Cyndi Williams is President & Chief Executive Officer of Credit.org, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve greater financial stability through trusted counseling and education. With more than 27 years of experience in nonprofit management and financial services, Williams brings extensive expertise in organizational strategy, operations, compliance, risk management, and program development.
Throughout her career with Credit.org and Springboard Social Enterprises, Williams has held progressive leadership roles focused on strengthening organizational infrastructure, improving operational effectiveness, and positioning programs for long-term sustainability. Her experience spans corporate administration, regulatory compliance, consumer advocacy, strategic planning, and the development of services designed to meet the evolving financial needs of individuals and communities.
As President & CEO, Williams provides strategic direction for the organization while advancing its mission, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that Credit.org continues to deliver accessible, high-quality financial and housing counseling services. Her leadership is centered on building resilient systems, developing strong teams, and creating sustainable strategies that expand organizational impact.
Williams is committed to ensuring that consumers have access to trusted guidance, practical tools, and meaningful opportunities to build stronger financial futures
Melinda Opperman is Chief External Affairs Officer at Credit.org, where she leads external affairs, financial education initiatives, strategic communications, and relationships with community partners, financial institutions, foundations, grant funders, policymakers, media, and other key stakeholders. Her work helps strengthen Credit.org’s visibility, partnerships, and ability to expand access to trusted financial education and counseling services.
With more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Opperman has dedicated her career to advancing financial literacy and helping individuals and families move from financial instability toward greater financial strength and resilience. She has played a significant role in developing community-based financial education initiatives and building partnerships that extend the organization’s reach and impact.
Under her leadership, Credit.org has received numerous national and community awards for financial education and counseling excellence. A recognized industry expert, Opperman has been interviewed or quoted more than 200 times by national and regional media, including NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, The Economist, AARP, and Military Times.
Opperman holds a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Economics from California State University, Northridge, where she graduated with honors. She also completed the University of Southern California’s Civic Engagement Nonprofit Leadership and Capacity Building Program.
Michelle Taylor is Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Credit.org, where she provides leadership and oversight for national programs in credit counseling, debt management, and housing stability. With extensive experience in nonprofit financial counseling, housing programs, and regulatory compliance, Taylor focuses on strengthening operational performance while ensuring programs are delivered with consistency, accountability, and measurable impact.
Throughout her career, Taylor has led complex initiatives requiring coordination across program operations, compliance, staff development, and client service. Her leadership supports Credit.org’s adherence to NFCC and HUD standards while helping the organization build scalable processes that improve efficiency and strengthen service delivery.
Prior to her current role, Taylor held a key leadership position with Springboard Solutions supporting California’s Keep Your Home California program, where she worked with homeowners, legal advocates, and government partners to resolve complex cases and support foreclosure prevention efforts. She also provided regulatory compliance, public records, and oversight reporting support for the CalHFA Mortgage Assistance Corporation.
Taylor is recognized for building effective systems, developing strong teams, and executing large-scale and grant-funded programs with precision, accountability, and a continued commitment to financial empowerment.
Ryan Hoskins is Vice President of Data & Infrastructure, supporting technology infrastructure, data systems, cybersecurity, and IT operations across the organization.Hoskins has contributed to major technology initiatives, including the implementation and launch of Elevate, an integrated customer relationship management platform supporting client information, workflows, reporting, and service delivery.
His involvement has included system development, data processes, integrations, and coordination with internal teams and external technology partners.With extensive institutional knowledge of the organization’s technology environment, Hoskins provides support across infrastructure, data management, system administration, business continuity, and technology-related operational needs.
His experience and long tenure provide valuable continuity as the organization continues to modernize its technology environment and strengthen the systems that support employees, programs, and operations.
Heather Shanahan is Vice President of Technology and Product Development at Credit.org, where she leads the development and advancement of technology solutions that strengthen financial education, counseling, and the overall client experience. Her leadership spans product development, CRM, web, and digital service delivery, with a focus on creating accessible, intuitive systems that make it easier for consumers to connect with trusted financial guidance.
Shanahan has played a key role in advancing Credit.org’s digital transformation, including the development and continued evolution of Elevate, the organization’s integrated customer relationship management platform. Elevate connects client information, appointments, documents, workflows, and next steps, helping create a more seamless experience from initial contact through counseling and follow-up.
Her work also supports the development of secure and compliant digital experiences, including improved consent management, online intake processes, and technology-enabled service delivery. By bringing together technology, user experience, and operational needs, Shanahan helps Credit.org modernize how services are delivered while expanding accessibility and strengthening organizational capacity.
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