Election Information

This year, we invite all Hughes Federal Credit Union Primary Members to vote for their 2025 Board of Directors (BOD) online. Voters will help us fill four open seats from a list of nine candidates, of which four are incumbents: Ashesh Bhalala*, John Candito, Rocco Freed, Scott Freeman, Jim Hall*, Chuck La Due*, Brek Montoya, Sharon Schaum*, and Pete Wilke. (*incumbent)

The online election for the BOD will take place from March 1-31, 2025. Primary members who are 16 years or older are eligible to vote. If you prefer a mail-in ballot, visit HughesFCU.org/Ballot and submit your request before March 17, 2025.

Members who are not nominated for the Board of Directors can still be placed on the ballot by collecting signatures from 1% of voting members who are 16 years old or above, which is 1,863 members. Petitions are available at HughesFCU.org/Petition or any branch location. Completed petitions must be submitted at a Hughes branch by January 31, 2025, at 5pm.

 

Annual Meeting

Election results will be announced at the 73rd Virtual Annual Meeting on April 16, 2025, at 4pm. During the Meeting, no votes will be cast, and no call for nominations from the floor will be made for Board seats.

Board Nominees

Ashesh Bhalala*

Ashesh Bhalala has been a member of Hughes Federal Credit Union for 38 years. He was on the supervisory committee at the credit union from 2002 to 2012 in various capacities including as Chairman of the supervisory committee.  He is currently on the Board of Directors at Hughes Federal Credit Union since 2013.

Mr. Bhalala was an Associate Director at Raytheon Missile Systems Company and worked and led engineering design and development projects from 1985 until his retirement in 2020. He is currently a consultant at Raytheon and provides significant programmatic support on various development projects.   He remains engaged with the many colleagues and friends he has established over the years at Raytheon. Mr. Bhalala received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arizona.

John Candito


John Candito is a highly accomplished professional with 25 years of diverse experience spanning healthcare, commercial, and government and defense industries. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Arizona, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management from the University of San Diego, where he graduated as valedictorian.

Throughout his career, John has excelled in roles with Raytheon Missile Systems, Sargent Aerospace and Defense, Banner Health, and Yuma Regional (Onvida Health) Medical Center. His expertise includes Supply Chain Management, healthcare leadership, government and defense, and manufacturing.

With financial responsibility for managing budgets exceeding $260 million annually, John has honed advanced leadership skills and developed a deep understanding of customers' unique needs across differing industries.  He has consistently driven world-class innovation and efficiency in supply chain and operations management.

In addition to his professional achievements, John is an accomplished multi-time national conference speaker, expert panelist, and author. He is also an avid sports fan, coach, and home improvement and financial investing hobbyist.

Rocco Freed


Rocco Freed is the VP of Sales at BlueInk, a leading signature software company that partners with banks and fintech companies nationwide to streamline the document signing processes. Rocco has led sales teams in the US and internationally, overseeing revenue strategy, driving growth, and expanding market share. With a strong background in sales, marketing and business development, Rocco will bring a unique perspective by combining expertise in the tech space with hands-on experience working with financial institutions.

Rocco’s core values of innovation, collaboration and building meaningful relationships guide his approach to leadership. 

Scott Freeman

 

Scott Freeman is a seasoned IT and telecommunications professional with extensive experience in engineering, cybersecurity, Program management and leadership within the federal and military sectors. Currently, he serves as the Director of Operations for All Native Group in Sierra Vista, a role he has held since 2017. In this capacity, he oversees business development for a $300 million consulting firm specializing in IT, cybersecurity, telecommunications, professional services, Health IT, project management and logistics.  His skills also include discerning the best capital investment opportunities that will manifest the greatest ROI for the program.

Prior to this role, Scott served as a Program Manager and Systems Engineer, where he managed planning, contract administration, client relations, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement. His efforts delivered $150 million in new revenue as well as $6 million in unprogrammed revenue by preventing contract divestment and reworking existing agreements to maximize quality and efficiency.

Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland. As a United States Army veteran with an active top-secret Department of Defense security clearance, Scott has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to service and excellence.

Jim Hall*

Jim completed both an undergraduate and advanced degree at the University of Arizona, where he developed a strong foundation in educational psychology and student support. Certified as a school psychologist, he served two local school districts for over nine years, helping countless students and educators navigate educational and emotional challenges.  Jim then made a successful transition into the financial planning field.  In 1992 he earned the Certified Financial Planner©️ designation and began a ten-year tenure with USAA Insurance Companies, advancing to Western Regional Director.  Following this, Jim took on a leadership role at Hughes Federal Credit Union, where he managed the financial planning department for twelve years and retired as Vice President/General Manager. 
 

In retirement, Jim continued to contribute expertise to Hughes Federal Credit Union by joining the Board Supervisory Committee, where he served for seven years as member, secretary, and ultimately Chairman. In 2024, Jim was appointed to the HFCU Board of directors, actively contributing on the Cyber Security and New Business Committees. 

Outside of his professional commitments, Jim enjoys golf and gardening, finding time to unwind outdoors. He is also committed to community service and volunteers regularly with the Community Food Bank, giving back to support those in need. Blending a wealth of experience in both educational and financial field, Jim brings a compassionate and strategic approach to every endeavor.

Chuck La Due*


Mr. La Due has been a member of Hughes Federal Credit Union since 1978 when he joined Hughes Aircraft Company. In 2022, Mr. La Due was elected to the Board of Directors, after serving 8 years on the Credit Union’s Supervisory Committee. As a member of the Board of Directors, Mr. La Due has been actively involved in developing growth strategies, has participated on a number of standing Credit Union committees, and has been a member of the Credit Union’s CEO search and Executive Compensation committees.
 
During his tenure on the Board and Supervisory Committee, Mr. La Due has gained a unique, deep, and broad understanding of Hughes Credit Union’s role and responsibility to its members and the local community. In his position on the Board, Mr. La Due continues to represent, promote, and assure the interests of the Credit Union’s membership.

Mr. La Due has Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering. He has a Master’s in Business and Administration, and a Master’s of Science in National Resource Strategy. At Hughes/Raytheon, he managed a multi-billion-dollar program and developed capture strategies to support national and international program acquisitions.

Charles looks forward to continuing the exceptional opportunity that being a member of the Hughes Board provides. He will apply his breadth of education, management, and Credit Union experience to further the needs of the Credit Union’s membership and the community.

Brek Montoya

Brek Montoya brings more than 20 years of progressive experience across emergency medicine, customer service, management, media, and fitness industries. He is currently the Director of Emergency Services and Paramedic Supervisor for MedFire Emergency Management and Firefighter for Helmet Peak Fire Dept. He is also an EMS Instructor for PCC and the Public Safety and Emergency Services Institute and the CEO/President of Freeflying Media. With a strong background in leadership, Brek has held positions such as CEO, President, Director of Operations, Training Manager, and General Manager, working at renowned organizations like Reebok Sports Club NY, Canyon Ranch, LA Fitness, AMR, Tucson Local Media, Gap Inc, and the University of Arizona.

A dedicated community leader, Brek serves on the Boards of Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona, the LGBT Education Foundation, and Arizona Skycats. He has also served on the boards of the Greater Vail Chamber of Commerce, VailFest Committee, and is a Greater Tucson Leadership Alumni. His commitment to service and leadership extends into his professional expertise as a certified firefighter, paramedic, and college-level instructor.

Academically accomplished, Brek is completing his degree in EMS at the University of Arizona, with plans to pursue a MS in Nursing Practice and MA in Management. His diverse skill set includes volunteer coordination, media strategy, fitness coaching, emergency services and operational management expertise.

As a licensed skydiver and NOH8 campaign-sponsored athlete, Brek embodies a passion for living life to the fullest. He approaches challenges with a first responder’s mindset, bringing calm under pressure, strategic problem-solving and a commitment to excellence. His philosophy is simple: “80% of success is showing up.”

Sharon Schaum*


Sharon A. Schaum is a dedicated and accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience in the Aerospace and Defense and Financial Banking industries.
Sharon is currently at Raytheon Missiles & Defense within the Supply Chain Management organization. During her 20-plus years, she has worked as a Production Control Manager, Material Program Manager, and is currently an International Supplier Performance Manager. Her experience ranges from working with international partners to developing and executing material strategies in support of program acquisitions. As a proven leader, she has successfully managed and motivated teams to exceed challenging goals and objectives.
 
Sharon’s proven track record of success included various leadership positions throughout her banking tenure. These include Vice President of Retail Banking at Bank of America, NT & SA, and Assistant Branch Manager at Pima Savings & Loan. She has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at Pima Community College and the University of Phoenix.

Sharon is continuing her education towards a PhD in Organizational Leadership (currently ABD). She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Management from Capella University. She also holds a Master of Business Administration in Global Management from the University of Phoenix. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Sharon has been on the Board of Directors since 2023.

Pete Wilke


Pete Wilke brings a distinguished career in both military and civilian aviation. He served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps for 12 years, where he was an Aircraft Commander for the KC-130, a Weapons and Tactics Instructor, and a Combat Engineer Officer. His service highlights include leadership in mission-critical operations and advanced training roles.

Following his military career, Pete became a pilot with Delta Airlines, where he progressed from Second Officer to First Officer and later to Captain, demonstrating exceptional skill, leadership, and responsibility in commercial aviation. He has been an active member of the Airline Pilots Association, contributing to advancing professional standards in the aviation industry. 

Pete graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Political Science. He’s committed to service, which extends to his involvement in various homeowners’ associations, including a leadership role with a variety of homeowner associations in California and Arizona.

Dedicated to nonprofit leadership, Pete has earned certifications from BoardSource ® and FI-360, including a Certificate of Nonprofit Education and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation during his 20 years of service with Delta Pilots Mutual Aid. His expertise in fiduciary responsibility enhances his ability to support organizations in achieving their missions effectively.

Through decades of leadership, service and community involvement, Pete has built a reputation for integrity, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to excellence.

*Incumbent serving on the Board