Herndon, Va. – March 5, 2026 – Northwest Federal Credit Union (Northwest) has promoted Jennifer Kostelnik to Senior Vice President (SVP) of Lending Operations, recognizing her long-standing impact on the credit union’s len ding performance. In this role, she will oversee the systems and teams that support Northwest’s mortgage, auto, and credit card portfolios, which total nearly $3 billion.

Kostelnik brings more than 25-years of lending operations experience and a record of lending process improvements that support the credit union’s strong delinquency and charge-off rates. Known for her steady, people-focused leadership, she has guided high-performing teams through regulatory change, technology adoption, and continuous improvement initiatives that align with Northwest’s mission and long-term growth strategy.

“Jennifer has demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to elevating our lending processes,” said Sara DePauw, Chief Lending Officer (CLO) at Northwest Federal Credit Union. “Her promotion to SVP of Lending Operations reflects both her strong performance and her ability to drive meaningful improvements across our platforms. I have full confidence that Jennifer will continue advancing our operational excellence and supporting the strategic growth of our organization.”

These responsibilities position Kostelnik to further strengthen Northwest’s lending infrastructure while continuing to elevate service to members. To learn more about Northwest, including leadership, news, and employment opportunities, visit nwfcu.org

 

About Northwest Federal Credit Union

Northwest Federal Credit Union (Northwest) is a leading financial institution dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of banking and financial services to its over 280,000 members across the DMV area and beyond. Established in 1947 with a focus on personalized customer service, Northwest offers a variety of products, including savings and checking accounts, loans, mortgages, and investment options. As a member-owned, non-profit organization, Northwest not only strives to enhance the financial well-being of its members, but is also integrally involved with supporting the local community through various outreach initiatives and strategic partnerships. Northwest is the Official Credit Union of the Washington Commanders and naming rights sponsor for the team’s Northwest Stadium. For more information about Northwest Federal Credit Union, visit nwfcu.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.