Jeff Schwalen, president/CEO ofthe $915 million Hiway Federal Credit Union in St, Paul, Minn., hasbeen honored with the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Credit Union Builder Award,which recognizes those who have been dedicated to building thecredit union movement.

Schwalen, who will retire in October, led Hiway FCU to steadygrowth in membership and assets over his 10-year tenure, accordingto MnCUF. Under his leadership, the credit union also developed areputation for offering innovative products and services tomembers, the league said.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Jeff throughout myentire time on the board and supervisory committee for Hiway,” saidPam Tschida, board chair for Hiway FCU. “He takes his job veryseriously. Jeff is committed to the prosperity andwell-being of the credit union, his staff and our members and hasmade a significant positive impact to the communityand credit unions in general. I truly appreciate and admirehis commitment.”

Active in the Minnesota credit union movement, Schwalen hasserved as a table officer and member of the Minnesota Credit Union Network board of directors from2007-2013. He was also an active member and past chairman ofMnCUN's Political Involvement Committee and CENCOPAN PartnershipSteering Committee, a group active in international credit uniondevelopment in Paraguay.

On a community level, Schwalen has served as a scoutmaster withthe Boy Scouts of America, as a member of the Minneapolis BuildersAssociation, as a participant in the Junior Achievement financialeducation program, and as a member of the finance commission forhis local church.

He also has been a longtime proponent of Credit Unions for Kids,serving on Minnesota's steering committee and leading Hiway tobecoming a fundraising force for Children's Miracle Network and thelocal Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare.

“Jeff embodies the credit union philosophy of 'people helpingpeople,' as evidenced by his long resume of accomplishments andachievements,” said MnCUNF Board Chair Pat Brekken. “It is mydistinct pleasure to acknowledge Jeff as a Credit Union Builder,and I wish him well in his retirement.”

Schwalen joins 20 other individuals who have been honored overthe past six years with the MnCUF's Credit Union Builder Award. Thenames of the recipients and the contributing credit unions arepermanently displayed in the Minnesota Credit Union Network's lobbyas a tribute to their accomplishments.