Several Recognition Awards will be presented to New York credit union leaders during the New York Credit Union Association’s 2017 Annual Meeting & Convention. Today’s featured award is the Outstanding Professional Award, which honors professionals who have a true passion for credit unions and who inspire others with their hard work, dedication and success.

The Association’s Awards Committee selected Nancy Bodhorn, manager of Spencerport FCU; Linda Bourgeois, president/CEO of UFirst FCU; and Wayne Winkler, president/CEO of Mid-Hudson Valley FCU as this year’s Outstanding Professionals.

Nancy Bodhorn started her career with Spencerport FCU in 2003 and has been the manager of the credit union since 2006. During her time as manager, Spencerport FCU has seen assets increase by $11 million and a membership spike of over 4,000 members.

Bodhorn is actively involved in the community, which provides visibility and credibility to the credit union. She regularly presents financial education courses at local schools, including at Roberts Wesleyan College.

Under Bodhorn’s leadership, Spencerport FCU has set and broken their own records for new loans in each of the last three years. Thanks to Bodhorn’s guidance, the credit union is preparing to roll out its “I-Banking” online banking platform in the near future.

Linda Bourgeois has held many different titles during her 27 years of service at UFirst FCU, including collections officer, loan officer, office manager and now CEO. Bourgeois was appointed president/CEO by the credit union’s board of directors in 2002, but she had been an active member of the credit union movement for many years prior.

Bourgeois is a frequent participant in CEO Roundtable discussions, and she served for seven years as president of the Adirondack Chapter of the New York Credit Union Association.

As president/CEO of UFirst FCU, Bourgeois has facilitated training for credit union staff and urged employees to participate in state and national advocacy events. She’s also been instrumental in organizing in-district meetings with several lawmakers.

Wayne Winkler guided Mid-Hudson Valley FCU to a successful year in 2016, overcoming challenges and achieving unsurpassed growth along the way. Under Winkler’s leadership, Mid-Hudson Valley FCU welcomed nearly 13,000 new members through two successful mergers, and he helped the credit union reach record highs in lending by offering members affordable home- and auto-financing. The credit union now services over 5,000 member mortgages, and more than 4,100 vehicles.

Winkler also led the credit union through a digital transformation that has helped spike a 25 percent increase in online membership enrollment.

Thanks in-part to the rising number of members utilizing their online banking services, Mid-Hudson Valley FCU was able to open a new branch last fall. The state-of-the-art Fishkill branch offers members the use of teller pods, personal teller machines with extended hours, and a tablet bar.