ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York Credit Union Association has recognized its professionals and volunteers of the year.
Receiving the Outstanding Professional of the Year Awards were:
- Betsy Kindlon, recently retired CEO of Community Resource Federal Credit Union—Kindlon worked in the credit union movement for 39 years, 26 as CEO of Community Resource FCU. Throughout her tenure, she’s been highly active with the New York Credit Union Association’s Capital Chapter, serving as Council president for a time and helping to increase participation at Chapter events. She has focused much of her time on helping staff develop professionally while calling attention to individual staff achievements and encouraging frank discussions and suggestions, the NYCUA said.
- Twanda Christensen, marketing manager at The Summit FCU—Christensen began her career in the credit union movement 13 years ago and has served as marketing manager for The Summit FCU since 2005. She currently oversees the marketing and communications for the 18-branch credit union. The NYCUA said that notably, in 2014, The Summit FCU launched an ambitious plan to implement new products and systems. Christensen played an integral role in researching and carrying out the implementation of new marketing customer information file and customer relationship management systems. She has also been instrumental in the credit union’s move toward mobile products and services.
Named as Outstanding Volunteers were:
- Leo Callari, board chairman of GPO Federal Credit Union—Callari’s involvement with GPO FCU dates back to 1973, when he first joined the Utica-based credit union’s board of directors. He was elected board chairman in 1991 and has held that post ever since. The NYCUA said Callari was instrumental in guiding GPO FCU through a leadership change after longtime President and CEO John Prumo retired. The credit union also saw tremendous growth under Callari’s chairmanship. In addition to overseeing several mergers, charter expansions and a change in headquarters, Callari helped grow the credit union from $430,000 in assets to nearly $230 million in assets.
- Mary Bishop, board chairwoman at Ulster FCU. Bishop has been a member of Ulster FCU’s board of directors since 1989. She has served as board chair since 2007, and previously served as vice chair. She took the reins as board chair after the previous chair passed away unexpectedly, and helped guide the credit union through a seamless transition. During her time leading the board, Bishop implemented an important committee restructuring process that played directly to each board members’ individual strengths. She also helped ensure that each board meeting runs in a productive and timely manner by encouraging board members to pursue educational and development opportunities, the NYCUA said.
Inducted into the New York Credit Union Hall of Fame:
- Bruce Beaudette, recently retired president and CEO of Sunmark Federal Credit Union; and Nancy Kasprzak-Whitmore, former president and CEO of Niagara’s County FCU and current EVO at Niagara’s Choice FCU—According to the NYCUA, Beaudette has devoted nearly 35 years of his life to New York’s credit unions. Beaudette stepped down in December from his role at Sunmark FCU after serving as CEO of the Latham-based credit union for 28 years. During his tenure, he helped grow Sunmark FCU from a credit union with a single office of eight employees to one of the largest credit unions in the Albany area. Thanks to his leadership, Sunmark FCU now operates 10 branches with 185 employees, representing 48,000 members. Beaudette helped expand Sunmark FCU’s charter to a six-county community charter while still maintaining a presence with the General Electric employees who originally comprised the credit union’s field of membership. In 1997, as the credit union began to grow on all fronts, Beaudette helped implement a major brand refresh and name change.
- According to the NYCUA, Kasprzak-Whitmore has been devoted to the credit union movement for over 35 years. She was first employed with Unit No. 1 FCU (now Cornerstone Community FCU). In January 1983, Kasprzak-Whitmore began her career with Niagara County's FCU. She began as office manager and moved on to the position of general manager, and was named president and CEO in 1984. Kasprzak-Whitmore guided the credit union through three decades of growth before Niagara County's FCU joined together with Niagara's Choice FCU. As the current executive VP of Niagara’s Choice FCU, she continues to be a leader in the New York credit union movement.
- Cara Babicz, loan officer at Great Erie Federal Credit Union, was presented by the NYCUA with the Outstanding Young Professional Award. The statewide award honors individuals 35 or younger whose commitment, hard work and achievements have enhanced their credit unions or the entire New York credit union movement. According to the NYCUA, Babicz began her career in the credit union movement six years ago, but she has been a credit union member for more than 20 years. In her current role, Babicz helps strengthen member relationships while raising awareness in the community about the benefits of credit unions.