The 2022 Recognition Awards will be presented to New York credit unions during the New York Credit Union Association’s Annual Meeting & Convention at the Sagamore Resort on Lake George June 16–19. The awards will be presented during the general session on Friday, June 17.

Outstanding young professionals further the credit union “people helping people” philosophy every day. As the next generation of credit union leaders, they demonstrate their passion for credit unions through hard work, dedication, success and engagement in the credit union movement.

Today’s featured award is the Outstanding Young Professional Award, which honors individuals 39 or younger whose commitment and achievements have enhanced their credit union or the entire New York credit union movement.

This year, the Association has selected Cody Seward, manager of operations and virtual branch manager at The Summit Federal Credit Union. His unique understanding of the initiatives allows him to look at the bigger picture: not just what is going to benefit The Summit, but what is going to benefit the movement both at the state and national levels.

“Cody is an exceptional example of a credit union professional, and we are fortunate to have him,” said Alessandra Sunderlin, The Summit’s vice president of member relations. “Whether educating member contact managers on updated regulations, assisting members, and developing his teams or keeping the NYCUA Young Professional Commission vibrant and alive during a pandemic, he is a significant contributor to the success of our organization and the credit union movement.”

Since 2018, he has served as the treasurer for the Association’s Young Professionals Commission. In addition to managing the financial affairs of the commission, he has developed and implemented initiatives specifically for credit union young professionals, and assisted the Association with its mission to engage, connect and empower the next generation of industry leaders.

“Since his time on the YPC, Cody has been an enthusiastic, passionate, get-it-done person,” said 2021 Outstanding Young Professional Kaleb Wilson, financial center manager at AmeriCU. “He genuinely cares about his credit union, fellow credit union friends, and the movement as a whole. He has truly made a difference on the YPC in all our efforts over the last four years.”