Lansing, Mich. — Feb. 28, 2023 — The Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) has announced the winners of the 2023 MCUL Awards and the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF) Awards.
New this year is the introduction of two award categories: Board Member of the Year and Team Member of the Year.
Together, the MCUL and MCUF Awards recognize credit unions, professionals and volunteers for outstanding efforts in individual and organizational leadership, operational effectiveness, community service and financial education.
These categories are an effort to recognize more professionals and volunteers who are doing work integral to the credit union mission.
“Each year, the MCUL Awards Committee does a fantastic job at highlighting credit unions and professionals who spent the last year as a shining example of the larger Michigan credit union movement, and 2023 is no exception,” said MCUL CEO Patty Corkery. “The addition of two new categories also allows us to expand our recognition to professionals and volunteers who don’t always get the spotlight but are nonetheless doing work that is integral to the credit union mission. Thanks to all who submitted nominations this year. I can’t wait to celebrate all our 2023 winners at this year’s Annual Convention & Exposition.”
The following winners are continually seeking out new ideas and innovations that make Michigan a better place for all.
MCUL Award Winners
Distinguished Service Award: This award celebrates a lifetime of achievement for those demonstrating exceptional dedication to the credit union industry over the course of their careers.
- Barb Mills, Calcite Credit Union (Rogers City)
Board Member of the Year: This award recognizes a board member who has demonstrated outstanding service over the last 12 months. This year, the awards committee selected two recipients.
- Raymond White Jr., FreeStar Financial Credit Union (Clinton Township)
- Mimi Elwell, Honor Credit Union (Berrien Springs)
Outstanding Credit Unions of the Year: This award recognizes a credit union for outstanding contributions with member services and community engagement.
- Large-Asset-Size Winner: Monroe Community Credit Union (Monroe)
- Medium-Asset-Size Winner: Astera Credit Union (Lansing)
Professional of the Year: This award celebrates an individual whose leadership and accomplishments have bettered their individual credit union, district/chapter and relationships within the statewide movement.
- Brad Bergmooser, Financial Plus Credit Union (Flint)
Young Professional of the Year: This award recognizes an up-and-coming professional with proven dedication and enthusiasm for the industry and their community.
- Ryan Larson, LAFCU (Lansing)
Team Member of the Year: This award recognizes a credit union staff member who has excelled in their position over the last 12 months.
- Veronica Mendez, Safe Harbor Credit Union (Ludington)
Innovation Award: This award recognizes credit unions for innovative thinking and community involvement.
- LAFCU (Lansing)
MCUF Award Winners
Financial Education Champion: The Financial Education Champion Award recognizes an individual for outstanding activities and impact in financial education and financial health initiatives for members and within the community.
- Natalie McLaughlin, Community Financial Credit Union (Plymouth)
Community Enrichment Award: The MCUF Community Enrichment Award recognizes a credit union or chapter for one outstanding community impact initiative aimed at improving the financial wellbeing for people, families, businesses or communities in Michigan.
- CASE Credit Union (Lansing)
MCUL and MCUF award winners will be formally honored at MCUL’s 2023 Annual Convention & Exposition in Grand Rapids, this June.
About Michigan Credit Union League
The Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) is headquartered in Lansing, Michigan. It enjoys 100% affiliation among its 198 member credit unions that serve 59% of Michigan’s population with 5.95 million members and total assets of $92 billion.
