This week’s New York Minute is full of credit union honors, from organization-wide recognitions to individual honors. But first, EXCEL 26 Silent Auction donations are now being accepted! Get the latest industry news in our weekly blog.
EXCEL 26: Now Accepting Silent Auction Donations!

The EXCEL 26 Silent Auction is back, and the Association is now accepting donations! Each year, this highly anticipated event draws hundreds of Convention attendees who gather to bid on unique items while supporting a meaningful cause.
All proceeds from the Silent Auction benefit the New York Credit Union Foundation, helping fund programs that strengthen financial well-being and support credit unions and their communities across the state.
Event Details
Friday, June 12
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
The Saratoga Hilton Main Lobby/Gallery
Thanks to the generosity of credit unions, exhibitors, and attendees, auction tables are typically filled with exciting items such as:
- Vacation and travel packages
- Sporting event and theater tickets
- Electronics and home technology
- Gift baskets and jewelry
- Sporting equipment and more
To participate, donors can submit the Silent Auction Donor Form and either mail their item to the Association by May 29 or hand-deliver it at the EXCEL registration area by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11. Cash donations are also welcome if you’d prefer the Association purchase an item on your behalf.
Your contribution helps make this fun, competitive, and charitable event a highlight of the Convention each year!
New York Credit Union Leaders Named to i3 Innovation Program

Congratulations to the New York credit union leaders who have been selected for Wave 22 of the highly competitive i3 Innovation Program from the Filene Research Institute.
The i3 program is a one-year leadership and innovation experience that brings together forward-thinking professionals from across the country to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Rather than traditional coursework, participants collaborate in cross-functional teams to develop real solutions for the future of credit unions.
Among the 24 professionals selected nationwide, four leaders from New York earned a spot in the new cohort:
- Carlos Fonseca, USALLIANCE Financial
- Judd Meche, USALLIANCE Financial
- Seth Ross, Visions Federal Credit Union
- Thomas Was, Municipal Credit Union
Wave 22 will begin its innovation journey at EDGE 2026 in Dallas, TX (May 11-14) and will ultimately present its prototypes and solutions at Filene’s big.bright.minds. conference in December. Join us in congratulating the cohort for being included in this innovative program!
FourLeaf FCU Named One of America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces by Newsweek

Join us in celebrating FourLeaf Federal Credit Union for being named one of America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community in 2026 by Newsweek.
The ranking highlights employers across the country that foster inclusive workplace environments where employees feel valued, connected, and supported. The recognition focuses specifically on midsize companies with 500 to 1,000 employees, organizations that often combine the strong culture of smaller workplaces with the resources and stability of larger companies.
The ranking evaluated employers across 120 key performance indicators, including:
- Working environment
- Culture and belonging
- Compensation and benefits
- Work-life balance
- Career progression and training
- Overall company culture
FourLeaf has built a workplace designed to support its team members through initiatives such as remote work opportunities, employee resource groups, social clubs, and professional development programs.
This recognition highlights the credit union’s commitment to building a workplace where employees can collaborate, grow, and thrive while serving members and communities.
Nicole Tompkins of Mid-Hudson Valley FCU Named to Hudson Valley 40 Under 40

Congratulations to Nicole Tompkins of Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, who has been recognized as one of the Hudson Valley’s Top 40 Under 40 by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Each year, the Chamber honors 40 exceptional leaders under the age of 40 who demonstrate strong professional achievements and a deep commitment to improving their communities across the Hudson Valley. Honorees are selected through a merit-based nomination process, evaluated independently by a panel of former recipients.
The program highlights emerging leaders who are helping shape the future of the region’s businesses, nonprofits, and communities. Tompkins’ recognition reflects the ongoing contributions of credit union professionals who embody the “people helping people” philosophy while strengthening the communities they serve.
Michael Savino of Municipal CU Named to City & State New York’s Who’s Who in Affordable Housing
Congratulations to Michael Savino of Municipal Credit Union, who has been named to Who’s Who in Affordable Housing by City & State New York.
The inaugural list recognizes leaders across government, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and financial institutions who are working to address New York’s growing housing affordability crisis.
Since joining Municipal Credit Union in 2023, Savino has played a key role in expanding the credit union’s efforts to support first-time homebuyers and housing stability. His work includes:

- Expanding affordable mortgage and lending tools
- Promoting financial education on homeownership and credit recovery
- Connecting members with critical housing assistance programs
In 2025 alone, Savino’s team helped members secure more than $400,000 in housing grants, with over $650,000 already secured for 2026.
Savino also regularly speaks in the media about mortgage rates, credit rebuilding, and practical homebuying decisions, helping New Yorkers better understand the path to homeownership. As a board member of the MCU Foundation, he also supports grantmaking that strengthens housing stability and community development across New York City.
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