About Us

Vision
The Unilever Credit Union will be the preferred financial services provider for the majority of Unilever.

Mission
The Unilever Credit Union will become the preferred provider by:
(1) Offering a full range of cost effective financial services
(2) Delivering personalized, customer focused service
(3) Leveraging its unique position within Unilever NA to drive membership
(4) Make a profound impact in the lives of our members
(5) Supporting communities we serve, and creating value and enduring relationships.

 

ESTABLISHED IN 1948
A historically strong legacy

Unilever Bestfoods Federal Credit Union (today known as Unilever Federal Credit Union) was founded in 1948 with the purpose of providing a safe place for fellow Unilever NA employees to save and borrow money at reasonable rates.

We are a member-owned full-service financial cooperative (nonprofit organization) open to Unilever employees, contractors, and their families in the North America area.  For over 60 years, UFCU has provided financial services to our members. UFCU continues to grow in assets and services.

Whether you are looking for a higher yield on your savings or investment; or a lower rate on a mortgage, credit card or consumer loan (auto, personal, etc.) you can find it at UFCU.

Also, our list of convenient services continues to grow and includes checking, money market accounts, online home banking and bill payment, ATM/Visa®Debit Cards, payroll deductions, eStatements, electronic funds transfers, surcharge-free ATM service and much more. At UFCU “Bringing financial vitality to you” is not just a slogan, it is our promise to you.

How are credit unions different from a bank?

• Credit unions are owned by their members. There are no stockholders to satisfy and no outside investors making decisions about, or profiting from, your money.
• Every dollar of profit is reinvested back into the credit union to benefit its members – helping to lower interest rates on loans and increase interest rates on savings.
• A credit union’s primary functions are to serve its members and to uphold the credit union motto, ‘people helping people’.

Bylaws
We are chartered under the Federal Credit Union Act and are governed by federal bank regulators, the National Credit Union Administration(NCUA). the Credit Union is owned by its members. The Credit Union has a board of directors elected by the members.

 

 

Meet our leadership Team
As a not-for-profit credit union owned by its membership, the members elect member representatives to the Board of Directors. According to the Bylaws of Unilever Federal Credit Union, the Board of Directors oversees the management of the credit union’s affairs, funds, and records.

 

The Board is committed to regularly reviewing and developing strategies, policies, and programs that support the credit union’s goals and objectives.

All Board of Directors, Associate Board Members and the Supervisory Committee at Unilever Federal Credit Union are members and volunteers.

They selflessly dedicate their time and expertise to serve the Members of Unilever Federal Credit Union and focus on doing what’s right for Members, the Credit Union, and the Communities we serve.

Meet our Board of Directors
Always looking out for your best interest

Jim Kopfensteiner – CEO/Board Treasurer Member Since 2001 | Board Member Since 2001. After 5 years of volunteering on the Unilever Federal Credit Board, Jim became UFCU CEO in 2014. Jim has an MBA in Finance and enjoyed a 20-year career at Unilever.  A father of two, Pamela, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and James, a graduate of Providence College, Jim is an avid sports enthusiast who spends his free time reading, playing basketball and golf.

 

George Zutell – Board President Member Since 1993 | Board Member Since 1999. Board Position – President of Board since 2017.  Supervisory Committee Chair since 1999 till 2016. Occupation: Senior Tax Manager for Unilever United States, Inc. (29+ years of service); Worked for 4 years as an auditor and tax professional for Ernst and Whinney. I have been a member since 1993 and Credit Committee Member since 1999 where I served on the Supervisory Committee from 1999 to 2004 and served as Chairman from 2004 to 2016.  My Committee/Board responsibilities have included work on the Asset/Liability Management and Strategic Planning Committees.  I’m currently holding the position of President Board overseeing the Loan Department including Consumer and Real Estate Lending. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to an organization with such a strong track record. The purpose of the credit union is to provide a safe place for fellow Unilever employees to save and borrow money at reasonable rates.  I hold a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from the University of Rutgers and I am also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) since 1988. I have been a Unilever employee since 1989 at Englewood Cliffs and currently hold a position of Senior Tax Manager.  In addition to volunteering with the credit union, I am also volunteer a as Treasurer of my local township youth Lacrosse and football leagues for the past 7 years.  I am also a member of the Unilever Defined Benefit (Pension & 401K) Committee since 2016. On the weekends, I enjoy playing golf, watching my kids play …. and spending time with my family. The Unilever Federal Credit Union continues to grow and to offer its members excellent service and security.  I am committed to maintaining a strong financial position in each service area of Unilever FCU so that the institution remains responsive to the needs of its members.

 

Jay Shah – Board Member Member Since 2014 | Board Member Since 2016. Board Position – Supervisory Committee Chair since 2016. Occupation: Senior Tax Accountant for Unilever United States, Inc. (4+ years of service); Worked for 5 years as an Senior Tax Associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Education: Masters of Law in Taxation from New York University (2018) & Masters In Financial Accounting from Rutgers University (2009). CU Education/Achievements: Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent since 2014.

 

Abdallah, Tamer – Secretary Member Since 2015 | Board Member Since 2018. ­­­­­­Currently I am an Associate Finance Manager for Unilever United States, Inc. (5+ years of service). During my time with Unilever I have worked in various capacities of the business such as Treasury & Government Reporting, Overheads, & Customer Development Finance. Prior to Unilever I worked as a Financial Management Associate for Ernst & Young (2 years of service).  When I am not at work or with family, I am a member my local volunteer fire department where I have served for the past 6 years. Currently I hold the position of Lieutenant and prior to being appointed to the position I was an Executive Board Member serving as Secretary for the department.  Education: Graduate of Rutgers University 2012 with a B. S in Finance & Criminal Justice. Graduate of Montclair State University 2016 with a M.B.A in Marketing & Management.

Credit Committee
The Credit Committee monitors loans that are approved and denied by the Credit Union. Any loan not acted upon by the Credit Union Manager will be turned over to the Credit Committee for their consideration.

These volunteers make up our Credit Committee:
 

Michael Imparato – Credit Committee Member Since 1997 | Board Member Since  I’m a NJ CPA and I have been a Credit Union member since 1997, with various companies. Currently, I’m on the Unilever Federal Credit Union Credit Committee. Outside of work, I enjoy watching my girls play soccer and I keep active playing golf.

 

John Holtzhauer – Chair Member Since 2007 | Board Member Since  John has been a member of the credit union for over 16 years and is currently serving as the Chair of the Credit Committee.  Born in Washington, D.C., John Holtzhauer (NMLS #202179) has been involved with Real Estate lending for more than 35 years with experience in loan origination, underwriting and closing of mortgage loans. John has served as the UFCU Chair since 2015 and also currently serves on the credit union ALCO committee..  He is the Vice President of lending at the credit union. He is responsible for the Real Estate and Consumer Lending (both Production and Operations), Loan Servicing, Collections, Secondary Marketing, Lending System Administration, and Records. John has played a valuable role in the credit union’s growth and continued successes. In his spare time, he enjoys running, being outdoors and spending time with his family and cats, Jackson and Cicely.

 

Supervisory Committee
The Supervisory Committee regularly meets to ensure that the Credit Union is fiscally sound and effectively serving the diverse financial needs of Members. Committee members generously volunteer their time to review internal and external audit reports, as well as financial statements. Throughout the year, the Supervisory Committee also confirms the validity of shares and loans.

These volunteers make up our Supervisory Committee:

Jay Shah – Chair Member Since 2014 | Board Member Since 2016. Board Position – Supervisory Committee Chair since 2016. Occupation: Senior Tax Accountant for Unilever United States, Inc. (4+ years of service); Worked for 5 years as an Senior Tax Associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Education: Masters of Law in Taxation from New York University (2018) & Masters In Financial Accounting from Rutgers University (2009). CU Education/Achievements: Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent since 2014.

 

Steven Solinga – Chair Member Since 2001 | Board Member Since 2021 Board Position – Supervisory Committee Chair since 2001. Occupation: Steve was employed by Bestfoods in 1989 and then joined Unilever when it bought Bestfoods in 2000.  He was Senior Tax Counsel at Unilever US.and retired in 2020. He has a B.S. in Accounting and Management from NYU College of Business and Public Administration, a J.D. in law from Duke Law School, and an LL.M. Masters of Tax Law form NYU School of Law.  He was also a licensed CPA. A father of two (high school and college students), Steve volunteers at a food pantry and also volunteers at an elementary school teaching art appreciation as part of a national program (Learning to Look).

 

 

 

Regulatory Monitoring
Our credit union’s primary regulator is the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), ensuring that we
adhere to safe and sound operational practices.

Contact Your Board of Directors
If you have any questions or comments regarding the credit union or need help with an unresolved issue, please address your letter to the following:

Unilever Federal Credit Union
Attn: Supervisory Committee
700 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Please do not include any sensitive information such as your account number of social security number.

 

 

Serving on the Board
Unilever FCU needs YOU

If you love Unilever Federal Credit Union and have business experience, we invite you to consider joining our volunteer Board of Directors (Board).

Our Board works with UFCU’s executive management to ensure every decision is made with our members’ financial well-being in mind and in a manner that complies with all credit union bylaws and government regulations. Board members are active members in the community, helping share the credit union mission and UFCU’s commitment to helping our region thrive. UFCU champions and is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces and in our community.

Members of UFCU’s Board serve one-, two-, or three-year terms. If you are interested, download our application to learn more and apply.

We invite you to consider applying for a Board position if you have expertise in any of the following areas:

• Economic, financial, and business matters
• Organizational leadership
• Marketing, branding, customer/membership cultivation
• Information technology, cybersecurity, and digital-based delivery methods
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Customer/member service, product development and delivery efficiency
• Enterprise risk management
• Human capital management

Eligibility is easy                
Candidates must meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years as of the election date and be a member in good standing, defined as follows:

$5 minimum balance in savings.
No delinquent loans.

Time Commitment will not interfere with your busy schedule
Candidate should be prepared to attend monthly board and periodic committee meetings if elected. Board meetings are held online the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. and last approximately one hour. 

Opportunity to Contribute
Board Members help the Credit Union develop long-range strategic plans.  Board members also reviewing policies and procedures and oversee the operation and financial performance of the Credit Union. 

Your Voice is Needed
As a Board Member, your voice would represent our Members to ensure the Credit Union is providing the products and services to meet our Member’s expectations and needs.

Easy Process
Let us know of your interest!  Please submit a brief resume/biography with the application.
Interested Members will have their names placed on the ballot for election at the Annual Meeting.

Click here to learn more about becoming a board of directors or supervisory committee.

Click here for frequent questions serving our board of directors.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Have more questions?  Please contact jim.kopfensteiner@unilever.com

 

What are the benefits of being a Board Member? You’ll be a representative voice for your fellow members; and have a direct say in the overall direction of the Credit Union. You will be a part of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people”. You gain knowledge and experience about the running of a financial institution, strategic planning, and about the credit union movement. Board members are also eligible to attend training and conferences to enhance their knowledge of the credit union movement. It is a great way to become part of a unique organization that affects the financial lives of thousands of members.  This is a unique opportunity unavailable elsewhere. Not at the big banks.  Not at the conglomerate Credit Unions, not at the major lending institutions.  This is a unique opportunity for you to make a difference.

 

 

Unilever FCU Awarded Grants To Help Small Businesses and Nonprofits Organizations

49 GRANTS Totaling $400,000!

The Unilever Federal Credit Union is proud to support local food pantries and small business and community organizations in our area and want to thank the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) for their Small Business Recovery Grant Program and dedication to the community.

49 local non-profit organizations and small businesses have received grants, totaling $400,000.00, from the Credit Union in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. The recipients of the recent fifth round grants are as follows:

Fifth Round Grants/Total Funding $100,000/January 2024
Office of Concern Food Pantry, Englewood, NJ 07631
Maria and Eddie Torres, Creative-Dancing Artist, Bronx, NY 10462
Cliffside Park Fire Department, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
Fort Lee Fire Department, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 
Englewood Cliffs Fire Department, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07024
Center For Food Action, Englewood, NJ 07631
Party Rental, South Plainfield, NJ 07080

Basking Bagels, Maywood, NJ 07607
Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, East Hanover, NJ 07936
Waves of Education, providing education assistance to children, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Safu Sushi Restaurant, Toms River, NJ 08753
Adopt-A-Soldier Platoon, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Advance Bio magnetism Center, Alternative Medicine-Healthcare, Neptune, NJ 07753

 

 

 

Fourth Round Grants/Total Funding $100,000/November 2021
Englewood Cliffs Fire Department, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07024
Jeremy De Jesus Bosch, Musician/Composer, Producer, North Bergen, NJ 07047
MT Pleasant Animal Shelter, East Hanover, NJ 07936
Med Couture Custom Apparel, Newark, NJ 07102
The Onyx & Breezy Foundation, Montvale, NJ 07645
Dumont Crystal Diner, Dumont, NJ 07628
Mezzanotte Italian Restaurant, Fairlawn, NJ 07410
Cantone Press, Englewood, NJ 07631
Party Rentals, south Plainfield, NJ 07080
Women’s Rights Information Center, Englewood, NJ 07631

Third Round Grants/Total Funding $50,000/April 2021
Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children, Paterson, NJ 07501
American Legion Post 171, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
The Cliffside Park Volunteer Fire Department, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
The Latin Flavor Restaurant & Lounge, Newark, NJ 07104
Peak Latin Dance, Ridgefield, NJ 07657

Second Round Grants/Total Funding $100,000/September 2020
Che Paul Hair Studio, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
Community Promoting Animal Welfare (CPAWNJ), Montclair, NJ 07042
Bella Hair Studio, West New York, NJ 07093
MLD, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Central Optix, INC, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Hudson Eyecare Associates, Jersey City, 07307
Jorge El Mexicano Restaurant, Clifton, NJ 07011
Xclusive Cuts Barber Shop, Woodland Park, NJ 07424
Avantte Interior Design, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
J West Design Services, LTD, Plainfield, NJ 07060

First Round Grants/Total Funding $100,000/July 2020
Kang’s B & A Cleaners, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662
Sedona Restaurant, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
Pearl Restaurant, LLC, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
United Eventures, LLC, Oradell, NJ 07649
Ke Rikuras Coffee Shop, Union City, NJ 07087
FTS Landscaping, LLC, North Bergen, NJ 07047
K & M Childwood Leaning Center, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Arts Creations Pottery Studio, Woodland Park, NJ 07424
Safra Hair Salon, Clifton, NJ 07011
Start Save The Animals Rescue Team, Little Falls, NJ 07424

Thank you to the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York for their partnership and the opportunity to extend recovery grants to deserving organizations.  This generous funding is helping to support the small businesses and nonprofits that are the backbone of our communities.

 

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Adopt-A-Soldier Platoon
Boosting the morale of deployed troops
Help us support our military

The Unilever Federal Credit Union truly believes in “People Helping People”.  Make a difference in the lives of our soldiers by donating to the Adopt-A-Soldier Platoon.  This non-profit organization has been helping to improve the lives of wounded soldiers and their transition back into civilian life since 2003.

Members and non-members can click on the banner below for more information.