Hanscom Federal Credit Union Announces Formation of Advisory Council
LITTLETON, Mass., Feb. 11, 2026 – Hanscom Federal Credit Union (HFCU) today announced the formation of its new Advisory Council, a distinguished group of veteran leaders, community advocates, educators, healthcare professionals, and innovation experts who will provide strategic insight to help guide the credit union’s continued evolution and member-first growth.
The Advisory Council was created to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to advise HFCU leadership on emerging trends, innovation, community impact, and the evolving needs of its members. The council’s formation reflects a deliberate step by HFCU to bring expertise into its strategic planning as the credit union expands its digital capabilities, financial education platforms, and long-term impact for members.
“This is a proud moment for Hanscom Federal Credit Union and an important step in our future,” said Peter Rice, President and CEO of HFCU. “Our Advisory Council brings perspectives that will help us innovate responsibly, strengthen trust, and ensure we continue delivering meaningful value to our members. From first-of-its-kind experiences like WealthTrek to the thoughtful exploration of emerging technologies, including AI, this council will help guide our work.”
The Advisory Council aligns with HFCU’s mission and core values of Members First, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation, and Empathy. The council will provide non-binding guidance and insights to leadership and will meet regularly to share perspectives, provide feedback, and help shape initiatives that enhance financial wellness, education, and the overall member experience.
The Advisory Council includes leaders with deep experience in veterans’ advocacy, public service, healthcare, education, and technology innovation.
Advisory Council Members
Corporal (ret.) Thomas J. “Tommy” Lyons, USMC
Tommy Lyons is a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and a lifelong public servant. As Chairman, Tommy Lyons brings decades of leadership in veterans’ advocacy, housing, and public service. He previously served as Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications at MassHousing and as Boston’s Commissioner of Veterans’ Services. In November 2025, Lyons received the U.S. Department of the Navy’s highest civilian award for his 40+ years of distinguished public service and exceptional leadership in support of veterans, their families and the Marine Corps. Lyons is the founder of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial and the Semper Fidelis Society of Boston and continues to serve on numerous veterans-focused boards and advisory councils.
LtCol (ret.) Michael Dunford, USMC
A retired Marine Corps Reserve officer and veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Mike Dunford is a seasoned executive and leadership consultant. He previously served as Chief Human Resources Officer and Senior Vice President at Covidien and now advises organizations on leadership, talent, and workforce strategy while remaining deeply involved in veteran employment and support initiatives. He currently serves as President of the Board of Directors at the The Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center.
Colonel (ret.) Daniel M. Arkins, Jr., U.S. Army
Dan Arkins is a retired United States Army colonel with 33 years of enlisted and commissioned service, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He currently serves on the Home Base Development Team supporting veterans and military families and brings deep experience in leadership, intelligence, and organizational strategy, along with a strong commitment to veteran advocacy and mentorship.
Mike Lorenz, former Senior Airman, U.S. Air National Guard
Mike Lorenz has spent more than 18 years in higher education administration and military and veteran support. A former Air National Guard member, he has dedicated his career to supporting military-connected students, families, and professionals while advancing inclusive practices within academic institutions.
Dr. Mary Jean Hughes
Dr. Mary Jean Hughes is an associate professor and academic fieldwork coordinator at Regis College with more than 25 years of experience in occupational therapy across clinical, educational, and leadership settings. Her work focuses on helping students succeed through accommodations, mentorship, and effective fieldwork placement, bringing a vital perspective on education, healthcare, and accessibility.
Colonel (ret.) Cheryl Lussier Poppe, Massachusetts National Guard
Cheryl Lussier Poppe is a retired colonel of the Massachusetts National Guard and a longtime leader in veterans’ services in the Commonwealth. She is Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services and brings decades of experience in public service, crisis leadership, and veteran care.
David Jensen
David Jensen is a strategic marketing and technology executive with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations innovate and build digital ecosystems. He currently serves as President of Regan Communications’ Digital Studio. With leadership roles across New England’s top marketing and communications agencies, Jensen brings a forward-looking perspective on digital strategy, technology, and customer experience.
Looking Ahead
The formation of the Advisory Council builds on HFCU’s momentum as an innovator in financial education and member experience. From WealthTrek, the world’s first immersive financial education experience inside a credit union branch, to continued investment in digital tools, data, and responsible AI exploration, HFCU is focused on evolving in ways that empower members and strengthen trust.
Together, the Advisory Council and HFCU leadership will help ensure the credit union continues to evolve in ways that empower financial confidence, accessibility, and long-term well-being for members.
About Hanscom HFCU
Hanscom, with more than $2.1 billion in assets, 115,000+ members, 300+ employees, and 23 branches across Massachusetts, Maryland, and Virginia, is one of the region’s most trusted credit unions. Founded in 1953, the organization’s mission is to be the trusted advisor people turn to for unbiased financial guidance, and its vision is to help every member achieve financial wellness.
Guided by its core values – Members First, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation, and Empathy – Hanscom offers a full suite of financial products and services, supported by thousands of shared branches and service center locations nationwide. Hanscom created WealthTrek, the world’s first financial questing experience, transforming financial education into an interactive, game-like journey. The credit union proudly supports its communities through the Hanscom Federal Credit Union Charitable Foundation, contributing more than $500,000 annually to causes supporting veterans, military families, students, and local organizations.
Learn more at www.hfcu.org.
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