A Lifetime of Leadership and Community
At Ellafi, we know that banking isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone has different financial needs, goals, and challenges, which is why we’ve designed banking experiences that fit your lifestyle—whether you're looking for simplicity, flexibility, financial growth, entrepreneurial support, or long-term security.
That’s where our five unique personas come in:
- Fortifi – Focused on long-term stability and financial protection.
- Simplifi – Banking made easy and stress-free.
- Flexifi – Financial solutions that adapt to life’s changes.
- Amplifi – Helping you grow your financial future.
- Gigifi – Supporting freelancers, side hustlers, and entrepreneurs.
For nearly five decades, Sharon has been a trailblazer in the credit union movement, helping shape not just institutions, but the lives of countless members. As the founder of Meriden Municipal Credit Union and later a senior leader at Seasons, Sharon’s journey reflects two of our core personas: Fortifi, focused on long-term security, and Amplifi, committed to helping others grow their financial future.
A Trailblazer in the Credit Union Movement
Sharon Maloney carved a path for herself and did it well. With a career spanning nearly five decades, she’s been a trailblazer in the credit union movement since 1976. During her early years, she remembers the challenges of working in the financial industry but found that credit unions offered more opportunity for women than traditional banks, thanks to the smaller scope of the industry at the time. She began working for a few credit unions before taking the leap to start her own — Meriden Municipal.
Over the years, Sharon developed strong relationships with members, watching families grow as children opened savings accounts, purchased their first cars, and began to build credit.
I have so many friends who were members of the credit union, and I still meet with them today. They still thank me, but I always tell them I really didn’t do anything, except steer you in the right direction.
Her personal experience also shaped her perspective on financial education. Widowed when her daughter was just three years old, Sharon understands the challenges faced by single mothers, navigating their financial journeys alone.
It was always very important to me to speak with women about managing their finances—teaching them the basics of budgeting, how to build credit for things like a car, and ways to get out of debt.
As technology advanced and the costs associated with it continued to rise, Sharon recognized that it was inevitable for Meriden Municipal Credit Union to merge to survive. Throughout her career, she had served on numerous committees and boards, often working alongside Keith Wiemert, President/CEO of Seasons Federal Credit Union. It was during a luncheon with Keith that he asked her, “Do you want to merge?” That conversation led to Meriden Municipal becoming part of what was then Middlesex School Teachers Federal Credit Union. In 2005, after the merger, the two credit unions decided to change their name to Seasons Federal Credit Union, a name they felt was more fitting for the broader membership they aimed to serve.
With the merger, Sharon assumed the role of Senior Vice President of Operations. Now retired for 12 years, she fondly remembers her time at Seasons FCU, describing the credit union as more than just a workplace—it was a family. This sense of community extended not only to the employees but to the members as well, she says. Sharon’s daughter, Shannon, also joined the Seasons family, working under Senior Vice President Robyn Swanson. While in college, Shannon would return during breaks to gain experience at the credit union. Sharon notes that her daughter credits much of her professional development and success to the guidance and mentorship she received while working with Robyn.
Three years ago, Sharon became part of Seasons Supervisory Committee where she says, “I still get to keep my finger in a little bit, but not enough where it feels like work.” She is excited about the credit union’s new direction under its rebrand as Ellafi Federal Credit Union, knowing that it’s well-positioned to help women with their finances.
There’s always been a need to help women with their finances, careers, small business, childrearing, and more. And with the team of Robyn, Keith, Betsy, the Board of Directors, and others, they’re always innovating and looking for what’s best for their members.
Sharon M.
Ellafi Member
