In this week’s New York Minute, we’re celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Federal Credit Union Act and shining the staff spotlight on Taetum Crooker, the Association’s Events & Training Coordinator. Additionally, we’re congratulating the newest individuals appointed to various Association committees and boards, and we celebrate Michelle Dean and Brad Calhoun for being recognized on two prestigious lists. Get all the latest credit union news in the New York Minute!
Celebrating 90 Years of The Federal Credit Union Act
This week, we celebrate a significant milestone in the history of financial cooperatives in the United States—the 90th anniversary of the Federal Credit Union Act, passed on June 26, 1934. This landmark legislation was enacted during the depths of the Great Depression to promote financial stability and thrift by allowing credit unions to be organized under federal charters throughout the United States.
Over the past nine decades, credit unions have evolved from small, simple institutions into complex, major entities that continue to provide critical financial services to millions of Americans. As we commemorate this anniversary, we reflect on the substantial growth and positive impact of credit unions, fueled by the solid foundation laid by the Federal Credit Union Act.
To learn more about the history of the act and its impact, click below!
Staff Spotlight: Taetum Crooker
In this week’s Staff Spotlight, we introduce you to Taetum Crooker, our dedicated Events and Training Coordinator at the Association. Taetum plays a crucial role in organizing and managing our various training sessions, conferences, and most notably, EXCEL. With a background in banking, Taetum brings a unique perspective to her role that helps to tailor our educational programs to meet the specific needs of those on the front lines of financial institutions.
Outside of her professional life, Taetum keeps busy with her family and her creative hobbies. Dive deeper into Taetum’s journey and her contributions to the Association in her Staff Spotlight video.
Announcing New Appointments to Various Boards and Committees
The Association is pleased to announce its newest appointees to several key committees and boards within the organization. Appointments for the Governmental Affairs Committee, New York Credit Union Foundation Board of Trustees, FOCUS NY PAC Board of Trustees, and the Young Professionals Commission went into effect at the conclusion of the Association’s annual membership meeting on June 16, 2024. Please join us in welcoming the following:
Governmental Affairs Committee
Brian Andrews, The Summit FCU
Zamarr Allen, Bethpage FCU*
Daniel Belfield, AmeriCU Credit Union
Kendra Rubin, Broadview FCU
Andrew Weltman, Municipal CU
New York Credit Union Foundation Board of Trustees
Domenic Vero, Cornerstone Community FCU*
FOCUS NY PAC Board of Trustees
Jesse Reib, First Heritage FCU*
Young Professional Commission
Andrew Dart, Buffalo Metro FCU
Codie Peryea-Parnaby, Dannemora FCU
Emily Britton, Reliant FCU
Feruzi Merairi, Syracuse Cooperative Federal CU
Jacqueline McLean, Leatherstocking Region FCU
Kevin Datnarain, Sunmark CU
Leah Dubrey, UFirst FCU
Madison Sebella, Northern CU
Mary Sullivan, Western NY FCU
Zach Kniskern, Sidney FCU
Zech Morris, Alternatives FCU
These new appointees bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles and are poised to contribute significantly to the advancement of Association goals and initiatives. We congratulate all on their new roles and look forward to their contributions to these important committees and boards!
*Young Professional Commission Designee
Michelle Dean Recognized By Long Island Business News
The Association congratulates Michelle Dean on being named to Long Island Business News’ list of Most Dynamic Women Leaders. As the President and CEO of Suffolk Credit Union since 2020, Michelle has been a driving force in the financial sector, known for her strategic vision and commitment to excellence. Under her leadership, Suffolk Credit Union has achieved significant growth and has been named one of the Best Credit Unions on Long Island consecutively.
Michelle’s dedication extends beyond professional achievements; she is actively involved in various community boards and truly embodies the credit union spirit. Congratulations, Michelle, on this well-deserved recognition!
To read more about Michelle and this recognition, click below!
Brad Calhoun Named as a Finalist for American Banker’s “Innovator of the Year”
The Association is thrilled to congratulate Brad Calhoun, President and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union, who has been named a finalist for American Banker’s 2024 Innovators of the Year award. This prestigious recognition highlights leaders who are steering the future of banking and financial technology through exceptional innovation.
Brad’s strategic initiatives and forward-thinking approaches have distinguished him as a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of financial services. Congratulations to Brad on this achievement, which underscores his commitment to advancing the credit union mission. To see the full list of finalists, click below.
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