EAU CLAIRE, Wis.–The winner of the 2021 CUES Exceptional Leader Award has been named.
CUES has presented the award to Jennifer McHugh of Royal Credit Union. The award is given annually to a credit union industry professional who has “rendered exceptional service and made outstanding contributions to strengthen their credit union and the industry.”
“During her 10 years with Royal, McHugh, directly and through the leadership of her teams, has elevated the degree to which the credit union is able to live out its core purpose of ‘creating a positive impact in the lives we touch’ through community involvement and giving efforts,” CUES said in announcing the honor. “McHugh has established Royal as a financial education leader in the credit union industry proudly offering free in-person and virtual financial literacy programs for people of all ages and a robust School $ense program made up of 29 student-run credit unions in schools across Wisconsin and Minnesota.”
CUES noted McHugh also oversees the credit union’s political advocacy efforts and led the creation of the Royal Young Professional Credit Union Activist program. McHugh is a “known subject matter expert on credit union issues and is regularly sought out as a presenter, media contributor, and a trusted advisor to elected officials,” CUES added.
“Jennifer is energized by developing and mentoring her own team, as well as others here at Royal, seeing them receive recognition for their accomplishments and sharing their pride when they achieve their own career aspirations,” stated RCU President/CEO Brandon Riechers. “The fulfillment that Jen gets from her work comes from the impact she has on the ability for others, including the underserved in our communities, to achieve their own dreams through enhanced financial stability.”
Active in Community
According to CUES, McHugh also shares her leadership talents and expertise outside of the credit union community, and has served on the Wisconsin Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability since her appointment in 2011 and is the chair of the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs committee. McHugh is also actively involved with the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation, UW-Eau Claire Blugold Beginnings, and Eau Claire Public Library Capital Campaign.
McHugh was presented the 2021 CUES Exceptional Leader Award during the virtual CUES Member Appreciation and Awards event.
“I am honored to receive this award from the members of CUES and appreciate being recognized for doing work I truly love with some of the most inspiring people I have ever met by my side,” McHugh said.