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.
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In total, 76 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders over the past nine years. The name of the recipients are permanently displayed in lobby of the state trade association, the Minnesota Credit Union Network, 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.

2022

Doug Differt

honorarium 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.

2021

Gene Sis

honorarium 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 Zoldak

honorarium 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”!​

Tom Hirte 

honorarium 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 Osmonson

honorarium 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. 

Carol Tower

memoriam 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 Bosiacki 

honorarium 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.

2020

​Tammy Heikkinen

honorarium 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 Wobschall

honorarium made by First Alliance Credit Union

During 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.

Bernie Brixius

honorarium made by Central Minnesota Credit Union

Bernie 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.

Lynn Meisner 

honorarium 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. 

2019

Ron Glasgow

honorarium made by SPIRE Credit Union​
Ron Glasgow​ has been a strong supporter of credit unions for nearly 60 years. In 1960, he first took on the role of Treasurer/Manager of a credit union in Iowa and then spent the next 34 years with the CUNA Mutual Group. In 2008, Glasgow joined the SPIRE Credit Union Board of Directors and served as Vice Chair from 2014 until the end of 2019.

Jon Seeman

​honorarium made by SPIRE Credit Union
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​Jon Seeman has been involved in the financial industry since 1986 but began his credit union career at TruStone Financial Federal Credit Union (the former Teacher Federal Credit Union) of Golden Valley, MN in 1996. He held senior level positions and eventually became the Interim President/CEO. In 2008, Jon accepted the position of President/CEO of City-County Federal Credit Union in Brookly Center, MN where he stayed until 2010 when he joined the team at SPIRE Credit Union as their Chief Financial Office. Jon was named the CFO of the Year in 2015 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. He retired at the end of 2019.

Dick Nesvold

honorarium made by SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
Dick Nesvold, the retired CEO of SouthPoint Financial Credit Union and served in that role for 23 years and represented Minnesota Credit Unions as a member of the Cooperative Network Board of Directors and as a former chair of the Minnesota Credit Union Network.

Linda Jacobson

​honorarium made by Fulda Area Credit Union

Linda Jacobson, the retiring CEO of Fulda Area Credit Union was instrumental in the growth of the credit union for over 30 years. Linda's leadership has helped Fulda Area CU grow to almost $120M in assets and over 10,000 members during her tenure as CEO.

Marlin "Andy" Anderson

 honorarium made by Minnco Credit Union​​​

​Since the late 70s, Andy has faithfully attended to the needs of the credit union by serving on the Board. Andy has been actively involved in the success and growth of the credit union, including the construction, remodeling, and expansion of all Minnco locations. He has attended over 500 meetings, numerous conferences, network and chapter events and he continually displayed his enthusiasm and leadership qualities in everything he does.

Joyce Kalbakdalen

honorarium made by Wings Financial Credit Union

​Kalbakdalen served as CEO of Soo Select Credit Union for 27 years. In late 2018, Soo Select members voted to merge with Wings Financial. Soo Select Credit Union was founded in 1953 to serve employees of the Soo Line Railroad in the Thief River Falls, Minnesota area. Soo Select grew to $15 million in assets and 2,800 members under her leadership.

Bridget Petersen

honoraium made by SPIRE Credit Union

Bridget Petersen, Market VP of Community Outreach, joined SPIRE through a merger with Greater MN CU in 2015, where she held the position of VP of HR and Training. In her current role, Petersen oversees SPIRE's philanthropy, public and media functions and financial literacy efforts upholding the credit union’s values and mission.

Leonard Luoma

honorarium made by Centricity Credit Union

Leonard Luoma served Centricity Credit Union on the Board of Directors for the past 43 years. Luoma recently stepped down as Board Chair and has now taken on an advisory role to the Board of Directors.

​2018

Bill Raker

​honorarium made by Firefly Credit Union

Bill's contribution to the movement began with his oversight of the nation’s first-student-run credit union in Kentucky and includes leadership in the World Council of Credit Unions. Bill retired as President/CEO of Firefly in 2018. During his tenure at Firefly, assets grew over 500% and the credit union was approved for one of the largest community charters in the nation. 

Bob Kirk

honorarium made by Mill City Credit Union

​Bob Kirk spent his 31-year career at General Mills as a finance professional and joined the Mill City Credit Union as a Board Member in 2002. Bob has served as the Board Chair of Mill City Credit Union from 2004 -2015. Since 2015,  Bob has served the organization as Vice Chair. Bob provided unwavering leadership through a period of dramatic growth, opportunity and challenge.

Kent Greff

honorarium made by Mill City Credit Union

​Since 2000, Kent Greff has served as Mill City Credit Union (formerly General Mill Credit Union) as President and CEO. In his nearly 40-year career, Kent has served on every committee of the Minnesota Credit Union Network and in every officer position. His service has extended across three states, four credit unions, two countries (Paraguay and Poland), and a multitude of volunteer leadership roles. He was recognized in 2017 with the National Hall of Leaders Award by the Credit Union House in Washington D.C.

Earl Robertson

honorarium made by Mill City Credit Union

​Earl Robertson spent his 41-year career at General Mills in Finance and Accounting, including stints in many locations across the country. He was part of the team that organized the General Mill Sperry Employee Credit Union at the San Francisco office in 1958 and served as the first Treasurer. Earl joined Mill City Credit Union in 1973 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 1990 where he held the positions of Director, Secretary, Vice Chair and Chairman of the Board.With sixty years of involvement in the industry, Earl epitomizes the true cooperative spirit.

​George Patchin

​honorarium made by Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union
​George Patchin served on Minnesota Valley FCU's board of directors since 1970 and for decades as Treasurer and leader of the Elections, Facilitties and ALM committees. Patchin has been instrumental in Minnesota Valley's growth from $10 million and 1,000 members to $170 million and 15,000 members. Patchin is a former high school teacher and a recipient of the Minnesota Credit Union Network Volunteer of the Year, and a dedicated and active champion of the credit union movement.

Gary Denault

 honorarium made by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
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.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

 honorarium made by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
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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.

​Randy Nelson 

honorarium made by Heartland Credit Union
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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. He is truly a credit union advocate.

​ Barb Brown

honorarium made by Northwoods Credit Union
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​Barb lives the Credit Union philosophy of people helping people. It is apparent that every decision she makes is with her members and employees at heart. Barb is involved in the credit union movement through the local league by helping to plan meetings and attending all league events. Barb is also very involved with the Credit Union National Association. Barb has been able to keep the credit union philosophy strong while also recognizing the need to grow and keep up with technology and an ever-changing industry.

Larry Champeaux

honorarium made by Northern Communities Credit Union
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Larry Champeaux retired from Northern Communities Credit Union in 2016 as the President and CEO.  During Larry’s credit union career, he displayed true passion of the Credit Union Movement, respect to his peers, and provided exceptional leadership. Larry’s career in the credit union industry spanned a remarkable 30 years.

Kenneth R. Blazing ​

honorarium made by Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union​

​Kenneth Blazing began a 30 year career at Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union on July 1, 1987. Ken served as a Vice President of Lending for many years, serving as Chief Financial Officer beginning in 2001.

Rich Gabrielson ​

honorarium made by Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union

​Rich Gabrielson was a CPA working with Minnesota credit union supervisory committees, boards of directors and management throughout his 36-year career at CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP. Gabrielson retired in 2013. Dedicated to credit unions and his profession, Gabrielson and the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation established the Financial & Audit Professionals Grant Fund, which provides up to $2,000 in annual grant funding for Minnesota credit union staff and volunteers who have financial and audit-related responsibilities.

​Lon Kruger

honorarium made by Accentra Credit Union

​Lon Krueger started his career with Accentra {formerly known as Hormel Employees Credit Union) in March of 1977. He quickly moved up through the accounting department to become the CFO. In December of 1987 Lon was named the President/CEO and led the Credit Union through much success until his retirement in April 2008. Lon's vision and leadership saw the credit union grow from $44 million in total assets to $100 million during his time as President/CEO. Lon was active in the credit union industry on a state and national level and his passion for credit unions was evident in everything he did.

​MaryJean Lidstone

honorarium made by CUNA Mutual Group

​For more than 41 years, MaryJean started every day looking for ways to make credit unions more successful. Her dedication and focus forwarded credit unions in Minnesota and beyond as she connected the dots and marshaled resources to help credit unions better serve their members. Her passion and commitment will continue to have a lasting impact.

​Scott Lundgren

honorarium made by Centricity Credit Union 

​Scott Lundgren retired from Centricity Credit Union (formerly Hermantown Federal Credit Union) at the end of March after three decades of service to the credit union movement. Scott began as a teller and worked his way up to the position of CEO leading two separate credit unions during his career, the last 16 years with Centricity Credit Union. Scott's relationship driven approach has led to financial and member satisfaction success.

Dolf Moon ​

honorarium made by Novation Credit Union

Dolf Moon has served on the Novation board of directors for 18 years and was a driving force behind the credit union’s outstanding growth in Hutchinson and McLeod County. He is passionate about the important role credit unions play in the lives of consumers, is well respected by his fellow board members, and consistently championed for the credit union management and staff.

Del Provost

honorarium made by Members Cooperative Credit Union 

Prevost begin his career as President & CEO of Members Cooperative Credit Union in 1991 until his retirement in 2007. Prevost served on the Network’s Board of Directors from 1998 to 2003, serving as Chairman from 2002 to 2003.  Additionally, Prevost served on the Network’s Political Involvement Committee and was instrumental in the passage of the modernization of the State Credit Union Act. Actively involved in the community, officiated football games at the high school and collegiate level for 25 years