Jen WilliamsOf Counsel

About Jen Williams

Jen Williams, Of Counsel at SW&M, has an extensive legal background spanning over 20 years. She brings a wealth of expertise in the fields of general credit union law, mergers and acquisitions, field of membership (FOM) expansions and issues, foundation creation and governance, AML/BSA, audit, enterprise risk management, as well as fraud and loss prevention.

Renowned for her strategic insight, Jen guides financial institutions through complex M&A transactions, overseeing every stage—from initial due diligence and regulatory filings to post-merger integration. Her guidance ensures that mergers align with institutions’ goals, optimizing asset structures and charter options for sustainable growth.

Jen’s expertise in foundation creation and governance empowers financial institutions to establish and manage philanthropic foundations in full compliance with regulatory requirements. She designs governance frameworks and policies that reflect an organization’s mission, providing strategic guidance on board composition, training, and long-term goals to enhance community impact.

Jen also excels in strategic planning for credit union expansions, helping institutions evaluate state and federal charters, licensing options, and capital structures to make informed growth decisions. Her work includes advising on the acquisition, formation, and management of operating subsidiaries and Credit Union Service Organizations (CUSOs) to broaden member services and community impact. Jen provides thorough preparation and filing for associational, occupational, and community FOM requests, offering comprehensive guidance on regulatory implications and charter benefits.

Jen’s credit union journey began in 2011 as the Chief Legal Counsel at Aventa Credit Union in Colorado Springs, CO. She later served as Vice President of Risk Management at California Coast Credit Union in San Diego, CA, and more recently, as General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer at Frontwave Credit Union in Oceanside, CA. Her prior career in New York with broker dealers further shaped her acumen in risk management and compliance.

Jen is also a respected speaker at credit union conferences, where she shares her insights on a variety of topics. Beyond her professional work, Jen is actively involved in civic organizations and serves on nonprofit boards, reflecting her commitment to community and industry advancement. Outside the office, she is the proud mother of a son, a daughter, and a couple of exuberant dogs. She enjoys soaking up the San Diego sun and spending as much time as possible outside hiking, swimming, going to the beach, traveling to new places and coaching her children’s basketball and soccer teams.