From national recognition opportunities to local impact stories, credit unions continue to make headlines across New York and beyond. This week’s New York Minute highlights leadership honors, community giving, workplace excellence, and upcoming opportunities to engage and grow. Dive in to see how the movement is making a difference.
Nominations Open for 2027 Herb Wegner Memorial Awards!
The National Credit Union Foundation has officially opened nominations for the 2027 Herb Wegner Memorial Awards—the highest national honors in the U.S. credit union movement. These prestigious awards recognize individuals, organizations, and programs making extraordinary contributions to advancing financial well-being and strengthening communities.
Since 1989, the awards have celebrated visionary leaders and innovators whose work reflects the core values of the credit union movement. Nominations are open across both individual and organizational categories.
Winners will be honored at the 2027 Foundation Gala in Washington, D.C., held in conjunction with the Governmental Affairs Conference.
Deadline: May 31, 2026
Now is the time to spotlight those making a difference—submit your nomination and help recognize excellence across the movement.
Credit Union Leaders Named Women of Excellence by Rochester Business Journal
Two credit union professionals have been recognized by the Rochester Business Journal as part of its prestigious Women of Excellence awards program, which celebrates high-achieving women for their career success, leadership, and community impact.
This year’s credit union honorees include:
- Arline Santiago, Chief Operating Officer, ESL Federal Credit Union
- Dawn Kellogg, Public Relations and Community Engagement Specialist, The Summit Federal Credit Union
These awards highlight individuals who demonstrate sustained commitment to mentoring, leadership, and advancing their industries. Their recognition underscores the important role credit union professionals play not only within their organizations, but across their communities. It’s a testament to the movement’s ongoing commitment to leadership development, inclusion, and service.
Sunmark Credit Union Recognized as 2026 Top Workplace by Times Union
Sunmark Credit Union has once again been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Times Union, marking its fifth time earning this distinction. The award is especially meaningful because it’s based entirely on confidential employee feedback—measuring factors like leadership, workplace culture, pay, and direction.
Out of 57 organizations recognized across the Capital Region, Sunmark stood out for its sustained commitment to putting employees first. Founded in 1937, the credit union has grown from a small employee-based institution into a full-service financial organization serving communities across New York State.
With approximately 275 employees, Sunmark continues to prioritize a workplace culture where staff feel valued, empowered, and supported. This recognition reinforces the idea that strong internal culture drives better service, stronger communities, and long-term success.
Awards like this highlight how credit unions continue to lead—not just financially, but as employers of choice.
Greylock Federal Credit Union Awards $100,000 to Local Nonprofits
Greylock Federal Credit Union is making a powerful impact in its community by awarding $10,000 each to 10 nonprofit organizations, totaling a $100,000 contribution. This initiative reflects Greylock’s deep commitment to supporting community partners and strengthening local resources.
Leadership at Greylock emphasized that these partnerships are essential to addressing growing community needs—especially during challenging times for nonprofit organizations.
The recipients include:
- Elder Services of Berkshire County
- Louison House
- Childcare of the Berkshires
- Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires (VIM)
- Arts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY)
- Soldier On
- Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood
- Our Community Table
- UCP of Western Massachusetts
- Berkshire Pride
Beyond this initiative, Greylock supports more than 300 nonprofits annually through grants and sponsorships, reinforcing its mission of financial inclusion and community investment.
This latest contribution will help organizations expand services, respond to emerging challenges, and continue delivering vital care and support. It’s a strong example of how credit unions go beyond financial services to create meaningful, lasting impact in the communities they serve.
Life Insurance and Member Financial Security: Complimentary Webinar from TruStage
Credit unions looking to strengthen their financial wellness offerings won’t want to miss this complimentary TruStage webinar focused on the role of life insurance in member financial security.
Titled “Protecting Members, Strengthening the Credit Union: Why Life Insurance Belongs in Every CU’s Financial Wellness Strategy,” this session will explore why life insurance remains an underutilized—but essential—tool for helping members prepare for life’s unexpected moments. With a significant insurance gap still affecting many middle-market households, credit unions are uniquely positioned to provide accessible solutions.
Attendees will learn how life insurance aligns with the credit union mission, supports member stability, and creates opportunities for sustainable non-interest income. The session will also highlight modern, simplified insurance products designed for ease of access and implementation.
Date: April 30
Time: 3:00 PM Eastern
This is a valuable opportunity to enhance your credit union’s impact while expanding member services.
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