institute, where he a specializes in cooperative enterprise and employee ownership. Frank is a Westside Delegate to Citywide TNT (Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today), cofounded the Bitternut Collective Urban Homesteading co-op on the Near Westside, and has more than 10 years’ experience leading Coop Fed’s board. He has Masters degrees in Forestry and Sustainable Systems from SUNY ESF and Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.
Ebony Farrow • Incumbent
Ebony is the Director of Pathways to Apprenticeship, working with women and people of color in Syracuse to prepare for and gain access to registered Building Trade apprenticeship programs. She previously worked for COR Development, Syracuse EOC, and other community organizations in Syracuse. Ebony holds two degrees from Onondaga Community College in Interior Design and Architectural Technology. She lives in Syracuse with her family.
Brandon Johnson • New
Brandon Johnson is a nursing home administrator, business owner, and local real estate developer with a demonstrated commitment to community impact. His experience brings strong financial oversight and investment strategies to his work. He has served as a board director and leader for several local nonprofits, contributing meaningful governance and strategic leadership experience. Brandon is dedicated to helping Cooperative Federal meet the evolving needs of its members by advancing its mission and long-term goals. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Le Moyne College and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management.
Duane Owens • Incumbent
Duane is the NYS Regional Director of Historical Sites, Parks & Recreation. He formerly served as Onondaga County Commissioner of Personnel, Commissioner of Facilities Mgt. and MWBE Consultant, and has an extensive background in business and real estate development. Duane has served on CoopFed's Board of Directors since 2022, and on our Business Opportunity Loan Committee since 2018. He also currently serves on the boards of CNY Works and Inclusive Economy CNY, among others. Duane holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from Wake Forest University.
James Redfearn • New
James Redfearn has worked with organizations including BlackRock Inc., National Car Rental, Enterprise Holdings, Sysco, Waste Management, and Bascol, serving in roles that required adherence to organizational policy, customer accountability, and operational procedures. His experience includes frontline customer service, site supervision, commercial driving, and driver training within compliance-oriented environments. James is the managing member of JUROD Holdings, LLC, a New York–organized limited liability company. He also holds a New York State health insurance license and a CDL Class A license, reflecting experience in licensed and regulated professions. James is based in the Syracuse area and brings a practical, operations-focused perspective to governance, with an emphasis on responsibility, transparency, and institutional integrity.
Guidelines for Nominations
Cooperative Federal’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce its slate of nominees for the credit union’s 2026 Election.
Members may make additional nominations by submitting petitions. Petitions must include (a) names and signatures of at least 20 members, (b) a brief candidate statement (500 characters), and (c) a signed certificate stating that they will serve if elected to office.
Deadline for nominations by petition: March 17, 2026
Nominees must be Cooperative Federal members in good standing. We actively work to engage people of color, immigrants, all genders, and young or emerging leaders.
Candidates nominated by petition will be posted online and in our lobbies by 3/22/26. Cooperative Federal will not conduct the annual election by ballot and there will be no nominations from the floor when the number of nominees equals the number of open positions.
Collecting Petitions
Members that wish to petition for nomination may collect signatures in CoopFed’s lobbies during designated times.
To set up a schedule, please contact [email protected] no later than Feb 26. We will coordinate time, space, and signage to support your efforts!
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