MADISON, Wis.– The National Credit Union Foundation has named Chad Helminak as the new Director of Credit Union Development and Cooperative Values Engagement, effective Jan. 29, 2018.
Helminak will lead the Foundation’s popular Credit Union Development Education (DE) Training and engage the growing corps of Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs).
Helminak will succeed Lois Kitsch as the Foundation’s national program director. The NCUF said Kitch and Helminak will work together to ensure a “seamless transition.”
“I am pleased to announce that Chad Helminak has been selected as the new director of credit union development and cooperative values engagement,” said Gigi Hyland, Foundation executive director. “Chad’s experience at many levels within the credit union system and his keen facilitation skills will serve him well as he takes over stewardship from Lois Kitsch who has so successfully positioned the DE program as a ‘must do’ for any credit union professional.”
“DE training is a transformational learning opportunity for the global credit union community,” said Kitsch. “Participants come to DE training as system leaders and leave the training as credit union champions who live the mission of our cooperative values. Chad Helminak is a well-known and respected credit union leader who has all of the qualities needed to be the perfect steward of the DE program. I am delighted that DE is not only in good hands, but that he will continue to grow the value of the program for CUDEs, their credit union organizations and the global movement.”
Added Helminak, "Lois leaves an everlasting and invaluable impression on the DE program and so many of us who've had the pleasure of working with her through the process. I look forward to building on the great successes and traditions of DE while moving our program and network in new, exciting directions."
According to the Foundation, since joining the credit union movement in 2006, Helminak’s experience includes a variety of leadership and consultant roles in the areas of communications, consumer and political advocacy, program and professional development, research and innovation, and youth engagement. Prior to his most recent role as a Communications Strategist at CUNA Mutual Group, Helminak worked at the Wisconsin Credit Union League, Filene Research Institute and Heritage Credit Union (Madison, Wis.).