This week’s New York Minute celebrates New York credit union leaders earning industry recognition, highlights an important change to America’s Credit Unions’ committee selection process and showcases credit unions investing in financial well-being and their local communities.
Alloya Corporate FCU Celebrates the Power of Cooperation by Unveiling the Alloya Hall of Champions
Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union recently unveiled its Hall of Champions, recognizing individuals who exemplify the cooperative spirit and have made meaningful contributions to the credit union movement.
Among those honored are two New York credit union leaders: Curt Cecala, President & CEO of TCT Federal Credit Union, and Leanne McGuinness, CFO of The Summit Federal Credit Union.
The recognition celebrates leaders whose commitment and contributions demonstrate the power of cooperation within the credit union movement.
America’s Credit Unions Updates Committee Selection Process & Structure of Advocacy-Focused Committees
America’s Credit Unions is changing how members are selected for several committees, including its advocacy-focused committees, Small Credit Union Committee and Volunteer Leadership Committee.
Beginning with the 2027 committee cycle, individuals interested in serving must submit their own application. The previous process allowed members to nominate others for committee participation, but nominations will no longer be accepted.
The change comes alongside a restructuring of America’s Credit Unions’ advocacy committees designed to make participation more meaningful, improve coordination across issue areas and create a more efficient and transparent process for bringing recommendations to leadership.
Applications for the 2027–2028 term are open through Oct. 20, with selected individuals expected to be notified before the end of the year.
NCUF Expands At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant to $650,000 for 24 Credit Union Recipients
The National Credit Union Foundation has selected People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union as one of 24 credit unions nationwide to receive funding through its At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant. People’s Alliance FCU is the only New York credit union among this year’s recipients.
The Foundation initially made $500,000 available for the grant cycle but received the largest response to a call for applications in the program’s history. In response, it added $150,000 in funding, bringing the total awarded to $647,600.
The grants will help credit unions launch or expand programs serving at-risk youth, with a focus on building real-world financial skills and confidence through experiences such as saving, building credit, managing earned income and exploring entrepreneurship. The grant period runs from Sept. 30, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.
MCU Foundation Awards Grant to Support Essential Services at The Bowery Mission
The MCU Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to The Bowery Mission to support essential services for New Yorkers experiencing hardship.
The funding will help provide meals, shelter, long-term recovery programs, counseling and other critical services, while also supporting enrichment opportunities and summer camp programs for children.
The grant continues the MCU Foundation’s partnership with The Bowery Mission, whose programs address immediate needs while helping individuals work toward greater stability through housing, counseling, classes and additional support. The investment reflects the Foundation’s broader mission to expand access to basic necessities and create opportunities for New Yorkers to build more stable futures.
ESL FCU’s Matt Murphy Named to Rochester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40
Congratulations to Matt Murphy of ESL Federal Credit Union, who has been named one of the Rochester Business Journal’s 2026 Forty Under 40 honorees.
The annual recognition celebrates Rochester-area professionals age 39 and younger for their professional accomplishments and commitment to community service. Honorees are selected by a panel of previous Forty Under 40 recipients from a variety of professions.
Murphy and his fellow 2026 honorees will be recognized during an awards celebration on Nov. 17 at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester.
AmeriCU Credit Union Volunteers to Build Beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace
AmeriCU Credit Union team members recently rolled up their sleeves to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization dedicated to ensuring children have safe, comfortable beds to sleep in. Through their volunteer efforts, AmeriCU employees helped build beds for children and families in need, putting the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” into action.
The initiative is another example of how New York credit unions are giving back through hands-on service and community partnerships.
GPO FCU Contributes to The Center for Family Life & Recovery
GPO Federal Credit Union recently contributed to The Center for Family Life & Recovery, continuing its commitment to supporting organizations that strengthen individuals, families and communities throughout Central New York. This organization provides prevention, mental health and recovery resources and services to individuals and families in the Mohawk Valley. GPO FCU has supported the organization previously as part of its broader community giving efforts.
The contribution reflects GPO’s continued investment in local organizations working to improve the well-being of the communities they serve.
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