The National Credit Union Foundation presented three Herb Wegner Memorial Awards and one Anchor Award at its annual dinner Monday night during the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC). More than 900 credit union leaders and supporters attended the Foundation’s annual fundraising gala.

The awards ceremony celebrated the highest national honors in the credit union movement and honored those who have made a profound impact and difference in the lives of credit union members.

The Foundation honored Nusenda Credit Union Foundation with an Outstanding Organization Award for their innovation and cooperative leadership in creating their Co-op Capital Program, uplifting the Albuquerque community.

“We are honored to receive recognition in the name of Herb Wegner, who worked so tirelessly to improve people’s financial lives through credit unions,” said Robin Brulé, Nusenda Foundation Executive Director. “We are up to the task – and are looking forward to helping thousands more New Mexicans as we continue to grow our diverse program portfolio aimed at supporting statewide goals for entrepreneurship, economic development, financial education, and family financial mobility.”

The second honoree of the evening was Crystal Long, president/CEO of GECU, El Paso, Texas, with an Outstanding Individual Achievement

Award for her unwavering dedication to credit union advocacy and her work to improve the lives of those in the El Paso community.

“We have a strong focus to elevate our community and our GECU team dedicates each day to work toward this goal,” said Long. “I appreciate the recognition I have received by the Foundation because it’s a true reflection of the dedication and passion that our GECU employees exude each day to accomplish great things in our community.”

The final honoree of the evening was Diana R. Dykstra, president/CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, with an Outstanding Individual Achievement Award for her influential leadership and dedication to the advancement of the credit union movement.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would be receiving this tremendous recognition,” said Dykstra. “As one of the thousands upon thousands of credit union champions, I work every day to improve the lives of people and believe me it takes the entire village. I am honored and quite humbled to be singled out for my contributions. The legacy of Herb Wegner and the past recipients is inspiring and will work hard to uphold the legacy.”

The Foundation also awarded Brett Martinez, President/CEO of Redwood Credit Union with an Anchor Award for his exemplary leadership shown during the 2017 California Wildfires.

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