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CU Builder Award |
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 their contributions to credit unions.
Nearly 100 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders since the award's inception. 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.
The honorees (or their families, in the case of a memoriam contribution) receive acknowledgement from the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation, and donors are also listed online and in the Foundation’s annual report. A minimum $1,500 contribution is required to designate a Credit Union Builder Award.
With questions, contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director of the Minnesota Credit Unions Foundation.
Dedications are typically made at a special time of significance to acknowledge their contributions to credit unions.
Nearly 100 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders since the award's inception. 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.
The honorees (or their families, in the case of a memoriam contribution) receive acknowledgement from the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation, and donors are also listed online and in the Foundation’s annual report. A minimum $1,500 contribution is required to designate a Credit Union Builder Award.
With questions, contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director of the Minnesota Credit Unions Foundation.
2025
Connie Carter
Honorarium made by Centricity Credit Union
Connie is the CFO of Centricity CU and is being recognized for her leadership and dedication to Centricity and the credit union movement in Minnesota upon her upcoming well-earned retirement.
Connie is the CFO of Centricity CU and is being recognized for her leadership and dedication to Centricity and the credit union movement in Minnesota upon her upcoming well-earned retirement.
Shirley Perkins
Honorarium made by Red Wing Credit Union
Shirley Perkins began her 50 years of service to Red Wing Credit Union in 1973 as a member of the Supervisory Committee. Shirley joined the Board of Directors in 1993, serving as Board Secretary throughout her tenure until stepping away in 2025. Shirley was a guiding light for the credit union as it grew from $690 Thousand to $200 Million in assets.
Shirley Perkins began her 50 years of service to Red Wing Credit Union in 1973 as a member of the Supervisory Committee. Shirley joined the Board of Directors in 1993, serving as Board Secretary throughout her tenure until stepping away in 2025. Shirley was a guiding light for the credit union as it grew from $690 Thousand to $200 Million in assets.
Grant Johnson
Honorarium made by the Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions
Grant has been serving the credit union industry for 32 years. Of those 32 years, he was a part of the Archer Doig, now Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions, Board of Directors for 30 years. Grant’s presence was instrumental to the continued education, networking, and advocacy of Minnesota’s Credit Union Movement, especially those in the Twin Cities metro. For 10+ years he led the success of the annual golf tournament, now entering its 36th year this summer. He also helped the board go through a successful name change in 2019 from Archer Doig Chapter to Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions. Grant’s tenure serving the employees of The Toro Company began in 1993 and growing the assets by 470%.
Grant has been serving the credit union industry for 32 years. Of those 32 years, he was a part of the Archer Doig, now Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions, Board of Directors for 30 years. Grant’s presence was instrumental to the continued education, networking, and advocacy of Minnesota’s Credit Union Movement, especially those in the Twin Cities metro. For 10+ years he led the success of the annual golf tournament, now entering its 36th year this summer. He also helped the board go through a successful name change in 2019 from Archer Doig Chapter to Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions. Grant’s tenure serving the employees of The Toro Company began in 1993 and growing the assets by 470%.
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Dawn DunkelbergerHonorarium made by the Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions
Dawn has been a recognized and respected advocate for credit unions in Minnesota and specifically the Twin Cities metro markets for 20 years. North Memorial FCU applauds and commends Dawn for her work on the Twin Cities Chapter committee for so many of those years, working to drive meaningful content and connection, and for her continued commitment to being a champion for small credit unions in Minnesota. Dawn has served the Twin Cities Chapter for 20+ years. Dawn has always been a voice of reason, always being able to see both sides. She leads with the best interest in mind of those within the chapter we serve and was incredibly dependable. She attended most events and was always willing to assist in any capacity she could with planning, coordinating, attending, or advocating for the events the chapter held. The chapter is incredibly appreciative of her commitment and leadership throughout the years! |
Kim WestphalHonorarium made by HomeTown Credit Union
Kim Westphal has dedicated her career to HomeTown Credit Union, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to its growth and success. Starting as a teller while attending college, she quickly realized her passion for the credit union movement and steadily advanced through various leadership roles. Kim has overseen remarkable expansion, guiding HomeTown from two branches serving select employee groups to four branches serving community members across 26 counties. She has played a pivotal role in strengthening HomeTown’s foundation, from implementing innovative lending programs to launching Minnesota’s first high-school based student-run branch. Her leadership has not only ensured financial stability but also fostered a culture of service and excellence within the credit union. |
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2024
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Brian LuethHonorarium Made by Farm Credit Employees Federal Credit Union
Brian retired after 39 years of serving as President/CEO/Vice President of FCEFCU. During his tenure, assets of the credit union grew from about $600,000 to over $17 million today. Brian dedicated his career to serving the employees and families within the AgriBank district. |
Dave Boden
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Honorarium Made by Blaze CU
After retiring as President/Chief Transformation Officer at Blaze CU, Dave Boden has served as Hiway's President/CEO since 2013 and has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry. Dave served board of directors for the Minnesota Credit Union Network, concluding his term as chair in April 2024 and was recognized as MnCUN's Outstanding Professional of the Year in 2022. Dave is known as a servant leader. He sets clear goals and high expectations and serves to support the employees in achievement of those goals. He leads in a calm, inspiring and genuine way, with completely open communication to management and all employees. |
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Alyce JustinHonorarium Made by St. Cloud Financial CU
Alyce's story with St. Cloud Financial Credit Union began in 1979, a time when she stepped into the unknown world of financial institutions. Her journey, starting from the teller line, is a testament to her adaptability and commitment to growth. Alyce's career trajectory, from Teller to Executive Vice President (and so many in between), mirrors the remarkable evolution of our credit union over the years. Her list of achievements is extensive, from leading successful mergers to being an integral part of the groundbreaking remote conversion team. Alyce's impact extends beyond the walls of our credit union, with her instrumental role in community initiatives. St. Cloud FCU would like to honor Alyce's 44+ years in the credit union industry and being a huge part in building the credit union culture. |
2023
Kathlynn McConnellHonorarium Made by Members Cooperative CU
The credit union industry is iconic for our history and philosophy of people helping people. In November of 2023, Members Cooperative Credit Union celebrated the contributions of Learning & Development manager Kathlynn McConnell, a true servant leader, as she headed into retirement. For 17 years, McConnell showed an unwavering dedication to our people, nurturing talent, cultivating skills, and fostering growth. Kathlynn has been a mentor, confidante, and friend to countless colleagues and a favorite guest presenter at local organizations seeking to build and support their own teams. Kathlynn personifies the credit union philosophy and leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, growth, and inspiration that will surely guide and inspire many future credit union industry leaders. |
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Mark CumminsMark Cummins, President and CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network was honored in recognition from his retirement.
Under Cummins’ leadership, several programs have been established in recent years for member credit unions including WINcentive prize-linked savings, the Minnesota Credit Union Employee Benefits Plan and CU Forward Day. Minnesota was also the first state to launch the national Credit Union Consumer Awareness Initiative in 2019 and since then, has seen both increased average membership growth and consumer familiarity of credit unions. |
Tom SmithHonorarium made by TopLine Financial Credit Union
Tom Smith has worked in the financial services industry for over 38 years and is recognized in honor of his retirement. He has been very active forging strategic direction and successfully leading various divisions of organizations within the financial services industry. Tom joined TopLine Financial Credit Union as Chief Lending Officer in May 2008 and was appointed President and CEO in January 2014. Tom has led the credit union with integrity, passion and vision, and over the last 9 years under his President and CEO leadership TopLine has experienced tremendous growth, fostered a culture of inclusion, kept pace with ever-evolving innovation and kept a keen eye on the betterment of our communities. |
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Debra HurstonHonorarium made by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Debra Hurston, Association for Black Economic Power, had lead the establishment of Minnesota's first Black-led community credit union dedicated to addressing the needs of the residents who live, work, or worship in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Debra is tirelessly and patiently lead all aspects of building Arise Community Credit Union: raising seed funds, recruiting board members, setting up governance, securing advocacy, creating a charter and business plan, hiring a CEO, and more. She’s partnered with dozens of local and national industry and community leaders – including Affinity Plus. She’s an emerging and significant positive force for the credit union philosophy in Minnesota. |
Keith HaugeHonorarium made by Ideal Credit Union
Keith has been a champion for Ideal Credit Union members for more than 40 years through his volunteer leadership on the Ideal Credit Union Board of Directors – including serving as board chair from 2014-2019. Keith actively advocated for the credit union movement meeting with elected officials in Minnesota and Washington D.C. to educate and engage them in policies that benefit members. |
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Becky HolstFor 20 years Becky Holst served as a liaison to Minnesota’s credit unions in support of the Children’s Miracle Network program.
Though she never worked for a financial cooperative, she partnered with hundreds of industry leaders, employees and volunteers to coordinate countless successful fundraising efforts for Gillette Children’s Hospital. During her time as a Development Officer for the Gillette Foundation, Becky was key to raising millions for a cause that has been the heart of Minnesota credit unions’ charitable giveback for nearly three decades. Most notably she did it all with a perpetual warmth, positivity and enthusiasm that was uniquely Becky and an absolute demonstration of credit union philosophy in action. |
Chuck AlbrechtActive in the financial industry for more than 40 years, Chuck Albrecht was President/CEO at Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union serving the financial well-being of those in central Minnesota from 2003-2023.
Chuck was honored in 2021 with the Outstanding Professional of the Year award reflecting his dedication to serving member owners, the credit union industry through state and local advocacy as well as servant leader posture in all things. Chuck has a long history of community involvement including the Board of the Region 5 Children’s Museum, past chairman of MCBI Christian Radio; past board member Central Region Essentia Health, emeritus board member of Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation, and multiple leadership roles in the state trade association for 100 credit unions. |
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2022
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Tim Carolinehonorarium made by Members Cooperative Credit Union
As a champion for credit unions and the people they serve, Tim Caroline served the Members Cooperative Credit Union (and formerly Lake State Area Credit Union) Board with commitment and integrity. Serving in the roles of associate director, director, secretary, and emeritus director, Tim dedicated over fifteen years to our philosophy of people helping people. A former teacher, principal, superintendent, and director of the Minnesota Service Coop Online Learning Program, Tim was honored with the Milken Foundation National Educator of the Year Award for Minnesota in 2000. He also served in many community groups, exemplifying his passion for contributing to a better world. Tim has been a member since 1978, so even though he retired from the MCCU Board of Directors in 2022, he remains a part of our credit union family. |
Jerry Telkerhonorarium made by Members Cooperative Credit Union
A member since 1949, Members Cooperative Credit Union (and formerly Lake State Area Credit Union) Board director Gerald (Jerry) Telker retired from service in July of 2021. His tenure was undeniably remarkable. In professional retirement, Jerry operated a lawn care business and has been involved with his local American Legion, passionately supporting veterans, as a vet himself. In 2019, Jerry memorably donated a kidney to a fellow board member in need, an exceptional gesture that was characteristic of his commitment to others. Jerry personifies the credit union philosophy, never hesitating to support the industry, its employees, its members, and his own colleagues on the board. He leaves a notable legacy of service, in his retirement from the MCCU Board of Director |
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George & Kay Rossezhonorarium made by Minnesota Catholic Credit Union
George and Kay have offered countless hours and steadfast guidance to help Minnesota Catholic Credit Union prosper and help thousands of members over the years. In 2011, they received the Minnesota Credit Union Network Volunteer of the Year award; and in 2019 were inducted into the national Credit Union House Hall of Leaders, in recognition for the significant impact they have made on the credit union movement at the local, state and national levels. |
Doug Differthonorarium made by Hiway Credit Union
Doug Differt has served as Board Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary and on all Board Committees during his 42 year tenure, bringing much insight and value to Hiway. Doug will continue to share his knowledge with the Board as an Emeritus Director. He is the driving force behind the Douglas Differt Difference Makers (D3M) Endowed Scholarship established to inspire and empower future students interested in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); specifically transportation and construction. Doug is a true difference maker himself, and an amazing and active proponent of the credit union philosophy of people helping people. |
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2021
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Gene Sishonorarium made by Dawson Credit Union
Gene Sis served as Board member of Dawson Co-op Credit Union for eighteen years, including the last nine years as Board Chair. Gene's leadership has been a valuable contribution in the growth of the credit union assets from $30 million to the current $238 million |
Cindy Zoldakhonorarium made by Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union
Cindy Zoldak, VP of Lending for Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union, has spent the last 45 years helping the member/owners of MPECU with their borrowing needs. As the "resident historian" of MPECU, she rarely forgets a member and can recall the days when MPECU was a tiny office inside the Minnesota Power Headquarters staffed by only three employees. Cindy has always been a tireless supporter in local non-profits and fundraising causes. From donating warm clothing to the area homeless shelter to being recognized by the National Kidney Foundation, she is always willing to help others in our area. We honor Cindy’s 45 years of service as an exemplary example of “People helping People”! |
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Tom Hirtehonorarium made by SPIRE Financial Credit Union
For nearly three decades, Tom Hirte made significant contributions to SPIRE Credit Union. Hirte served on the Board of Directors for 28 years, including 15 years as Board Chair. He was also on various Board and ad hoc committees, including the Governance Committee, Supervisory Committee, and Credit Committee. Hirte stepped down from the Board on April 26, 2021 in order to have more time to serve in the community of San Antonio, TX, where he currently resides. Through the years, Hirte always championed for SPIRE and the SPIRE team and his influence will continue to have a lasting impact. |
Gordon Osmonsonhonorarium made by SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
Gordon Osmonson has been an instrumental part of SouthPoint Financial Credit Union. He was appointed as SouthPoint Financial Credit Union Board of Director in 1976 and was a Board Chairperson for 24 of those years. He is a SouthPoint and credit union movement advocate 100% of the time, and his approach to membership and retention has been a large part of SouthPoint's key to success.
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Carol Towermemoriam made by Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union
For 14 years Carol Tower was a caregiver for MMFCU and the credit union movement. In her role as Executive Assistant, Carol’s efforts as Grassroots Coordinator set an example for political advocacy within MMFCU, the Minnesota Credit Union Network and at a federal level.
Locally, MMFCU was recognized multiple years as having the highest percentage of employees and members participating in GREAT. This was a direct reflection of Carol’s passion and helped impact issues surrounding interchange and taxation. She annually organized and participated in CU Day at the Capitol, passionately sharing her love for credit unions and stories of member impact with local law makers and state-wide leaders. Nationally, GAC and Hike the Hill events were regularly attended by Carol. When our Board Chair travelled with Carol to Washington DC, she was so impressed by Carol’s advocacy for the credit union movement and how many people knew Carol and her passion for the credit union movement. Carol is and will be missed! |
Tim Bosiackihonorarium made by TruStone Financial Credit Union
Bosiacki, TruStone Financial’s CEO for the past 10 years, retired in January of 2021. When Bosiacki joined the credit union, it had five branches and about 60,000 members. Upon merging with Firefly Credit Union in December, TruStone Financial became the second largest credit union in Minnesota, and among the top 100 in the nation. Under Bosiacki’s leadership, TruStone was named one of the 50 top-performing U.S. Credit Unions in 2019 by S&P Global Market Intelligence and a Best-In-State credit union by Forbes magazine in 2020.
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2020
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Tammy Heikkinenhonorarium made by Members Cooperative Credit Union
Throughout her years of service, which includes twelve years as President/CEO of Members Cooperative Credit Union, Heikkinen has been instrumental in the growth and strengthening of credit unions both locally and nationally. Her contributions as a credit union leader can be seen throughout the communities she has served, from sponsorships to community service, and have left a lasting impact.
Heikkinen, who is retiring this fall, has served as an integral leader within the Minnesota credit union movement and beyond. Through her commitment and dedication to Members Cooperative Credit Union, the organization has grown to over $900 million in assets with 12 branches serving Minnesota communities. |
Harold Wobschallhonorarium made by First Alliance Credit UnionDuring his 50 year tenure, Harry held numerous positions on the Board of Directors, retiring as the Vice Chair of the board and Chair of the Facilities and Security committees.
He represented First Alliance at countless industry functions such as the national Governmental Affairs Conference; the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s Annual Meetings and Fall Conferences, and regionally at the Hiawatha Area Chapter meetings. |
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Bernie Brixiushonorarium made by Central Minnesota Credit UnionBernie Brixius, was instrumental in the growth of CMCU over the past four decades. He retired from CMCU after 38 years of service in varying capacities, most recently as Chief Administrative Officer.
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Lynn Meisnerhonorarium made by North Memorial Federal Credit Union
Lynn Meisner has been a widely respected representative and advocate for the credit union community across Minnesota for three decades. Lynn spent 20 years volunteering for the MN Family Involvement Council - which at the time, promoted full family participation in credit unions, financial education, and scholarship opportunities. She held roles as Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, was recognized with two Outstanding Volunteer of the Year awards (1997 and 2009), and a Lifetime Achievement award in 2011. |
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