Recognition Awards were presented to New York credit unions and individuals during the New York Credit Union Association’s Annual Meeting & Convention at the Sagamore Resort on Lake George June 15–18. The awards were presented during the general session on Friday, June 16.

The New York Credit Union Hall of Fame honors individuals who have 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.

The Association is proud to recognize the 2023 Hall of Fame inductee, past UFirst Federal Credit Union President/CEO Linda Bourgeois, who held the positions of collections officer, loan officer and office manager before being appointed CEO in April 2002. Bourgeois retired last year, capping off a 30-plus year career at UFirst FCU.

Under Bourgeois’ leadership, UFirst FCU has taken part in many community, state and national credit union initiatives, making a difference in the lives of many. Bourgeois, who consistently placed the importance of members at the center of all she did, served in a variety of community capacities including chair of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, and has served on several additional boards and led multiple community fundraising campaigns over the years to support important causes. She was active in many Association advocacy efforts, including outreach to government officials and coordinating roundtable and town hall discussions with lawmakers, in addition to participating in Hike the Hill events in Albany and Washington, D.C.

Bourgeois has also been active in the Association, including sharing her expertise at CEO Roundtables and serving on the council of the Association’s Adirondack chapter, where she served as president and as a committee member for several years. As president, she facilitated training for staff and boards from North Country credit unions and served as a liaison between local credit unions and the Association. She has also been an ardent supporter of the Young Professional’s Commission.

“I congratulate Linda on her well-deserved induction into the New York Credit Union Hall of Fame and thank her for her numerous contributions to the credit union movement on a local, state and national level,” said William J. Mellin, Association president/CEO. “Through Linda’s leadership at UFirst FCU and in the community — in addition to actively supporting Association events and initiatives — Linda has consistently personified the ‘people helping people’ credit union philosophy.”