HARRISBURG, Penn./HAMILTON, N.J.–Credit union associations in New Jersey/Pennsylvania, the Dakotas and Maine have all announced new board members and/or honors for individuals and credit unions.
New Board, Execs Announced by CrossState Association
The CrossState CU Association, which serves CUs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, has elected a new board chair, Wendy Kingsland, president & CEO of Visionary FCU. Former Chair, Credit Union of New Jersey President & CEO Andy Jaeger, completed two consecutive one-year terms, the maximum allowed by the Association’s bylaws.
The Association Board also elected a new vice chair, Jill Peterson, president & CEO of ABCO FCU.
The board also approved the following appointments to the CrossState Credit Union Foundation Board of Directors:
- Scott Brunner, West-Aircomm FCU
- Garrett Garcia, Jersey Shore FCU
- Kristen Heisey, Everence FCU
- Amy Lyon, Kinzua FCU
- Greg Minnich, PSECU
- Soma Sarkar, Credit Union of New Jersey
Honors Presented in the Dakotas
In the Dakotas, the Dakota Credit Union Association presented Voyage Federal Credit Union in Sioux Falls, S.D. with its Growth and Progress Award during the association’s awards banquet
“To be eligible for this prestigious award, a credit union must have been a dues-paying member of DakCU for the previous two years, and the credit union’s growth must equal or exceed the statewide annual average increase in four categories: total assets; shares; loans outstanding; and membership increase,” the association said. “Voyage FCU saw growth at 28.64% for assets, 21.33% in members, 35.66% in savings balances, and 22.17% in loan balances.”
DakCU Announces Individual Achievement Awards
Individuals honored by the Dakota Credit Union Association include:
Laura Hausmann, Financial Services Representative at United Savings Credit Union, Fargo, N.D., received the Professional of the Year Award.
“This prestigious award honors one credit union professional each year from North or South Dakota for their contributions to advance the credit union movement in their state and the nation by helping to craft an environment that allows credit unions to grow and prosper, to better serve their members,” the association said. “Hausmann has been a valued staff member at United Savings for 22 years. She has expanded her industry knowledge by completing leadership development training, as well as earning her Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor designation, and is currently pursuing her Certified Credit Union Executive designation.
“She is regularly consulted by her peers, as well as the management team, for her input and expertise, and was instrumental in the credit union’s recent digital upgrade of their mobile banking platform and website.”
Jennifer Jerauld, AVP Member Services at Town & Country Credit Union (Minot, ND), received the Emerging Leader of the Year Award.
“This award recognizes one credit union employee each year from North or South Dakota showing proven dedication and enthusiasm for the credit union movement by executing the credit union mission and guiding in new directions that enhance the overall vision of their organization,” the association said.
“Jerauld has rapidly advanced through the ranks at her credit union by demonstrating exemplary leadership skills and an innate understanding of the credit union’s core values. She has served on the board of directors for the Credit Unions United Chapter since 2021 and is the current president. She plays a vital role in promoting the credit union movement through community involvement on both a professional and personal level.”
Darrell Pepper, board member at Ft. Randall Federal Credit Union, Wagner, S.D., was named Volunteer of the Year.
“This award goes to one volunteer from North or South Dakota each year that has selflessly contributed time, effort, and talent to the development of the credit union movement in their state. Volunteers are an integral part of the credit union movement, and their contributions resonate throughout the credit union community by illuminating the most important part of the credit union structure.
“Pepper has served on the Ft. Randall FCU Board for 24 years, and as president of the board since 2005. A staunch supporter of the credit union movement, he played a vital role in Ft. Randall becoming a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) two years ago. In addition to his work with credit unions, he has helped local kids in need as a juvenile probation office, drives veterans to doctor appointments, in addition to serving on multiple committees at his church.”
Honors Presented in Maine
Joe Gervais, CEO, Midcoast FCU, President’s Award
“This honor, chosen by Interim League President Cris Wescott, honors the League’s volunteer of the year. As author Elizabeth Andrew once said, ‘Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.’ Joe Gervais certainly has the heart,” the Maine CU League said. “In addition to directing his credit union, he is a compassionate community leader, a valued member of the League and Synergent Board, and Chair of the Board’s Governing Committee. His plate is full just in leading a successful member- and community-focused credit union.
“And yet, he manages to do even more to help Maine’s credit union system—and especially the League and Synergent.”
“This has been an incredibly busy year for the League and Synergent’s Board of Directors as they have managed changes in leadership at both organizations,” said interim Maine CU League CEO Cris Wescott. “For Joe and the Governing Committee, however, it has been particularly demanding. Joe was instrumental in heading up the searches for both the League and Synergent’s new presidents. He’s reviewed resumes, engaged with candidates, and was an influential voice in the selection process. He also took on the task of directing the process to restructure the League and Synergent’s governance policies.”
The league said Gervais spent countless hours combing through the League’s bylaws, soliciting input from credit unions, and considering every eventuality that might happen to revise rules that can live on for years. “His approach to modernizing the bylaws is similar to his approach in leading Midcoast FCU—making everything he touches future-proof and well-prepared for years of service and success,” the league said.
“Joe is deeply deserving of this honor,” added Wescott. “He is a champion for the League and Synergent, but also for the entire credit union system. Whether he’s shaking a member’s hand in a branch lobby, handing out food at a soup kitchen, or participating in a local ‘freeze out’ to raise funds for fuel assistance, Joe always manages to find a way to go above and beyond to uplift those around him.”
Special Award, Steve Roy, president, Tricorp FCU
“Roy is a dedicated credit union champion who has earned the respect and admiration of his peers in the industry,” the league said.
Prior to announcing the award, Julie Marquis, CEO at Five County CU and Chair of the League’s Awards and Convention Committee, remarked, “Sometimes, there is a credit union leader whose dedication and service to our movement is so above and beyond that we must pause and recognize them with the League’s Special Award. The League has not given this award since 2004. Twenty years since the last honoree, we feel compelled to once again honor a credit union leader who has touched each of our lives with his expertise, service, mentorship, and commitment to going above and beyond.”
Roy has been an advocate for the credit union system for four decades. While the entire movement has benefited from his contributions, credit unions in the northeast have been especially lucky to have a leader like him in our back yard. As President of Tricorp, he has strengthened our industry’s ability to meet member needs and uplift the financial lives of those we serve.
Added League Interim President Cris Wescott, “I have had the privilege of working with and learning from Steve for many years and am so pleased he is being recognized for his impact on our movement. He truly represents everything that sets the People Helping People industry apart from others and is deeply deserving of this honor.”
Jeanette G. Morin Outstanding CU Employee Award: Lisa Martin, Chief Operating Officer at Katahdin FCU
“Martin was nominated for this award by her boss, CEO Tina Jamo, for always going the extra mile to serve the credit union’s members, community, and employees on a daily basis.
Martin joined the credit union in 1985 and after 39 years at Katahdin FCU, Martin has devoted ample time, energy, and care to advocating for those she serves,” the league said.
“She has also held multiple roles within the credit union including Teller, Assistant Visa Clerk, Loan Processor, Loan Officer, Financial Service Representative, Financial Services Team Leader, Financial Services Manager, and her current role, allowing her to have a well-rounded picture of the credit union and its members. It doesn’t stop there, though, as Martin also volunteers to help on the credit union’s Business Loan Committee, Social Responsibility Committee, and ALCO Committee. “
Jamo praised Martin for “her willingness to learn and her ‘can do’ positive attitude are inspiring. She consistently goes above and beyond for the member. Her willingness to learn new processes, procedures, and even regulations have been demonstrated during her long tenure at the credit union.” Jamo also referred to her as a “servant leader” because she is someone who leads by example, does not expect staff to do anything she herself would not do, and often takes on responsibilities at their smaller credit union that the COO of a larger credit union likely would not. Martin’s strong work ethic is exceptional, and her patience is impressive.
‘Strong Advocate’
“Lisa is a strong advocate for the member as well as for the credit union,” said Jamo. “With a vivacious personality, she is the credit union’s biggest cheerleader, always encouraging prospective and existing members to do more business with us. Under her leadership, loans have grown year over year. But it isn’t just the numbers that are important to her. She shows respect, empathy and compassion for every member, no matter what the situation is. If it isn’t in the best interest of the member or the credit union to grant a loan, she will try to assist in another way. She will help them budget their expenses, offer helpful financial suggestions, and/or find other resources to help. She lets every member know that they are important and valued.
As a member of the Social Responsibility Committee, she works on most of the fundraising projects, especially those related to Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. She is a contributor to the raffles, dinners, bake sales, and the golf tournament. Over the years, she has spearheaded several fundraising ideas. She represents the credit union at various community events such as past Community Christmas parties, health fairs, school activities, the Trails End Festival, the 4th of July Parade, and Chamber events. She encourages her staff to participate, as well. Lisa is also a Board Member of the Northern Penobscot Chapter of Credit Unions and enjoys participating in Financial Fitness Fairs, sharing her financial knowledge with students.”
James M. Gratto Outstanding CEO Award: Ryan Ellsworth, CEO, The County FCU
“Ellsworth, who is now serving in his tenth year as CEO of The County FCU, was nominated by his employees for this recognition because of his compassion, commitment to community, and generous spirit,” the league said. “Over the course of his tenure as CEO, Ellsworth has guided the credit union through tremendous growth. With over $460 million in assets, The County FCU is now one of the largest credit unions in the state. Its evolution is the result of organic growth, strong indirect lending, two mergers, and of course, Ellsworth’s robust leadership.
“In his award nomination, his colleague addressed the merger with Penobscot County FCU sharing how, ‘Ryan remained devoted to acting in the best interests of each entity independently, while maintaining the highest service standard in both operations. Managing one credit union is a challenge, but two at the same time is a juggling act not for the faint of heart. Ryan always put his team and community first. He worked attentively to ensure staff were cared for’.”
Additional Contributions
Beyond his responsibilities as CEO, the league said Ellsworth is engaged with the Aroostook Chapter of Credit Unions and serves on the Board of CU Insurance Solutions. Outside of the credit union movement, he’s active in a variety of civic efforts. He is involved with the Rotary Club of Caribou and is an initiated Mason through the Trinity Lodge. He also is a member of the Presque Isle Development Fund Council, where he previously served as its chairman.
Ellsworth also has a deep commitment to philanthropy. In addition to supporting the Campaign for Ending Hunger, The County FCU has donated over $300,000 in the last three years alone to assist local schools, scholarship programs, community organizations, and Maine Special Olympics. He also organized the credit union’s Compliments of the County initiative. Through this effort, staff can gift generosities to individuals and local businesses who employees feel are deserving of recognition.
Ellsworth has worked hard to create an environment where his employees feel valued and appreciated. As noted in his nomination,
“Often in a workplace you refer to your co-workers as family. Ryan proves to his team that this is not a cliché but in fact the truth. The humanness of a CEO all too often gets lost in the title. Many CEOs operate from 1,000 feet looking down at the organization—moving the chess pieces necessary to ensure financial success and viability. Ryan works more often on the ground and alongside his team in the most humble and supportive of ways…He’s often heard expressing the importance of making time for family and cherishing the moments that matter in each other’s lives.”
The league added his ability to roll up his sleeves and help with any duty also was highlighted in his nomination. “There’s nothing he asks of his team that he wouldn’t be willing to jump in and help on. Being a leader that’s not above any task reinforces outstanding leadership. Leading one of the largest credit unions in the state while maintaining the willingness to change a lightbulb before asking someone else to do it demonstrates his authenticity as a leader.”
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