FOLSOM, Calif.– The SAFE Credit Union Board of Directors announced today that Martha Lofgren was named Board Chair for the $4.4 billion credit union serving the Greater Sacramento region.
Lofgren joined the board in 2022 and was named 1st Vice Chair in 2025.
The board also named Bernadette Austin as 1st Vice Chair. Austin joined the board in 2021 and most recently served as 2nd Vice Chair. Sonia Lewis, who has served on the board since 2020, was named 2nd Vice Chair.
“I am honored to take on this role and work alongside my fellow board members, CEO Faye Nabhani and executive leadership during this pivotal time for SAFE,” Lofgren says. “The pending combination with BECU will bring enhanced products, services and value to our members and provide greater philanthropic impact for the Sacramento region. I am confident that SAFE leadership will guide the organization into a future where we can provide greater support to the very people we exist for: our members.”
Lofgren replaces SAFE Credit Union Board Chair Richard Blumenfeld, retired regional managing partner with Arther Andersen LLP, who served as 1st Vice Chair from 2023-24 and Treasurer from 2018-23. Blumenfeld remains on the Board as a director.
Lofgren, a graduate of Wellsley College, brings a wealth of legal, city government and business experience. She is a partner and co-founder of Sacramento-based Brewer Lofgren LLP and is the former interim president and chief executive officer of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Prior to co-founding Lofgren LLP, she worked for San Francisco-based Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe (now the global law firm Orrick) and San Diego-based Gray Carey Ames & Frye (now Behmer & Blackford LLP).
Lofgren also held two key positions for the city of Folsom—city attorney and later city manager—from 1994-2006, a time of significant growth for the city.
“What my experience has taught me is that when people bring their best to the table, much can be accomplished,” Lofgren says. “I see this at SAFE every day, as the Board, executive management, and employees work diligently to provide our members with quality service and innovative solutions. Those ideals will continue to be engrained in our culture as we head into a new era.”
New 1st Vice Chair Bernadette Austin is the Chief Executive Officer of Sacramento-based CivicWell, a nonprofit supporting leaders and communities impacted by the climate crisis. Austin’s previous roles include lead positions with Domus Development, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, California Capital, Breast Cancer Network of Strength, formerly Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, and New Connections.
“I look forward to working with Martha to help align strategies and priorities to ensure that SAFE continues to deliver its purpose of helping members build financial freedom,” Austin said. “I am honored to serve as 1st Chair and excited to continue to serve SAFE’s members.”
Newly elected 2nd Vice Chair Sonia Lewis joined the board in 2020 and served as 1stVice Chair from 2024 to 2025 and Board Secretary from 2022 to 2024.
“I’m excited to work with Martha and Bernadette to ensure that SAFE’s members are well represented.” Lewis says.
