In this week’s New York Minute, we’re spotlighting influential leaders and recognizing significant contributions within the New York credit union community. From Association leadership nominations to celebrating prestigious awards, these updates reflect the ongoing commitment and impact of our members
Nominations Open for The Association’s Board of Directors and Chapter Leadership Positions
The Association is announcing the opening of the nomination period for its Board of Directors and Chapter Leadership positions. This year, we have five Association director seats open for nomination: three in Asset Tier 1 (up to $250 million) and two in Asset Tier 2 ($250 million and over).
Additionally, each of our regional chapters will be electing two new council members, who will serve a three-year term contributing to the leadership and direction of the Association’s initiatives.
Key Dates for Nomination and Elections:
- Nominations open on February 16, 2024.
- The deadline for Association Board and Chapter nominations is April 17, 2024.
- Elections will run from May 10 to June 6, 2024, with elected individuals being officially seated at the Association’s Annual Membership Meeting on June 16, 2024.
Candidates must be supported by their credit union and committed to serving if elected. This is a significant opportunity for leaders within the New York credit union community to shape the future direction of the Association and contribute to the growth and success of credit unions across the state.
For more details on the nomination process and to submit your candidacy, visit our Board Election Center or Chapter Nomination Center. Join us in shaping the future of New York’s credit unions by stepping into a leadership role within The Association.
Announcing The Association’s 2024 Annual Lineup
We’re announcing our annual lineup of educational and advocacy events designed to empower and unite the credit union community across New York. From on-demand webinars tailored for frontline staff to live conferences in Washington, D.C., Albany, Saratoga Springs, and more, there’s something for every credit union professional looking to enhance their skills, engage in meaningful advocacy, and network with peers.
- Compliance Essentials for Frontline Staff: An on-demand webinar series ending with a Compliance Specialist Certificate.
- America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference (March 3-7, Washington, D.C.): A chance to advocate for credit unions at a national level.
- State Governmental Affairs Conference (March 25-26, Albany, NY): Focuses on advocacy within New York State.
- Lending School (May 7, Albany, NY, and May 8, Lockport, NY): Offers expert insights and hands-on training for lending professionals.
- EXCEL 24 (June 13-16, Saratoga Springs, NY): A multi-day event filled with learning and networking opportunities.
- Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) (June – September): Equips staff with knowledge to guide members to financial security.
- Emerging Credit Union Leaders Conference (September 12, Albany, NY): Aims to develop influential leaders within credit unions.
- Compliance & Legal Conference (September 26-27, Verona, NY): Focuses on compliance and legal issues affecting credit unions.
- Volunteer & Executive Leadership Conference (October 4-5, Verona, NY): Provides learning and networking for credit union volunteers and executives.
- Cannabis Banking Conference (October 9, Albany, NY): Discusses the challenges and opportunities in cannabis banking.
- CEO Roundtable for CUs up to $100M in Assets (October 23-24, Verona, NY): An opportunity for CEOs to share ideas and strategies.
- CUTrends-The NY Marketing & Sales Conference (November 6-7, Saratoga Springs, NY): Focuses on the latest marketing and sales strategies.
For more details and to register for these events, please visit the respective event pages linked in our blog. Don’t miss these opportunities to grow professionally, advocate for the credit union movement, and connect with peers from across the state.
Honoring Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Fred Thiele for Their Exemplary Leadership on Depository Choice
In recognition of their unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership in advocating for government depository choice, we proudly acknowledge Long Island Senator Monica Martinez (D) and Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Jr. (D). As Chairs of Local Government Committees, both Members circulated letters among their colleagues in support of granting governments banking choices via the 2024-2025 New York State Budget legislation. Their experiences as former local elected officials influence their support of issues facing local government leaders.
Senator Monica R. Martinez has dedicated her career to serving the people of New York. Elected to the New York State Senate in 2018, she represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes Brentwood, Central Islip, Brentwood, and East Farmingdale in Suffolk. Prior to her service in the Senate, Senator Martinez served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 2013 to 2018.
Senator Martinez earned a master’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies from NYU and obtained her administrative degree at Stony Brook University in 2008. In 2010, Senator Martinez was selected to lead the administration of Brentwood’s East Middle School as Assistant Principal, and in government as the County Legislator for Suffolk County’s Ninth District in 2014, where she faithfully served for five years.
As Chair of Local Governments, Senator Martinez is a leading voice in advancing depositor choice legislation. She has worked tirelessly to promote transparency and accountability within the banking sector, advocating for policies that empower consumers to make informed decisions about their financial futures. Senator Martinez’s dedication to fostering a fair and competitive marketplace reflects her unwavering commitment to serving the best interests of her constituents.
Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. has been a dedicated public servant for over three decades. First elected to the New York State Assembly in 1995, he represents the 1st Assembly District, which includes portions of Suffolk County on Long Island. Assemblyman Thiele is known for his independent leadership and bipartisan approach to governance, earning him widespread respect and admiration from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. The Assemblymember announced he is not running for re-election but will continue advocating for important local government initiatives throughout 2024.
Assemblymember Thiele attended Cornell University and is a graduate of Southampton College of Long Island University. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, in Political Science and History. In 1979, he received his law degree from Albany Law School.
Mr. Thiele served as Southampton Town Attorney, Town Supervisor, and as a Suffolk County Legislator, before his election to the Assembly in 1995. His district includes the Town of East Hampton, the Town of Southampton, the Town of Shelter Island, and the southeastern portion of the Town of Brookhaven.
In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Local Governments Committee Chairs Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Fred Thiele for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing depositor choice. We are grateful for their continued commitment to serving the public good and look forward to their ongoing efforts in championing meaningful reforms that benefit us all.
Celebrating Our Members: Annie Vamper Helping Hands Award
The Association would like to celebrate the accomplishments of two remarkable members of our community, Melissa Marquez and Kathya Pierre, who have been honored with the prestigious Annie Vamper Helping Hands Award for 2024. This award, named after Annie Wilma Vamper and awarded by Inclusiv, reflects the highest recognition for individuals whose work embodies the spirit of the credit union movement, particularly in serving low-income communities.
Melissa Marquez, CEO of Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union in Rochester, has dedicated her career to grassroots cooperative economics, significantly impacting community development and financial inclusion. Her work with Genesee Co-op FCU, alongside her involvement in various coalitions and boards, exemplifies her commitment to compassion, justice, and community development.
Kathya Pierre, CEO of 1199 SEIU Federal Credit Union since 2015, has shown exceptional leadership in growing the credit union and championing financial education and independence. Her journey from a loan officer to CEO showcases her dedication to the credit union’s motto of “people helping people” and her passion for empowering under-resourced communities.
Both Melissa and Kathya’s contributions to their respective credit unions and the broader New York community are commendable. Their efforts in promoting inclusivity, financial education, and empowerment align with the legacy of Annie Vamper, inspiring us all to continue working toward a more equitable financial future. Congratulations to Melissa Marquez and Kathya Pierre on this well-deserved recognition. Your work truly embodies the credit union philosophy of service, education, and community.
Read more about the award below!
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