Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union is mourning the loss of co-founder Robert Strini who died at the age of 74.
His passion to provide people affordable financial options to make their lives easier, served as the impetus to join together with a handful of fellow IBM employees in 1963 to create the IBM Kingston Employees FCU at the IBM Kingston plant. He and his co-founders used word-of-mouth advertising and the camaraderie of their work environment to transform the credit union to what it is today, Mid-Hudson Valley FCU with nearly $700 million in assets.
In the 1980s, Strini served as board chairman and is credited with jump starting a project to build a new headquarters in Kingston, N.Y. to better accommodate the credit union's tech-savvy member base. Stepping down as chairman when the project was completed, Strini continued to serve on the board of directors for another 10 years.
Throughout the years, Strini remained an active participant in board meetings, planning sessions and served on many committees. His enthusiasm was matched only by his dedication, continually attending educational seminars and workshops to develop his expertise in the industry. Often, he attended MHV events to mingle with members, receive feedback and promote the credit union spirit.