ST. PAUL, Minn.–The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation has named three people as Credit Union Builders. Created in 2008, the Credit Union Builder Award honors an individual’s dedication to the success, growth, and vitality of the not-for-profit financial movement in Minnesota. Dedications are typically made at a special time of significance to acknowledge an individual’s contributions to credit unions.
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union honored two retired volunteers – Gary Denault and Bill Halloran.
Gary Denault was a member of the Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Board of Directors for 44 years – including five years as board Chair – and retired from his volunteer service in 2017. Gary worked in Minnesota State government for 20 years as a professional, supervisor, and manager.
Bill Halloran volunteered on the Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee from 2006 to 2018, with nearly half of this time spent serving as the chair of the Supervisory Committee. During his time on the Supervisory Committee, Bill used his extensive accounting and finance background to provide oversight and guidance as the Credit Union’s transformed its operating model, advanced its ALM capabilities, developed its Risk Management program and strengthened its financial and internal audit functions.
Heartland Credit Union honored Randy Nelson as a Credit Union Builder. Randy has served on the Heartland Board for 20 years – including nine years serving as board chair. During Randy’s time on the board the credit union grew $66 million dollars in assets, expanded their geographical charter twice and opened a new branch. Randy currently is Vice President of Enterprise Credit and President of CHS Capital. “The cooperative structure of credit unions relies on their volunteer, member elected Board of Directors,” said Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Andrea Molnau. “We are proud to recognize Gary Denault, Bill Halloran, and Randy Nelson for their dedication to the members of their respective credit unions.”
In total, 58 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders over the past nine years. The names of the recipients and the contributing credit unions are permanently displayed in the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s lobby as a tribute to those who have dedicated time and energy to building the credit union movement.