Recognition Awards were 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 were presented during the general session on Friday, June 16.

The Outstanding Young Professional honors individuals 39 or younger whose commitment and achievements have enhanced their credit union or the entire New York credit union movement.

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.

The 2023 Outstanding Young Professional Award recipient is Staren Bielinski, Sunmark Credit Union’s member relationship service manager in the Member Solution Center. She calls on her over 10 years of credit union background and excellent member service and interpersonal skills to create a great experience for members and staff.

“Staren’s dedication to her job, her employees, our members, the credit union movement, and those around her resonates in everything she does,” said Jodi Chase, Sunmark Credit Union AVP. “Staren’s staff and peers would describe her as a diligent, resolute professional who truly embodies our purpose of ‘people helping people.’ Staren is a tremendous asset to the Sunmark Team and our greater community.”

Bielinski has also received a number of personal and developmental accolades, including employee of the quarter, a member of Sunmark University’s Hall of Fame, and the 2022 Above and Beyond Deposit Department Award. Her volunteer activities and commitment to her community go hand in hand with the credit union philosophy of people helping people.