Albuquerque, NM – Nusenda Credit Union recently announced the appointment of John Hernandez and Yasine Armstrong to its Board of Directors and Kelly Marquez and John Zivnuska as Advisory Members, strengthening the Credit Union’s leadership with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, community engagement, education, financial institution operations, and innovation.
John fills the board seat previously held by Martin Serna, who retired in 2026. Yasine fills the board seat previously held by Judy Cartmell, who retired in 2026 and became a Director Emeritus. Both John and Yasine will serve as Directors until the April 2027 Annual Meeting, when they will be eligible for election to a new term.
John Hernandez has served as an Advisory Member since January 2026. John is a former U.S. Naval Aviator and systems engineering leader with advanced degrees in Physics, Systems Engineering, Aeronautics, and an MBA from MIT Sloan. He is Managing Director of Particle Labs Inc., where he leads the U.S. market expansion for a VC-backed stealth deep tech company commercializing next-generation particle accelerator technology.
Yasine Armstrong is President of the New Mexico Angels and brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, venture investment, communications, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership. Her career has included leadership roles with Homewise, CasaKids, BabyPage, CNM’s STEMulus Center, and Flywheel Ventures, as well as service in education and community organizations. We are grateful for the broad perspective, innovation, and leadership that Yasine brings to this role.
Kelly Marquez, a Santa Fe native, serves as the Executive Director of the Santa Fe Community College Foundation and brings decades of experience across education, business, and nonprofit leadership. Her background as a longtime small-business owner and community partner reflects a strong commitment to sound management, meaningful relationships, student success, and the community she calls home.
John Zivnuska is the Chief Operations Officer and Co-Founder of Hoonify Technologies, where he leads operations, financial management, governance, and strategic growth supporting high-performance computing and artificial intelligence solutions. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in financial services and business management, including leadership roles at Sandia National Laboratories and U.S. Bank.
“Serving on Nusenda’s Board of Directors and Advisory Members requires a commitment of time, talent, and passion for our mission,” said Michelle Dearholt, CEO and President of Nusenda Credit Union. “We are grateful to John, Yasine, Kelly, and John for their willingness to serve. Their diverse experience and thoughtful leadership will help us continue improving the financial well-being of the members and communities we serve.”
To learn more about Nusenda’s leadership team and Board of Directors, click here.
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About Nusenda Credit Union
Nusenda Credit Union is New Mexico’s largest locally owned and operated credit union with over 300,000 members and more than 900 employees. It has more than 30 branches throughout New Mexico and West Texas, serving the communities of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Taos, Valencia County, Socorro, Deming, Las Cruces, and El Paso. There are hundreds of ways to join the credit union. Connect with Nusenda Credit Union at www.nusenda.org; Facebook @NusendaCU; Twitter @NusendaCU; and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nusenda-credit-union.
Insured by NCUA | Equal Opportunity Lender
Media Contact: Eric Harrison, (505) 610-0419 or [email protected]