This week’s New York Minute celebrates New York credit union leaders earning industry recognition, highlights an important change to America’s Credit Unions’ committee selection process and showcases credit unions investing in financial well-being and their local communities.

Alloya Corporate FCU Celebrates the Power of Cooperation by Unveiling the Alloya Hall of Champions

Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union recently unveiled its Hall of Champions, recognizing individuals who exemplify the cooperative spirit and have made meaningful contributions to the credit union movement.

Among those honored are two New York credit union leaders: Curt Cecala, President & CEO of TCT Federal Credit Union, and Leanne McGuinness, CFO of The Summit Federal Credit Union.

The recognition celebrates leaders whose commitment and contributions demonstrate the power of cooperation within the credit union movement.

America’s Credit Unions Updates Committee Selection Process & Structure of Advocacy-Focused Committees

America’s Credit Unions is changing how members are selected for several committees, including its advocacy-focused committees, Small Credit Union Committee and Volunteer Leadership Committee.

Beginning with the 2027 committee cycle, individuals interested in serving must submit their own application. The previous process allowed members to nominate others for committee participation, but nominations will no longer be accepted.

The change comes alongside a restructuring of America’s Credit Unions’ advocacy committees designed to make participation more meaningful, improve coordination across issue areas and create a more efficient and transparent process for bringing recommendations to leadership.

Applications for the 2027–2028 term are open through Oct. 20, with selected individuals expected to be notified before the end of the year.

NCUF Expands At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant to $650,000 for 24 Credit Union Recipients

The National Credit Union Foundation has selected People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union as one of 24 credit unions nationwide to receive funding through its At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant. People’s Alliance FCU is the only New York credit union among this year’s recipients.

The Foundation initially made $500,000 available for the grant cycle but received the largest response to a call for applications in the program’s history. In response, it added $150,000 in funding, bringing the total awarded to $647,600.

The grants will help credit unions launch or expand programs serving at-risk youth, with a focus on building real-world financial skills and confidence through experiences such as saving, building credit, managing earned income and exploring entrepreneurship. The grant period runs from Sept. 30, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.

MCU Foundation Awards Grant to Support Essential Services at The Bowery Mission

The MCU Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to The Bowery Mission to support essential services for New Yorkers experiencing hardship.

The funding will help provide meals, shelter, long-term recovery programs, counseling and other critical services, while also supporting enrichment opportunities and summer camp programs for children.

The grant continues the MCU Foundation’s partnership with The Bowery Mission, whose programs address immediate needs while helping individuals work toward greater stability through housing, counseling, classes and additional support. The investment reflects the Foundation’s broader mission to expand access to basic necessities and create opportunities for New Yorkers to build more stable futures.

Two Rochester Area Credit Union Professionals Named as Forty Under 40 Honorees

Congratulations to Matt Murphy of ESL Federal Credit Union and Nihada Donohew of Advantage FCU who have been named as Rochester Business Journal’s 2026 Forty Under 40 honorees.

The annual recognition celebrates Rochester-area professionals age 39 and younger for their professional accomplishments and commitment to community service. Honorees are selected by a panel of previous Forty Under 40 recipients from a variety of professions.

Murphy and Donohew and their fellow 2026 honorees will be recognized during an awards celebration on Nov. 17 at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester.

AmeriCU Credit Union Volunteers to Build Beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace

AmeriCU Credit Union team members recently rolled up their sleeves to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization dedicated to ensuring children have safe, comfortable beds to sleep in. Through their volunteer efforts, AmeriCU employees helped build beds for children and families in need, putting the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” into action.

The initiative is another example of how New York credit unions are giving back through hands-on service and community partnerships.

GPO FCU Contributes to The Center for Family Life & Recovery

GPO Federal Credit Union recently contributed to The Center for Family Life & Recovery, continuing its commitment to supporting organizations that strengthen individuals, families and communities throughout Central New York. This organization provides prevention, mental health and recovery resources and services to individuals and families in the Mohawk Valley. GPO FCU has supported the organization previously as part of its broader community giving efforts.

The contribution reflects GPO’s continued investment in local organizations working to improve the well-being of the communities they serve.

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Opportunities for credit unions and their communities take center stage in this week’s New York Minute. From scholarship registration and preparations for International Credit Union Day to advocacy, and community investment, here’s what’s happening across New York’s credit union community.

NYCUA Opens Registration for 2027 College Scholarship Program

Registration is now open for credit unions interested in participating in the New York Credit Union Association’s 2027 College Scholarship Program. The program gives participating credit unions an opportunity to support young members pursuing higher education, all while strengthening relationships with the next generation of credit union members. Credit unions can participate in NYCUA’s Statewide College Scholarship Program, have the Association administer their own scholarship program, or choose both options.

Here’s how to participate:

1. Register for the Association’s College Scholarship Program.
2. Choose your participation level.
3. Promote the program to your members.

Participating credit unions must register and submit payment by November 20, 2026. Student applications are not open at this time.

For complete details and to register, visit the links below:

• Credit Union Coordinators
• Chapter Leadership

International Credit Union Day Returns October 15

Credit unions around the world will come together on October 15 to celebrate International Credit Union Day and the impact of the cooperative financial movement.

This year’s celebration provides an opportunity for credit unions to recognize the people, communities and shared values that make the movement possible. Credit unions can learn more about this year’s celebration and access resources from the World Council of Credit Unions to help promote International Credit Union Day to their members and communities. Download promotional materials.

Credit unions can also support the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions by making a contribution and receiving a commemorative pin.

Register Now for America’s Credit Unions GAC 2027

Registration is now open for America’s Credit Unions’ Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) 2027, taking place February 28–March 4 in Washington, D.C.

GAC brings thousands of credit union leaders and advocates together to connect with policymakers, share the credit union story and advocate for policies that support their members and communities. Join NYCUA and fellow New York credit union advocates on Capitol Hill and help ensure New York’s credit union voice is represented.

New from CU in New York: IRS Finalizes Car Loan Interest Deduction Rules

The latest CU in New York breaks down the IRS and Treasury’s final regulations implementing the new car loan interest deduction, including what changed from the proposed rules and what credit unions need to know heading into 2027.

While eligible taxpayers may deduct up to $10,000 in qualified passenger vehicle loan interest per year for tax years 2025 through 2028, the final regulations also create new responsibilities for lenders. The blog covers eligibility requirements, reporting obligations, VIN collection, required borrower disclosures and steps credit unions should take before year-end.

SeaComm Pool Dedicated at Malone Recreation Park

SeaComm has made a significant investment in recreation and water safety for families in the Malone community with a $110,000 donation to the Malone Recreation Commission.

The contribution supported construction of a new pool, splash pad and filtration system at Malone Recreation Park, helping ensure local children have a safe place to learn how to swim. In recognition of SeaComm’s support, the facility will now be known as the SeaComm Pool.

Sunmark’s Jerilee Beaudoin Earns Women Who Mean Business Recognition

Congratulations to Jerilee Beaudoin of Sunmark Credit Union on being named a Women Who Mean Business honoree.

The recognition celebrates accomplished women professionals and leaders making an impact through their careers and communities. Beaudoin’s recognition highlights the leadership and talent within New York’s credit union movement.

United Nations FCU United in Sustainability Conference

United Nations FCU is bringing credit union leaders together through its United in Sustainability Credit Union Summit.

The event creates an opportunity for credit unions to connect around sustainability, share ideas and explore how the cooperative financial movement can continue advancing responsible practices and positive impact, whether organizations are just starting or advancing their journeys.

Featured topics include the intersection of health and climate resiliency, adaptation and risk management strategies for a changing climate, the culture of inclusion, leading through operational change with social purpose, and unpacking AI and the environment. Experts in community outreach, governance, digital and product innovation, member and staff well-being, and reporting frameworks will lead workshops and share insights and fresh research on impacts, challenges, and opportunities for the industry to further momentum on the credit union difference and bottom-line growth.

The summit reflects the growing conversation around sustainability across the credit union industry and the role financial institutions can play in supporting their members, communities and the broader world.

See more information & register for the Summit and reception at UN NY headquarters.

Inclusiv Business Forward Webinar Recording Now Available

Missed last week’s Inclusiv Business Forward webinar? Credit union professionals now have another opportunity to catch the conversation.

The webinar explored Business Forward and opportunities to help credit unions strengthen their small-business lending efforts and better support entrepreneurs in their communities.

Watch the recording to revisit the discussion and learn more about how credit unions can expand their impact through small-business lending.

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Leadership and collaboration take center stage in this week’s New York Minute. Credit union leaders from across the state gather for the Association’s annual Leadership Forum, while advocates head to Washington for Congressional Caucus. Educational opportunities take shape with two employee benefits discussions and an upcoming lunch-and-learn. Plus, a New York credit union leader celebrates a professional achievement.

New York Credit Union Leaders Gather for Annual Leadership Forum

Credit union leaders from across New York gathered Sept. 15–17 for the Association’s annual Leadership Forum at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY.

This year’s gathering brings together members of the Association’s Board of Directors, New York Credit Union Foundation Trustees, Universal Sharing Network, Inc. (UsNet) Board of Directors, Association Chapter Presidents and the Association’s senior leadership team for three days of connection, conversation and collaboration.

Over the course of the Forum, attendees are taking part in strategic discussions, peer networking, and programming designed to strengthen leadership across the state’s credit union community.

The forum featured a keynote from James Beck titled Unlock the Power of Kindness, Gratitude, and Paying-It-Forward, which explored the impact these principles can have on leadership, relationships and the communities we serve. Beck’s presentation offered leaders practical takeaways for bringing these values into their own organizations, reinforcing the human-centered approach that has long distinguished the credit union difference.

The forum reflects the Association’s ongoing investment in developing strong, values-driven leadership across New York’s credit union community, ensuring the movement continues to grow from a foundation of connection and shared purpose.

New York Credit Union Advocates Attend Congressional Caucus

New York credit union advocates were in Washington, D.C., this week for America’s Credit Unions’ 2026 Congressional Caucus, engaging lawmakers on priorities most important to credit unions and the members and communities they serve.

During the Caucus, New York advocates also met with newly appointed NCUA Board Chairman John Crews, sharing perspectives on the regulatory priorities most pressing for credit unions and building on the Association’s ongoing relationship with the agency’s leadership.

Association Chief Advocacy Officer Amy Kramer also joined the panel “From Capitol Hill to the Statehouse: Tracing Policy Throughlines,” exploring how federal and state policy developments intersect on issues including data privacy, interchange limitations and bank-credit union mergers. The discussion underscored the growing need for advocates to track policy movement across both levels of government, as decisions made in Washington increasingly shape the landscape credit unions navigate at the state level.

The annual Caucus gives advocates a chance to bring credit union priorities directly to policymakers and highlight their impact on members and communities. For New York’s delegation, the event also reinforces the value of a unified advocacy voice, ensuring the state’s credit unions are well represented as Congress considers policies that affect their ability to serve their members.

The Association will continue to monitor these key topics as they develop, keeping members informed of opportunities to engage with policymakers on the priorities that matter most to New York’s credit union community.

Join Marshall & Sterling for Upcoming Employee Benefits Discussions

Association strategic business partner Marshall & Sterling is hosting two upcoming webinars designed to help credit unions navigate the changing employee benefits and health insurance landscape.

On Sept. 29, credit unions with 100 or more employees are invited to Health Insurance Headwinds: How to Insulate Your Organization from the Storm. This session breaks down why the traditional renewal cycle works against well-managed groups, how pharmacy spend is reshaping the cost curve, and which cost containment strategies, from group health captives to specialty drug savings programs, are giving self-funded employers a way to take back control.

On Sept. 30, credit unions with fewer than 100 employees can attend Employee Benefits: The State of the Union. This session breaks down why rates keep rising, what new payroll and compliance liabilities compound the pressure, and how a PEO partnership can open access to a more sustainable, Fortune 500 style benefits package without the administrative burden.

Credit unions with fewer than 100 employees should only attend the Sept. 30 session, as the Sept. 29 discussion will focus on topics specifically relevant to larger employers. Credit unions with more than 100 employees are welcome to join both sessions. These sessions have been specifically designed for CEOs, CFOs, and HR professionals. Please share this with the relevant members of your team.

Cooperative Business Services to Host Commercial Lending Lunch and Learn in Albany

The Association’s newest strategic business partner, Cooperative Business Services (CBS), is coming to Albany for a free Lunch & Learn focused on helping credit unions build and strengthen their commercial lending programs.

During Your Turnkey Solution to Commercial Lending, attendees will learn how CBS can support credit unions looking to launch a commercial lending program, expand an established program or outsource the heavy lifting without adding staff or overhead. CBS is a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) that has closed more than $4.5 billion in loans and partnered with more than 150 credit unions.

CBS not only manages your program from start to finish, they also source loan opportunities for you, allowing you to remain focused on what matters most — your members.

The event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 10 am-12pm at NYCUA headquarters, 4 Tower Place, 5th Floor, Albany.

John Skeldon, Chief Sales Officer at CBS, and TJ Simyak, Regional President – East at CBS, will lead the discussion.

Visions FCU’s Charles McKinney, Jr. Earns CUDE Designation

Congratulations to Charles McKinney, Jr. of Visions Federal Credit Union on earning the Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designation!

McKinney was among 54 credit union leaders who earned the designation as part of the September 2026 Development Education class. The program brings credit union professionals together to deepen their understanding of the credit union movement and explore how its cooperative principles can be used to address financial and community challenges.

Congratulations, Charles, on this achievement!

NYS DFS Issues New Cybersecurity Guidance on Risk Assessments

The New York State Department of Financial Services has issued new cybersecurity guidance focused on risk assessments for regulated financial services entities.

The guidance is designed to help covered entities understand and implement risk assessment requirements under New York’s cybersecurity regulation. Risk assessments help organizations identify cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities and ensure their cybersecurity programs, policies and controls appropriately address their individual risk profiles.

Credit unions and other regulated financial institutions are encouraged to review the guidance and evaluate how it may apply to their cybersecurity programs and risk assessment processes.

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Albany, New York — The Board of Directors of the New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA) today announced that President & CEO William J. Mellin will leave the organization at the end of 2026, concluding a distinguished 32-year career with NYCUA, including 26 years as its leader.

Mellin will remain in his role as president and CEO through December 31, 2026, during which he will focus on succession planning and a smooth handoff of responsibilities, ensuring that institutional knowledge, key relationships, and ongoing initiatives carry forward without interruption. NYCUA Chief Operating Officer Chris Pajak will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations of the organization and its affiliated entities throughout the remainder of 2026 and until the formal appointment of the organization’s next president and CEO. The Board expressed strong confidence in Pajak’s ability to lead NYCUA’s operations during this period, pointing to the extensive experience and institutional knowledge Pajak brings after many years on NYCUA’s senior leadership team.

Since being named president and CEO in 2000, Mellin has guided NYCUA and its affiliated entities, including OwnersChoice Funding, UsNet Shared Branching, and the New York Credit Union Foundation, helping credit unions statewide grow, innovate, and deepen their impact on the members and communities they serve.

Under his leadership, total credit union assets in New York have grown from $36 billion to over $133 billion, and total credit union membership has grown from 4 million to almost 7.5 million. The Association’s 2025 membership survey also reported a 97% overall member satisfaction score, with the share of New York credit unions that are NYCUA members growing from about 70% early in Mellin’s tenure to 86% today.

Mellin has also been deeply committed to fostering a positive, supportive workplace culture at the Association, reflected in a recent employee survey in which 100% of Association and affiliate staff agreed the organization “is a great place to work.”

His collaborative approach and strong relationships with fellow league leaders across the country earned him recognition earlier this year with the 2026 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award, presented by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues.

“On behalf of the entire Board, and the broader credit union community, I want to thank Bill for more than three decades of dedicated service to New York’s credit unions,” said Ryan Roberts, NYCUA Board Chair and President & CEO of Great Meadow Federal Credit Union. “Since 2000, Bill has led NYCUA with vision, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the power of the ‘people helping people’ philosophy. His impact reaches far beyond our organization, and the credit union movement across New York, as well as the nation, is stronger because of his leadership. As we begin this transition, the Board is committed to honoring what Bill built by carrying the organization forward with the same care he brought to it every day.”

Throughout his tenure, Mellin has been defined by the care he brought to every challenge, decision, and relationship, always ensuring NYCUA and the members it serves were set up to succeed. The Board is approaching this transition thoughtfully and deliberately to ensure the knowledge, relationships, and standards Mellin built over three decades carry forward and continue to position NYCUA as a strong leader and voice for the credit union movement.

The Board anticipates launching a board-led search committee in Q4 2026 to identify NYCUA’s next president & CEO, with additional details expected in Q1 2027. The process will be thorough and intentional, reflecting the values Mellin instilled over his tenure, and will ensure NYCUA enters its next chapter with the same strength, stability, and sense of purpose that have defined the organization for decades.

Credit unions across New York can continue to expect strong and consistent service through this transition, into 2027 and beyond. NYCUA remains fully committed to its advocacy efforts on behalf of members, its education and professional development programs, its support for credit unions navigating an increasingly complex financial services environment, and the continued work of its affiliate organizations.

About the New York Credit Union Association

The New York Credit Union Association is the state trade association representing 270 credit unions across New York, serving more than 7.4 million members and representing more than $133 billion in assets. NYCUA advocates for its member credit unions at the state and federal level, provides education and professional development for credit union staff and volunteers, and supports the cooperative, “people helping people” philosophy that defines the credit union movement. Its affiliated entities, OwnersChoice Funding, UsNet Shared Branching, and the New York Credit Union Foundation, extend that mission through shared services and community investment. To learn more, visit nycua.org

Community support takes center stage in this week’s New York Minute. See how credit unions are helping children and families, supporting students and educators, and investing in health and wellness, while also celebrating a New York credit union leader earning regional recognition.

Broadview FCU Partners with Sleep in Heavenly Peace for 8th Annual Bed Build

For the eighth year, Broadview Federal Credit Union joined Sleep in Heavenly Peace to help ensure local children have a comfortable place to sleep.

Broadview volunteers rolled up their sleeves to build 27 beds for 27 children, continuing a partnership centered on addressing childhood bedlessness and supporting families in the communities the credit union serves.

From building and assembling the beds to helping prepare them for local families, the annual event is a hands-on example of Broadview employees putting “people helping people” into action.

ESL FCU Commits $2 Million to Wayne County Health and Wellness Campus

ESL Federal Credit Union is investing $2 million in a planned health and wellness campus in Wayne County, supporting an effort to expand access to health, recreation, and community resources in the region.

The ESL Health and Wellness Campus is planned as a regional destination designed to bring a variety of services and opportunities together in one location.

The significant investment adds ESL’s support to a project aimed at improving quality of life and creating a lasting resource for residents throughout Wayne County.

Cornerstone Community FCU’s Mary Scheib Named to Power 200 Women List

Congratulations to Mary Scheib, President and Chief Experience Officer of Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union, on being named to Buffalo Business First’s 2026 Power 200 Women list!

The annual list recognizes influential women helping shape businesses and communities throughout Western New York. Mary’s inclusion recognizes her leadership at Cornerstone and her contributions to the region’s financial services community. Congratulations, Mary, on joining this year’s group of honorees!

MCU Foundation Partners with Forestdale to Support Students Heading Back to School

The MCU Foundation is continuing its support of New York City students as they head into a new school year through its partnership with Forestdale.

Building on previous back-to-school efforts with the organization, the Foundation provided a $55,000 grant, which will be used for essential school supplies to help students start the year prepared to learn.

Forestdale works with children and families across New York City, providing services designed to strengthen families and help young people thrive. The latest effort adds to the MCU Foundation’s ongoing work with the organization to help remove some of the everyday barriers facing local students and families.

Sunmark Credit Union Treats Local Educators to Annual Teacher Supply Surprise

Thirteen local teachers started the school year with a shopping spree thanks to Sunmark Credit Union’s annual Teacher Supply Surprise.

The educators headed to Walmart to stock up on classroom essentials, giving them an opportunity to choose the supplies that will be most useful to their students throughout the year.

The annual initiative recognizes the personal time and resources educators invest in their classrooms while helping offset some of the out-of-pocket costs that often come with preparing for a new school year.

The Summit FCU Delivers Supplies to Local Organizations

The Summit Federal Credit Union is helping students across its communities head back to school with the supplies they need for a strong start.

Through its annual school supply drive, The Summit collected hundreds of donated items for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier; PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Syracuse; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester; The Chapel NY’s 11th Annual “Back 2 School” Community Event in Cortland; and Seneca Falls Central School District.

The donated items will support children and families across several communities as they begin the 2026–2027 school year.

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