
Houston to the Moon: Wellby Financial Supports Artemis II
May 18, 2026
By Marty Pell
Last month, we had the opportunity to witness something remarkable.
At NASA Johnson Space Center, our founding organization, teams helped bring to life Artemis II, a historic crewed mission that carried astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back, traveling more than 695,000 miles and farther from Earth than any human has gone in more than 50 years.
I had the privilege of attending the launch in person at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In one word, it was inspirational. Watching something of that scale and significance take shape in real time is a powerful reminder of what is possible when people commit to a vision and put in the effort over time to bring it to life.
In a world where the news cycle moves quickly, moments like this deserve more than a passing glance. That is why, more than a month later, we are still reflecting on what this mission represents and and everyone who makes these remarkable achievements possible.
A Deep Connection to Our Members
What makes it even more meaningful for us is how deeply connected this moment is to our membership.
We are a Houston credit union proud to serve thousands of members who are part of the space community and contribute every day to advancing exploration, innovation, and discovery. This includes leaders within our own organization who serve on our Board of Directors and who have worked at NASA Johnson Space Center or continue to contribute to its mission today.
Leaders like Debborah Acosta Conder, who dedicated decades of service to NASA JSC and now helps guide Wellby as our Board Chair; Board Secretary Portia Keyes, who plays a critical role in managing the contracts and partnerships that make missions like Artemis II possible; Board Member Sid Schmidt, who currently serves as Acting Chief Financial Officer for NASA; Board Member Nicholas Skytland, who served as Chief Technologist at NASA JSC and advanced human spaceflight through technology and partnerships; Board Member Natalie Saiz, who retired from NASA JSC after a distinguished career in leadership and organizational transformation; and Supervisory Committee Chair Renee Falls, a NASA JSC veteran with more than 40 years of experience supporting programs such as the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, and lunar exploration initiatives.
They are not alone.
Thousands of our members are part of the broader space community, each contributing in their own way.

Artemis II launch on April 1, 2026. Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
Progress Built Over Time
This kind of progress requires vision, disciplined execution, and the willingness to invest sustained effort over time.
In many ways, that journey mirrors the financial journeys of our members.
At Wellby, we know your goals matter deeply, whether you are building a foundation, growing toward something meaningful, or stepping into a season of stability and opportunity. Just like the mission we witnessed last month, those outcomes come from steady progress, thoughtful decisions, and a commitment to what is possible.

Artemis II launch on April 1, 2026. Credit: NASA/Steven B. Seipel
Our Commitment to You
We draw inspiration from our legacy and from our members. You are the heroes, the innovators, and everyone who makes these remarkable achievements possible.
That is why we are committed to standing alongside you to help make your financial life simpler, more stable, and less stressful so you can focus on what matters most.
When you have the right foundation in place, you are able to show up fully for your family, your future, and the impact you want to make.
We are proud to serve you, and we are here to support you in every small step you take and every giant leap you are working toward. Explore our upcoming events, including our financial seminars, and take the next step in your financial journey.

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