The Foundation supports financial well-being through grants, community partnerships, professional development, and disaster relief initiatives. Its work is guided by a seven-member board representing credit unions of all sizes and regions across Minnesota.
In addition to advancing the Foundation’s core pillars of financial education and professional growth, the Board also provides oversight to the Foundation Scholarship Council (FSC) and Minnesota Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) committees. Since joining Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union in February 2023, Gerads has led the organization with a focus on sustainable growth and community engagement. His previous leadership roles at Falcon National Bank and Central Minnesota Credit Union further reflect his commitment to driving growth, community engagement, and financial stewardship. Outside of his professional role, he is an active member of the Christian Business Men’s Connection and has volunteered in youth and high school sports for over 20 years—highlighting his passion for mentorship and community involvement. With his blend of industry experience, principled leadership, and dedication to service, Gerads is well-positioned to support and advance the Foundation’s mission.
 HomeTown Credit Union and the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation are proud to recognize Kim Westphal with a Credit Union Builder Award. 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.
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. Kim’s impact extends far beyond the walls of HomeTown Credit Union. She has been a driving force behind numerous strategic initiatives that have shaped the credit union’s future, including major system conversions, branch expansions, and the founding of HomeTown Insurance Professionals. She has also been a champion of financial education, leading efforts that earned HomeTown recognition for its outreach and community support. Her involvement with credit union advocates, such as the Minnesota Credit Union Network, its Hiawatha Chapter, and the Governmental Affairs Conference, reflects her dedication to advancing the credit union movement. Through mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy, Kim has helped shape policies and best practices that benefit credit unions across the state. Over 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. With questions, contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director of the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation. Credit Union Professionals, Board Members Honored with Credit Union Builder Awards at Accelerate4/30/2025
The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) is pleased to announce the following recipients of the Credit Union Builder Award honored at 100th Anniversary Party held during ACCELERATE 25 last week. 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.
Dawn is the Vice President of Financial Services at North Memorial CU and has been a respected advocate for credit unions in Minnesota for 20 years. North Memorial and the Twin Cities Chapter applaud and commend Dawn for her work on the Chapter committee, and her work to drive meaningful content and connection as she steps down from chapter leadership.
Grant, CEO of Toro Credit Union, has served 32 years in the movement, 30 of them on the Twin Cities Chapter Board. From leading the annual golf tournament to helping rebrand the Chapter, Grant has been a driving force in our credit union community. As he prepares to retire this June, we thank him and wish him the very best. MnCUF Board Chair and CEO of Centricity Credit Union honored Connie Carter. 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. Over 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 Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) teaches credit union staff how to counsel members so they can budget better, smartly save, pay down debt and plan for the future. Obtaining the training and associated credentials allows your credit union to differentiate itself from other financial institutions and be more confident in helping members build a stronger financial future.
The deadline to register is May 9, 2025. The cohort-style training consists of 8 tutorial webinars, exam preparation, proctored exam, and program development training - taking place between June through September, 2025. Upon completion, participants will receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation. Registration fees are per person and include all webinars, electronic format book (PDF), practice quizzes, a proctored exam, and the in-person workshop. Grant opportunities are available to assist with program cost. For the complete schedule visit Enchanced FiCEP Program | Minnesota Credit Union Foundation | mncun.org. Please reach out to Andrea Molnau with questions. The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Council (FSC) is requesting your support for our annual Silent Auction fundraiser to benefit our scholarship program!
Our annual Silent Auction will be held April 22 & 23, 2025 at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake. As a signature event of the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s ACCELERATE conference, hundreds of credit union employees and their affiliates will bid on auction items. All money generated from this fundraiser goes directly to students through scholarships. Our goal is to raise $15,000! Visit the FSC Page for more details. We hope you will consider a donation of either a silent auction item, or a monetary/cash donation to help make our goal a reality! Your support is greatly appreciated, and any donation you make is an investment in the youth of Minnesota. Contributions: Cash donations: Please submit with a contribution form to the address below. Checks should be made payable to: Minnesota Credit Union Foundation; with “FSC” in the memo line or donate online. Foundation Scholarship Council Minnesota Credit Union Foundation 555 Wabasha St N, Suite 200 Saint Paul, MN 55102 Item donations: Please submit with a contribution form as soon as possible for our records. The item can be sent to either the address below no later than Wednesday, April 16, 2025, or deliver in person at the FSC Silent Auction booth any time Tuesday morning, April 22, 2025. Minnesota Credit Union Network Attn: Xiong Lee 55 Wabasha Street N, Suite 200 St. Paul, MN 55102
The Children’s Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids by raising funds for hospitals and programs across North America. In Minnesota and western Wisconsin, funds raised by Children’s Miracle Network benefit Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota. Gillette provides specialized health care for children who have disabilities and complex medical conditions, helping them improve their health, achieve greater well-being, and enjoy life.
Registration is Open for the 2025 Enhanced FiCEP Financial Counseling Certification Program4/2/2025
The Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) teaches credit union staff how to counsel members so they can budget better, smartly save, pay down debt and plan for the future. Obtaining the training and associated credentials allows your credit union to differentiate itself from other financial institutions, and help members build a stronger financial future.
The cohort-style training consists of 8 tutorial webinars, exam preparation, proctored exam, and program development training - taking place between June - September. Upon completion, participants will receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation. The program is provided in partnership between America's Credit Unions Center for Professional Development, CU Difference, and a collaboration with the Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana Credit Union Foundations. Visit mncun.org/enhanced-ficep-program to learn more. The deadline to register is Friday, May 9. Join MnCUN and Inclusiv for an interactive webinar where we’ll explore why clean energy lending matters for both communities and your credit union. It’s a great chance to see how clean energy projects align with your mission, provide value for your members, and promote sustainable growth.
What to Expect:
Whether you're just curious or ready to take action, this session will offer valuable insights and practical takeaways! The webinar is free to attend but we ask that you please register. |
The PulseThe Pulse is MnCUN's newsletter that keeps credit union professionals and board members updated on current news and information. Archives
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