Rob Schulz

I hold a Diploma in Computer Systems Technology (with Honours) from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), where I specialized in software development, systems analysis, and business processes. I have also completed professional training in MuleSoft Development, Salesforce Administration, TOGAF Enterprise Architecture, and B2B Sales Strategy, all of which have strengthened my expertise in digital transformation and business strategy. Beyond formal education, I have undergone Managerial GRID training while at Save-On-Foods, focusing on leadership, decision-making, and collaboration. These qualifications, combined with my professional experience, provide a strong foundation for serving on Vancity’s Board of Directors.

With over 15 years in corporate IT and digital strategy, I have worked extensively in enterprise architecture, financial systems integration, and business transformation

• Founder & President, Shop First Nations: Established an Indigenous business marketplace that bridges Indigenous brands with consumers and organizations. I have worked with Indigenous financial institutions and small businesses to leverage digital tools for growth while advocating for economic reconciliation. Thus, enabling a tangible step forward towards the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92 for corporate Canada.
• Enterprise Architect, QuadReal Property Group: Led the technology strategy for QuadReal’s Residential division, ensuring financial and operational systems aligned with business objectives. Oversaw financial integrations, including bank reconciliations, journal entries, EFTs, deposits, and corporate credit card transactions. Worked closely with executive leadership on residential real estate software, governance and regulatory compliance (PCI, provincial rental laws)
• Enterprise Architect, Save-On-Foods: Played a key role in launching their online shopping and integrating merchandising and customer loyalty systems while ensuring PCI compliance for secure payment transactions. Advocated for and helped re-establish the Enterprise Architecture practice, facilitating collaboration across IT teams to improve efficiency and governance.

This combination of corporate, financial, and entrepreneurial experience positions me to provide strategic oversight at Vancity while advocating for financial inclusion and innovation.

• Co-Host/Organizer with Arts New West for annual Indigenous Craft Market: Generates approximately $50,000 annually for Indigenous vendors, supporting economic reconciliation.
• Planning Committee, City of New Westminster’s National Indigenous Peoples Day (2022): Helped organize Indigenous marketplace vendors and community engagement initiatives.
• Youth Soccer Coach & Mentor, Hope and Health (2021): Volunteered to empower Indigenous youth through sports and mentorship.
• Indigenous Business Advocacy: Conduct digital marketing and e-commerce workshops for Indigenous entrepreneurs and consulting for Indigenous financial and entrepreneurial organizations

I have not previously served on a credit union board but I have extensive experience working with financial systems, governance, and regulatory frameworks in my corporate IT and entrepreneurial roles. My work at QuadReal and Save-On-Foods involved IT financial oversight, compliance, and risk management, giving me strong foundational knowledge applicable to Vancity’s governance structure.

Additionally, as an entrepreneur, I have worked closely with Indigenous financial institutions to improve financial accessibility for small businesses. I look forward to applying my expertise to serve Vancity members effectively

I bring a unique blend of financial oversight, digital transformation, and governance experience that aligns with Vancity’s mission and goals

• Business and Financial Oversight: At QuadReal Property Group, I played a central role in launching the Residential leasing division; ensuring IT and financial systems met strategic objectives. I facilitated financial system integrations, including bank reconciliations, journal entries, EFT processes, and corporate credit card transactions, working closely with senior leaders. At Save-On-Foods, I contributed to launching their e-commerce platform and ensured compliance within enterprise IT systems.
• Digital Transformation: My career in enterprise architecture and digital strategy has given me deep expertise in technology, systems integration, cybersecurity, and data governance — all crucial to Vancity’s future success. I have experience ensuring technology alignment with business objectives and working with leadership to navigate digital transformation initiatives.
• Economic Reconciliation: As the founder of Shop First Nations, I work closely with Indigenous entrepreneurs and financial institutions to expand access to financial tools and education. I have consulted on digital adoption strategies for Indigenous businesses and participated in financial inclusion initiatives that align with Vancity’s commitments to reconciliation and values-based banking.
• Governance and Leadership: I have extensive experience facilitating strategic decisionmaking and working within structured governance frameworks like TOGAF in enterprise settings. My ability to align organizational goals with operational execution makes me wellpositioned to contribute to Vancity’s strategic direction

My combination of business and financial oversight, digital transformation expertise, and advocacy for economic reconciliation makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the Vancity Board.

Vancity’s mission to advance financial inclusion, reconciliation, and sustainability aligns with my own values as an Indigenous entrepreneur and technology strategist. I want to contribute to the Board by advocating for economic reconciliation, ensuring that Indigenous businesses and underserved communities have access to the financial tools they need to thrive. Additionally, with my background in digital transformation and enterprise architecture, I can support Vancity’s ongoing efforts to innovate while safeguarding member assets.

I will bring a unique dual perspective - as a technologist and an Indigenous business advocate - to help Vancity navigate challenges in financial innovation, governance, and inclusion.

My experience leading digital transformation projects in the financial sector, combined with my work supporting Indigenous businesses, positions me to contribute to Vancity’s continued leadership in values-based banking. I have worked on enterprise financial integrations, risk management, and governance while also providing consulting and mentorship to Indigenous entrepreneurs on leveraging technology and financial tools for growth.

I plan to advocate for financial inclusion and Indigenous economic reconciliation, ensuring that Vancity remains a leader in supporting diverse businesses and communities. Additionally, I will leverage my expertise in IT strategy to support Vancity’s digital transformation, balancing innovation with responsible governance. By fostering partnerships, improving accessibility to financial products, and enhancing member engagement, I will work toward sustainable and equitable growth for all Vancity members.

My leadership style is collaborative, strategic, and community-focused, aligning closely with Vancity’s cooperative values and mission of financial inclusion, sustainability, and reconciliation. I believe in leading with purpose and integrity, ensuring that decisions are made through consultation, data-driven insights, and a long-term growth perspective.

In my work at Shop First Nations, I have built strong partnerships with Indigenous businesses, financial institutions, and organizations to promote economic reconciliation. This involves advocating for fair access to capital, digital adoption, and sustainable business growth, reflecting Vancity’s commitment to community impact.

In my corporate roles, I have successfully led cross-functional initiatives in digital transformation, governance, and IT strategy — key areas relevant to Vancity’s long-term growth. I emphasize transparency, knowledge-sharing, and consensus-building when working with stakeholders to align on strategic initiatives.

By bringing together perspectives from technology, finance, and Indigenous business leadership, I aim to contribute balanced, forward-thinking leadership that ensures Vancity continues to serve its diverse membership effectively.

Vancity serves a diverse membership, including individuals, small businesses, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and community organizations. My background uniquely positions me to bridge these different perspectives and advocate for inclusive financial policies and services.

As a Métis entrepreneur, I have firsthand experience navigating financial barriers, access to capital challenges, and digital adoption hurdles that many small business owners face. I will use this experience to advocate for equitable financial services, increased digital and financial literacy, and expanded business support programs, ensuring Vancity continues to prioritize underserved communities.

My expertise in technology allows me to represent members who rely on digital banking while also ensuring that Vancity’s technology strategies prioritize security, accessibility, and ease of use for all members.

By engaging with Indigenous business networks, sustainability advocates, and financial inclusion stakeholders, I will ensure that Vancity’s decisions reflect the needs of all members— from long-standing clients to the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders.