Several Recognition Awards will be presented to New York credit union professionals and volunteers during the New York Credit Union Association’s virtual 2020 Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, June 15. Today’s featured award is the New York Credit Union Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who devoted their lives to the philosophy and success of the credit union movement, and who have made a significant impact on credit unions at the local, state or national levels.

This year, three deserving credit union leaders will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Today, the Association is recognizing Vicki O’Neill of ACMG FCU, who has been a part of the credit union movement since 1979, when she was originally hired by the Solvay-based credit union. She held a variety of positions until being promoted to president in 1989, a position she held until her retirement Jan. 3, 2020.

O’Neill has exemplified the philosophy of “people helping people” throughout her career by leading and developing ACMG FCU, taking on leadership roles within and outside the credit union industry, working to enhance financial education, and sponsoring a variety of credit union programs and charities.

O’Neill’s credit union leadership roles have included serving as secretary and president of the Central New York Chapter Council; member of the Supervisory Committee of Empire Corporate FCU; vice chair of UsNet Board; and chair of New York Credit Union Foundation.

Her accomplishments in the development of ACMG FCU and the credit union movement include:

• leading the growth of the organization from $12 million in assets and 3,200 members to $65 million in assets and 6,700 members;
• overseeing the purchase and development of one main office and two branch offices;
• directing the growth of the credit union charter through the addition of over 75 businesses and associations and an underserved area designation;
• steering the development of a full-service product and delivery system by adding mortgages, student loans, debit cards, website, online banking and bill payment, market index certificates, kid and teen savings programs, financial planning, financial counseling, shared ATM network and shared branching services; and
• utlizing industry organizations for brokering corporate and employee insurances, providing a variety of member insurance plans, employee retirement benefits, IRA services, investments, employee training, compliant deposit/lending forms and VISA credit card services, and more.

Among her efforts regarding financial education, O’Neill launched a student banking program and student-run branch in the Solvay School District; launched a student banking program at the Bishop’s Academy at Holy Family school using the Foundation’s Kid’s Cash Kit & Caboodle; and taught classes in financial education for middle and high school students in the Marcellus and Solvay school districts for many years.

Outside of the credit union, O’Neill is a member of the Board of Directors of Loretto, the largest provider of eldercare services in Upstate New York, and chairperson of the Workplace Competency Committee of Solvay Public Library, created to develop work skills in the community.