Connex's Financial Advocates exemplify our mission statement of "Improving the financial well-being of our members, employees, and the communities we serve.". Each of our eight branches has an advocate who will personally work with you on your financial goals, whether it's reducing debt, improving credit, or saving for a big expense like college or buying a home.
Our advocates work in your best interest. Find out more about them here.
Tameeka Lockwood Tameeka Lockwood has been with Connex Credit Union for over 15 years. She began her career with Connex as a part-time Member Service Representative, which led to a number of other positions. Tameeka enjoys working with our members to help them meet their financial goals and assists with the products and services needed to make their dreams a reality. Every member's need is important to her, whether it's a goal as small as saving for a vacation or as big as improving your credit score and saving for the purchase of a new home. Tameeka attended Southern CT State University. Her hobbies include playing and watching basketball, reading, watching a good love story, and spending time with family. |
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Melissa O'Connor Melissa has over 30 years of experience with Connex, with 20 of those years as a Branch Manager. Melissa has worked with local families as part of a financial challenge competition and led them to win each time. Melissa loves working with people and prides herself on her ability to customize plans to meet the financial needs of her members. When you meet with Melissa, you are in a no-judgement zone. She will listen carefully to your situation and challenges, and tailor a solution to fit your individual needs. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island. In her free time, Melissa loves cooking with her husband and attending their daughters' sporting events. She also leads her daughter's Girl Scouts troop. |
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Frank Pomarico Although Frank has been with Connex for over fifteen years, he has worked in the banking industry for over 30 years. He has an extensive background in mortgage and consumer lending. Frank loves listening to members' needs, assessing their financial situation, and helping them develop a plan to achieve their financial goals. He enjoys advising members on ways to improve their credit score and save money so they can have a solid financial picture. He has a Bachelors degree in Management from Post University, and holds a Life and Health Insurance license. When he's not working, he likes motorcycle riding and spending time with friends. |
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Gezim Stroka Gezim's career has mostly been in the banking industry. He has worked for Connex Credit Union for over 15 years. Gezim strives to ensure that our members are aware of all the options they can benefit from, and that those options are presented at the time he meets with them. Members' financial wellbeing is always top of mind to him, and he enjoys explaining how our products and services can help them save money. With his many years of financial experience and expertise, he is able to help members reach their financial goals. Some of Gezim's hobbies include playing and coaching soccer, the beach, hiking, and traveling with his family. He attended college in Albania and graduated with a Bachelor's degree. He also studied general law, and after moving to the United States, studied accounting and management at Southern CT State University. |
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Lisa Lattanzio Lisa has been in the financial industry for almost 20 years and it’s the new addition to the advocacy team at Connex. Originally from Rochester, NY, she moved to Connecticut in 1999. Lisa has always enjoyed working with people, helping them with their financial questions and also engaging with them about their families. She wanted to do more for the community, and that is why she make the transition from working for a big bank to joining a credit union. Lisa is an active part of the Monroe community, her hobbies include interior decorating and running, she enjoys spending time with her partner of 30 years and their two morkies. |
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Taimur Barlas Taimur has been in the financial industry for 7 years. In 2022 he started working with Connex Credit Union as an assistant branch manager and within 10 months transitioned to a branch manager position in Meriden. Originally from Pakistan, he moved to Connecticut in 2018. Taimur has a passion for helping others in the community and providing professional financial guidance. He is currently a Business student at Purdue University Global. Taimur understands the importance of financial planning and the products/services Connex offers to our community according to our Advocacy Standards. Out of work he loves spending time with his family and going on long drives with his wife and friends. |
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Niran Ayub Niran Ayub has been in the banking industry for over 18 years, beginning his career as a part-time Teller while attending college. After earning a finance degree with a minor in economics from Long Island University, he advanced to the role of Financial Advisor. However, the economic crisis of 2008 led him back into branch banking as a Supervisor. In 2022, Niran joined Connex Credit Union as an Assistant Manager. He is passionate about engaging with members, understanding their financial needs and aspirations, and working collaboratively to help them achieve their financial goals. Outside of work, Niran enjoys volunteering, participating in community events with his family, traveling, and spending time with his wife and son. |
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To start your journey to financial freedom today, just fill out the form or call 1-800-CR-UNION and one of our financial advocates will contact you.
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