MADISON, Wis.–Gigi Hyland, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation, has announced plans to retire effective at year-end. The foundation said it has retained Hudson RPO and the America’s Credit Unions human resources team to conduct a search for a successor.
Hyland has led the NCUF since August of 2013, with the organization saying that under her leadership it has doubled in asset size and “substantially expanded its signature fundraising event, the Foundation Dinner presenting the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards,” which is held annually in conjunction with America’s Credit Unions’ GAC.
In addition, the foundation said Hyland has during her tenure “spearheaded research, catalytic grants and convenings on financial well-being for all and the link between health and wealth, expanded cooperative values offerings to include virtual and self-study options, and co-founded the CU DEI Collective” with many credit union system partners.
‘Loved the Movement’
“I’ve loved serving the credit union movement as executive director of the Foundation,” Hyland said in a statement. “It’s been an amazing journey of collaboration and cooperation to focus on placing the financial well-being of all our members and employees at the heart of credit unions. Nothing of consequence in life is done alone. I am so grateful to the foundation board, our donors and supporters, and to the talented and dedicated foundation team for their hard work. I know the foundation will continue to thrive after I retire, and I am dedicated to helping with a smooth transition.”
Three Decades in Credit Unions
Hyland has spent more than 33 years in credit unions. She served as a member of the NCUA board from November of 2005 through October of 2012, and prior to that as SVP and general counsel with Empire Corporate FCU in New York.
From mid-1997 to November of 2002, Hyland was VP-corporate credit union relations and executive director with CUNA and the Association of Corporate Credit Unions, and prior to that managing partner with Hyland and Hyland.
Additional Accolades
In addition, Hyland:
- Is a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE)
- Served on the America Saves Advisory Board, the Credit Union Network for Financial Literacy Board, and is currently a board member of the National Cooperative Bank (NCB).
- Was inducted into the America’s Credit Union Museum inaugural “Herstory” exhibit, which highlights a range of credit union women and their achievements throughout the history of the credit union industry.
- Received the Maurice R. Smith DEI Leadership Award from the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC).
‘Passionate Work’
“There is no doubt the entire credit union industry has benefited from the passionate, dedicated work of Gigi Hyland,” Jim Nussle, president and CEO of America’s Credit Unions, said in a statement. “Propelling our movement into the future, Gigi’s influence is seen not only through her philanthropic work leading the Foundation, but her focused leadership on the board of the NCUA. A trailblazing advocate for increased financial education and wellness, Gigi’s role in elevating ‘Financial Well-being For All’ has driven real impact for credit unions across the country and undoubtedly transformed the lives of so many American families. Gigi’s leadership and grace will truly be missed, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Added Foundation Board Chair John Sackett in a statement, “Gigi has been the face of, and the driving force behind, the Foundation for the past 11+ years. Her commitment to the credit union movement has been a shining example to many of us who have had the privilege of working with her. She will certainly be missed. Speaking for the board of directors, I want to thank her for all she’s done.”