The National Credit Union Foundation has announced the addition of Chad Helminak as the new director of Credit Union Development and Cooperative Values Engagement, effective Jan. 29. Helminak will lead the Foundation’s popular Credit Union Development Education (DE) Training and engage the growing corps of Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs). 

The role is currently held by the Foundation’s National Program Director Lois Kitsch, who is planning to retire from the Foundation in mid-2018.  

“Chad’s experience at many levels within the credit union system and his keen facilitation skills will serve him well as he takes over stewardship from Lois Kitsch who has so successfully positioned the DE Program as a 'must do' for any credit union professional," said Gigi Hyland, Foundation executive director.  

“DE Training is a transformational learning opportunity for the global credit union community,” said Kitsch. “Participants come to DE Training as system leaders and leave the training as credit union champions who live the mission of our cooperative values. Chad Helminak is a well-known and respected credit union leader who has all of the qualities needed to be the perfect steward of the DE Program. I am delighted that DE is not only in good hands, but that he will continue to grow the value of the program for CUDEs, their credit union organizations and the global movement.” 

Prior to his most recent role as a communications specialist at CUNA Mutual Group, Helminak worked at the Wisconsin Credit Union League, Filene Research Institute and Heritage CU, Madison, Wis. 

Helminak was certified as a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) in 2009 and has since served as a facilitator and mentor in U.S. and Africa DE Trainings. Over the years, he’s presented at industry events across the country, helped to grow numerous young professional networks, and co-created a music project--The Disclosures--that writes and performs songs about the importance of financial literacy and social responsibility.