Member News: FAIRWINDS Credit Union Promotes Adrian Kierulf-Velez to VP of External Affairs & Philanthropy, Executive Director of FAIRWINDS Foundation

FAIRWINDS Credit Union has promoted Adrian Kierulf-Velez to Vice President, External Affairs & Philanthropy. In addition, Kierulf-Velez has been appointed Executive Director of the FAIRWINDS Foundation, the credit union’s philanthropic arm and a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
 
In his expanded role, Kierulf-Velez will lead FAIRWINDS’ community relations, government affairs, and philanthropic strategies. As Executive Director of the FAIRWINDS Foundation, he will spearhead financial literacy initiatives that empower individuals and communities to thrive.
 
Kierulf-Velez joined FAIRWINDS in 2023 and most recently served as Community Relations Manager. He brings more than a decade of experience in community engagement and public affairs, having worked across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
 
A committed civic leader, Kierulf-Velez serves on the boards of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund and the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools and is a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando’s Business Advocacy Committee. He was appointed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and is a graduate of Leadership Seminole Class 33.
 
In 2024, he was recognized as one of Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for his leadership and impact in the community.
 
“Adrian will continue to help amplify FAIRWINDS’ mission to change members’ lives on the journey to financial freedom,” says Dianne Owen, FAIRWINDS Executive Vice President, Chief Member Officer. “His experience and leadership are instrumental in inspiring generous living and giving throughout Central Florida and beyond.”
 
About FAIRWINDS
For more than 75 years, FAIRWINDS Credit Union has helped members achieve financial freedom by saving more, eliminating debt, building wealth, and living generously. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, FAIRWINDS serves more than 240,000 members with innovative and secure personal and commercial financial services, including deposits and loans, wealth management, retirement planning, treasury services, merchant services, and more. With a member satisfaction score almost triple the banking industry average, FAIRWINDS members experience confidence and peace of mind. FAIRWINDS was named a 2025 Best-in-State Credit Union by Forbes and one of Newsweek’s 2025 America’s Best Credit Unions. FAIRWINDS is consistently named a top employer of choice, including American Banker, Credit Union Times, and Florida Trend.
 
About FAIRWINDS Foundation
FAIRWINDS Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to helping individuals achieve a path toward financial responsibility, security and freedom and inspiring them to transform the lives of others by living generously.
Through education, financial contribution and volunteerism, the Foundation works with and supports organizations that align with its passion of improving lives through financial literacy.
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