From Teller to COO, Parker Brings More Than Two Decades of Deep Operational Expertise to Role
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. (April 2, 2026) – Leading company-wide operations, including branch support, digital and phone banking services, payments, and organizational efficiency activities, longtime Mission Fed Credit Union leader Bernadette Parker has been named chief operating officer (COO) of the credit union.
Beginning her career with Mission Fed as a teller at the La Mesa Mission Fed branch in 2005, Parker advanced within the organization through roles across branch and back-office operations — most recently serving as 1st vice president of operations — and developed a comprehensive understanding of the organization from the ground up. Over her 21-year tenure at Mission Fed, Parker’s leadership has delivered measurable impact for the credit union.
Parker has led several key operational initiatives, including policy updates and member promotions, and helped Mission Fed reduce fraud losses by nearly $500,000 while industrywide rates were rising. As COO, Parker will oversee branch and operations support, card services, digital channels, electronic check processing, and contact center operations, among other responsibilities.
“Bernie’s strategic leadership and deep operational expertise are the exact tools she needs to excel as Mission Fed’s COO,” said Doug Wright, president and chief executive officer of Mission Fed. “She understands how to translate our vision into execution and always keeps our members at the center of every decision.”
A graduate of San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Parker is currently participating in Mission Fed’s Executive LEAD leadership development program and remains passionate about delivering exceptional service to members. Parker is also a board member of Women’s Empowerment International, whose mission is to empower women with tools to work their way out of poverty, care for their families and strengthen their communities.
Parker is happily married to Carlos and has two sons in elementary and high school. In her free time, she enjoys camping – ideally among stunning pine trees – where she can fully unplug and spend quality time with her family, as well as exploring new adventures with her boys while their childhood years race by.
Parker replaces Rob Miller who retired after 13 years of service to Mission Fed.
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About Mission Fed Credit Union
Mission Federal Credit Union (Mission Fed) is the largest member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution exclusively serving San Diego County. Mission Fed enhances the lives of its members through financial education and services, with a focus on financial empowerment and fostering economic inclusion. Banking at Mission Fed means doing good for San Diego. Mission Fed gives money back to our local communities, has helped hundreds of nonprofits and vital causes, and cultivates enduring relationships with community partners. Mission Fed has served the financial needs of San Diegans for 65 years through checking, savings, loans, credit cards, investment and insurance services, and other financial offerings. Mission Fed has more than $7 billion in assets, over 325,000 members, 34 convenient local branches, 30,000 fee-free CO-OP ATMs nationwide and free mobile and online banking services. The credit union is regularly named a Top Workplaces USA winner and has placed in the top five California credit unions on Forbes’ Best-In-State Credit Unions list. Mission Fed is also the first San Diego-based credit union that received the “Juntos Avanzamos” designation, honoring its commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic consumers. Federally insured by NCUA and Equal Housing Lender. Must meet membership and account criteria. Loans subject to approval. To learn more, visit MissionFed.com.
