John Santarpia

Background

About John Santarpia

My fascination with finance began in my early teens, delivering newspapers as a paperboy and watching firsthand how financial decisions impact people’s daily lives and communities. This early curiosity sparked a lifelong passion that has guided my 30+ year career as a Chief Executive Officer dedicated to empowering credit unions and their members. One of my proudest achievements was spearheading Polk County’s first zero-energy, LEED Gold-certified credit union branch—an initiative born from the belief that sustainability and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand. This project not only set a new green standard but also inspired my team and community to embrace forward-thinking practices. Throughout my career, I have driven innovative solutions—from securing CDFI and Low-Income designations to implementing AI-driven marketing strategies—expanding access and engagement in underserved populations. I take pride in building high-performing teams and fostering a culture where strategic vision meets operational excellence. Leadership for me is more than numbers; it’s about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. If you share this vision, I welcome connecting to explore how we can drive sustainable growth and community impact together.