Trustees and Officers of American Financial Solutions

American Financial Solutions is a division of North Seattle Community College Foundation, a non-profit agency. It is governed by a Board of Trustees.

Board of Directors

• Jerome B. Gronfein, Chairman and Director
• Joseph F. Jahn, Vice-Chairman and Director
• Carolyn Barton, Secretary and Director
• Mary Ellen O'Keeffe, Director
• V. Lee Okarma Rees, Director
• Williams Jarvis, Director
• Andrew Bembry, Director
• Rachel Solemsaas, Ed. D, Ex-Officio Director
• Melissa Putman, Director
• Christopher Ramiro Alejano, Director
   

Officers

Cindy R. Seremek, CPA, President

Ms. Seremek joined American Financial Solutions as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer in May 2004. In June of 2012 she was appointed President.  Her prior positions include senior business consulting and management as a Senior Audit Manager with the accounting firm Grant Thornton, LLP, where she worked with a variety of publicly and privately held manufacturing, distribution, real estate and not-for-profit organizations. Prior to joining American Financial Solutions, she was the Vice President of Finance for a venture capital firm specializing in companies that develop Internet applications, where she oversaw the accounting functions and financial reporting for twelve companies. At American Financial Solutions, she is responsible for the Organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives, ensuring the delivery of high quality services while managing for current and future growth and providing leadership in program development, organizational and financial plans.

Ms. Seremek is a member and Past Chairman of the Not-for-Profit Committee of the Washington Society of CPAs. She is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs and has served on several community boards including Soroptimist International and Food Lifeline.

Ms. Seremek earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Montana State University.

Helicia Thompson, Treasurer

Ms. Thompson joined American Financial Solutions in July 2021 as Director of Finance. She was elected Treasurer by the Board of Directors in September 2021.  Her responsibilities at American Financial Solutions include managing and overseeing the accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting functions.

Prior to joining American Financial Solutions, Ms. Thompson held leadership positions across several industries. These include as the CEO at System Incorporated, senior financial management positions at The Boeing Company, and as the Director of Sales Operations at Cutter & Buck Sportswear.

Ms. Thompson attended Washington State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. 

Leadership

Director of Strategic Initiatives
Becky House

Counseling Service Manager
Theresa Benitez

Client Services Manager
Shanna Luxton

Office Manager
Katie Kutz-Meehan

Housing and Student Loan Counselor Lead
Donna Loitz

Counselor Mentor
Kathleen Lacy
Lara Ceccarelli
Lynsey Hardy
Ryan Vlaskamp