This week in the New York Minute, we’re highlighting a new partnership between the Association and a cutting-edge fintech platform, contributions towards the AACUC Future Fund, one credit union professional featured in the Albany Business Review, and announcing nominations for the prestigious Herb Wegner Memorial Awards. Read the latest New York credit union news in the New York Minute!
Association Enters Strategic Partner Agreement With Fintech Platform Clutch

Albany, New York – Clutch, a leading fintech platform specializing in omni-channel consumer loan and deposit account opening solutions exclusively for Credit Unions, proudly announces its strategic partnership with the New York Credit Union Association.
With Clutch’s innovative platform, credit unions gain access to cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing member experiences while streamlining operations. Leveraging its expertise and collaborative approach, Clutch aims to empower Credit Unions to fulfill their digital aspirations and better serve their members in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Clutch, a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO), boasts a robust portfolio of north of 110 clients and has garnered significant investment from distinguished entities such as Andreessen Horowitz, TruStage Ventures, and Curql. Founded by Nicholas Hinrichsen and Chris Coleman, both Stanford Business School alumni with a proven track record of success, Clutch is uniquely positioned to drive Credit Unions toward digital transformation while upholding the industry’s core values of “People helping people”.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionize consumer banking for Credit Unions,” said Nicholas Hinrichsen, CEO of Clutch. “We are thrilled to join forces with the New York Credit Union Association to further our commitment to empowering Credit Unions and their members.”
The collaborative ethos of credit unions resonates deeply with Clutch’s values. “We believe in the power of collaboration and the mantra of ‘People helping people’,” added Nicholas. “Together with our Credit Union partners, we are dedicated to fostering financial wellness and driving positive change in communities across the nation.”
The New York Credit Union Association’s President & CEO William J. Mellin expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “I look forward to our partnership with Clutch and being able to offer innovative services to credit unions which will lead to enhanced member experiences.”
Brian Kaas, President and Managing Director of TruStage Ventures, one of Clutch’s investors, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership. “TruStage Ventures is committed to bringing innovative solutions to credit unions that complement the breadth of solutions offered by TruStage.”
Similarly, Curql highlighted the strategic significance of Clutch’s partnership with the Credit Union Association. “Clutch was one of our first investments and we are really proud to see their products evolve and their fast growth in the industry. We applaud any effort on their part to reach even more Credit Unions and partnering with the Association certainly highlights the collaboration we like to see,” said Nick Evens, CEO of Curql Collective.
With Clutch’s state-of-the-art platform, Credit Unions can efficiently identify and address members’ financial needs, ultimately enhancing member satisfaction and loyalty. By embracing digital innovation, Credit Unions can stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape while staying true to their mission of empowering communities.
For more information about Clutch and its partnership with the New York Credit Union Association, please visit www.withclutch.com and https://nycua.org/supporting/strategic-partners
Visions FCU Contributes to Creation of the AACUC Future Fund

Recently, during the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame ceremony at the Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, DC, Visions Federal Credit Union announced its significant contribution to the founding of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) Future Fund. Industry leaders joined Visions FCU’s President/CEO Ty Muse, who also serves as the founding Chairperson of the initiative, to launch this visionary project aimed at sustaining impact and influence in underserved communities.
The Future Fund focuses on three pillars: internships and leadership development, sustainability for small credit unions, and wealth-building and community impact programs. This strategic funding source is designed to bolster AACUC’s efforts in securing financial inclusion and access, particularly for communities of color, regardless of prevailing economic or socio-political challenges.
For more details about this transformative initiative and to learn how you can support, visit read below.
Jerilee Beaudoin Highlighted in Albany Business Review’s ‘People on the Move’
As part of the Albany Business Review’s “People on the Move” feature, Jerilee Beaudoin was recently recognized after her appointment as the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Sunmark Credit Union. The feature by the Albany Business Review frequently highlights professionals within the Capital-area business community to showcase individuals who have recently taken on new roles or responsibilities. The Association congratulates Jerilee on this exciting new opportunity!
For more details on other professionals on the move in the Capital area, check out the full list in the Albany Business Review.
Herb Wegner Memorial Awards Now Accepting Nominations

The National Credit Union Foundation has officially opened nominations for the prestigious 2025 Herb Wegner Memorial Awards. These are the highest honors in the U.S. credit union sector and recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing the credit union movement.
Nominees can be recognized in two categories: Outstanding Individual Achievement, for those whose leadership and innovative concepts have notably impacted the credit union movement at various levels, and Outstanding Organization or Program, which honors organizations or programs that have introduced innovative concepts or services with significant impacts.
Nominations Due: July 26, 2024
Recipients Notified: September 2024
Awards Reception: Foundation Dinner
March 3, 2025
Washington D.C.
This is an opportunity to honor the leaders and innovators who embody the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” For detailed nomination procedures and to access the nomination packet, click below!
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