Credit Union Professionals, Board Members Honored with Credit Union Builder Awards at Accelerate

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. 

Red Wing Credit Union honored Shirley Perkins in recognition of 50 years of service to its Board of Directors. Shirley's service began in 1973 as a member of the Supervisory Committee and then 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.

The Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions is pleased to honor Dawn Dunkelberger and Grant Johnson in honor of their years of service to the chapter.

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.