DES MOINES, IOWA (December 20, 2021) — The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) has announced Jelena Babic Barnes will be the next Executive Director.
Babic Barnes has served as the program manager for the Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF), the philanthropic arm of the Iowa Credit Union League, since 2020. Prior to joining ICUF, Babic Barnes worked in the non-profit sector in Europe for more than 13 years, helping non-profits, business support organizations, and institutions focus on community development.
“Jelena is a passionate advocate for the underserved in Iowa,” said Ann McMillian, board chairperson of ICUF. “As we searched for a new executive director, it was imperative that this person had an understanding of philanthropic organizations, had strong values that align with ICUF’s, and would serve as a passionate advocate for financial well-being for all. We are very excited to see where Jelena will take ICUF in this new role.”
As executive director, Babic Barnes will oversee the daily operations of ICUF, support ICUF’s strategic directives, lead capacity-building through strategic fundraising, administer programs, and strengthen relationships with Iowa credit unions, community partners, and other key audiences.
Founded in 1995 as the philanthropic arm of the Iowa Credit Union League, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation's (ICUF) primary focus is the championing the financial well-being of Iowans through credit unions. ICUF seeks to carry out its mission to empower people and communities to achieve financial well-being by championing the credit-union philosophy of people helping people, through its various programs, grants, and scholarships. For more information, visit www.IowaCreditUnionFoundation.org.
