Patricia Wayrynen, Workers Credit Union:
As Learning and Development Lead for Littleton, Mass.-based Workers Credit Union ($2.6 billion in assets, 125,391 members), Patricia "Patty" Wayrynen has helped countless individuals not only by successfully training new employees at the credit union, but by her contributions to the community as well. Wayrynen is a cancer survivor who started a nonprofit called the Cancer Support Fund of Central Massachusetts that helps financially vulnerable at-risk cancer patients focus on their recovery. This nonprofit, of which she serves as both co-founder and treasurer, has provided more than $67,000 in financial assistance to over 100 cancer patients since its founding in 2018. Wayrynen regularly volunteers at annual fundraising events for the local veteran affairs organizations and takes part in the Workers Credit Union's philanthropy efforts, including participating in check presentations to local nonprofits, running food drives, and participating annually in the credit union's Relay For Life team and serving on the sponsorship committee.
Brandon Ewing, BCU:
As Senior Manager of Community Retail Branch Operations at the Vernon Hill, Ill.-based BCU ($5.8 billion in assets, 347,640 members), Brandon Ewing is devoted to the community he serves in his position at the credit union and as a person who is deeply dedicated to actively creating an impact at every opportunity. Ewing is an ambassador for empowering the financial well-being of all BCU members. He excels at building relationships, bringing people together, and being a force for positivity, equity and hope. Ewing encourages the importance of being actively involved in both fatherhood and education, and shines a light on the importance of affordable therapy, as well as creating communities both online and throughout his community with networking, mentoring and relationship building.
Frank Giannelli, Affinity Federal Credit Union:
As Senior Vice President of Data and Digital Information Technology for the Basking Ridge, N.J.-based Affinity Federal Credit Union ($4.5 billion in assets, 234,040 members), Frank Giannelli has made an extraordinary commitment to making a positive impact in his community. Through his work on the Board of Trustees of the Affinity Foundation, Giannelli has been able to oversee more than $360,000 donated to the local New Jersey, New York and Connecticut communities. Giannelli has done significant work in his position on the Scholarship Committee for the New Jersey Society for Information Management Foundation, a not-for-profit association of IT executives and experts that provide financial assistance to underprivileged IT students.
Cara Houck, Patelco Credit Union:
Cara Houck, the community relations partner at the Dublin, Calif.-based Patelco Credit Union ($9.6 billion in assets, 478,565 members), has been a champion of philanthropic efforts for the credit union for almost five years. She has developed and executed community engagement marketing plans for philanthropic projects such as food drives, cycle/walk-a-thons, volunteer projects and fundraisers to support community partners in alignment with Patelco's four pillars of giving - children's health, financial education, food security and affordable housing. Houck has established relationships and built meaningful partnerships with more than 35 nonprofit organizations. Her work touches more than 850 employees, its more than 478,000 members and residents of the communities served by the credit union.
Kristin Kauffman, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union:
Chief Marketing Officer Kristin Kauffman works tirelessly within the southern Maryland community served by her credit union, the Lexington Park, Md.-based Cedar Point Federal Credit Union ($749 million in assets, 46,749 members), to strengthen its ties to support individuals and organizations in need. In the past year alone, Kauffman has spearheaded or volunteered for nine community events and chaired or served on six boards and committees in the community. Most notably, she is the chair of the Solomons Dragon Boat Festival, which supports an organization creating events and opportunities for community members with developmental differences in southern Maryland.
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Andrea McDermott, Westerra Credit Union:
Community Relations Manager, Andrea McDermott with Denver-based Westerra Credit Union ($2.1 billion in assets, 116,635 members), cares a lot about her community. So much so, that she created Westerra Cares. This group focuses on Westerra employee engagement and involvement in community service. McDermott's innovative approach of utilizing employee Volunteer Time Off has resulted in a significant increase in employee participation. The jump from 82 employees (26% of Westerra's workforce) and 716 hours in 2021 to 249 employees (79% of Westerra's workforce) and 1,232 hours in 2022 is a testament to her ability to inspire and mobilize Westerra staff, which ultimately fosters a stronger connection between employees and the communities they serve.
Doron Noyman, KeyPoint Credit Union:
Doron Noyman, Vice President of Sales and Development for the San Jose, Calif.-based KeyPoint Credit Union ($1.7 billion in assets, 54,537 members) has spent more than two decades at the credit union specializing in business development, community relations and financial education. Noyman envisioned a transformative nationwide program that sets credit unions apart from traditional banking practices by driving economic growth while advancing diversity, equality and inclusion. In 2022, he launched the KeyPoint Credit Union Economic Empowerment Initiative, partnering with Chambers of Commerce to benefit nonprofits. This collaboration has quickly delivered substantial benefits to all parties involved and the communities they serve. Initially launched in partnership with the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce to benefit the nonprofit organization Sunday Friends, the initiative has expanded to four chambers and six nonprofits.
Meredith Ritchie, Alliant Credit Union:
As President of the Alliant Credit Union Foundation, the charitable arm of Chicago-based Alliant Credit Union ($19 billion in assets, 809,880 members), Meredith Ritchie is a community-focused leader. Thanks to her leadership, the Foundation has built strong national partnerships and funded several hundred thousand dollars of impactful grants this year. Ritchie initiated and grew a relationship with Alliant's digital inclusion charitable partner, PCs for People. With her guidance, Alliant held two digital device drives in 2022. With the help of members and employees, Alliant collected 10 tons of laptops, tablets, smartphones and other computer components. A fall device donation drive launched a fundraising effort to help PCs for People purchase a second truck. A unique 2022 initiative for Meredith and the Alliant Foundation was the first-ever Alliant Day of Action. In July, 207 Alliant employees sent emails to state policymakers asking these local lawmakers to prioritize digital equity and to go #AllInForDigitalEquity.
Tina Thornton, AmeriCU Credit Union:
At the Rome, N.Y.-based AmeriCU Credit Union ($2.7 billion in assets, 161,320 members), Tina Thornton has dedicated her 27 years at the credit union as not only a brilliant executive, but as a volunteer, advocate and relationship-builder with Fort Drum and North Country civilian communities. Thornton is a proud member of the North Country Veteran and Service Member Suicide Prevention Coalition. She is currently President of the Association of the United States Army Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter and has served as President for three terms, and is a great champion for the military community. She continues to volunteer her time and talent to support the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division soldiers and the Fort Drum community through a variety of different partnerships and events. Thornton looks for the stability of our service members to continue to grow and succeed financially.
Prisca Walters, Associated Credit Union:
In 2021, the Norcross, Ga.-based Associated Credit Union ($2.1 billion in assets, 158,147 members) hired Prisca Walters to become manager of the ACU Foundation to take the Foundation's efforts to the next level. Since taking over, Walters has had a primary focus: Using her heart for service and passion for people to help shift family legacies from helpless to hopeful. Continuing the credit union's "People Helping People" philosophy, Walters has worked with members, employees and other credit unions to help find solutions to lack and despair. She unites local communities to have a worldwide impact. In 2022, under her direction, the ACU Foundation made a giving impact of $186,000 in the community. Her coordinated efforts directly impacted the successful outcome of annual programs and the need for immediate support at home and abroad.
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Patricia Wayrynen, Workers Credit Union:
As Learning and Development Lead for Littleton, Mass.-based Workers Credit Union ($2.6 billion in assets, 125,391 members), Patricia "Patty" Wayrynen has helped countless individuals not only by successfully training new employees at the credit union, but by her contributions to the community as well. Wayrynen is a cancer survivor who started a nonprofit called the Cancer Support Fund of Central Massachusetts that helps financially vulnerable at-risk cancer patients focus on their recovery. This nonprofit, of which she serves as both co-founder and treasurer, has provided more than $67,000 in financial assistance to over 100 cancer patients since its founding in 2018. Wayrynen regularly volunteers at annual fundraising events for the local veteran affairs organizations and takes part in the Workers Credit Union's philanthropy efforts, including participating in check presentations to local nonprofits, running food drives, and participating annually in the credit union's Relay For Life team and serving on the sponsorship committee.
Brandon Ewing, BCU:
As Senior Manager of Community Retail Branch Operations at the Vernon Hill, Ill.-based BCU ($5.8 billion in assets, 347,640 members), Brandon Ewing is devoted to the community he serves in his position at the credit union and as a person who is deeply dedicated to actively creating an impact at every opportunity. Ewing is an ambassador for empowering the financial well-being of all BCU members. He excels at building relationships, bringing people together, and being a force for positivity, equity and hope. Ewing encourages the importance of being actively involved in both fatherhood and education, and shines a light on the importance of affordable therapy, as well as creating communities both online and throughout his community with networking, mentoring and relationship building.
Frank Giannelli, Affinity Federal Credit Union:
As Senior Vice President of Data and Digital Information Technology for the Basking Ridge, N.J.-based Affinity Federal Credit Union ($4.5 billion in assets, 234,040 members), Frank Giannelli has made an extraordinary commitment to making a positive impact in his community. Through his work on the Board of Trustees of the Affinity Foundation, Giannelli has been able to oversee more than $360,000 donated to the local New Jersey, New York and Connecticut communities. Giannelli has done significant work in his position on the Scholarship Committee for the New Jersey Society for Information Management Foundation, a not-for-profit association of IT executives and experts that provide financial assistance to underprivileged IT students.
Cara Houck, Patelco Credit Union:
Cara Houck, the community relations partner at the Dublin, Calif.-based Patelco Credit Union ($9.6 billion in assets, 478,565 members), has been a champion of philanthropic efforts for the credit union for almost five years. She has developed and executed community engagement marketing plans for philanthropic projects such as food drives, cycle/walk-a-thons, volunteer projects and fundraisers to support community partners in alignment with Patelco's four pillars of giving - children's health, financial education, food security and affordable housing. Houck has established relationships and built meaningful partnerships with more than 35 nonprofit organizations. Her work touches more than 850 employees, its more than 478,000 members and residents of the communities served by the credit union.
Kristin Kauffman, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union:
Chief Marketing Officer Kristin Kauffman works tirelessly within the southern Maryland community served by her credit union, the Lexington Park, Md.-based Cedar Point Federal Credit Union ($749 million in assets, 46,749 members), to strengthen its ties to support individuals and organizations in need. In the past year alone, Kauffman has spearheaded or volunteered for nine community events and chaired or served on six boards and committees in the community. Most notably, she is the chair of the Solomons Dragon Boat Festival, which supports an organization creating events and opportunities for community members with developmental differences in southern Maryland.
Advertisement
Andrea McDermott, Westerra Credit Union:
Community Relations Manager, Andrea McDermott with Denver-based Westerra Credit Union ($2.1 billion in assets, 116,635 members), cares a lot about her community. So much so, that she created Westerra Cares. This group focuses on Westerra employee engagement and involvement in community service. McDermott's innovative approach of utilizing employee Volunteer Time Off has resulted in a significant increase in employee participation. The jump from 82 employees (26% of Westerra's workforce) and 716 hours in 2021 to 249 employees (79% of Westerra's workforce) and 1,232 hours in 2022 is a testament to her ability to inspire and mobilize Westerra staff, which ultimately fosters a stronger connection between employees and the communities they serve.
Doron Noyman, KeyPoint Credit Union:
Doron Noyman, Vice President of Sales and Development for the San Jose, Calif.-based KeyPoint Credit Union ($1.7 billion in assets, 54,537 members) has spent more than two decades at the credit union specializing in business development, community relations and financial education. Noyman envisioned a transformative nationwide program that sets credit unions apart from traditional banking practices by driving economic growth while advancing diversity, equality and inclusion. In 2022, he launched the KeyPoint Credit Union Economic Empowerment Initiative, partnering with Chambers of Commerce to benefit nonprofits. This collaboration has quickly delivered substantial benefits to all parties involved and the communities they serve. Initially launched in partnership with the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce to benefit the nonprofit organization Sunday Friends, the initiative has expanded to four chambers and six nonprofits.
Meredith Ritchie, Alliant Credit Union:
As President of the Alliant Credit Union Foundation, the charitable arm of Chicago-based Alliant Credit Union ($19 billion in assets, 809,880 members), Meredith Ritchie is a community-focused leader. Thanks to her leadership, the Foundation has built strong national partnerships and funded several hundred thousand dollars of impactful grants this year. Ritchie initiated and grew a relationship with Alliant's digital inclusion charitable partner, PCs for People. With her guidance, Alliant held two digital device drives in 2022. With the help of members and employees, Alliant collected 10 tons of laptops, tablets, smartphones and other computer components. A fall device donation drive launched a fundraising effort to help PCs for People purchase a second truck. A unique 2022 initiative for Meredith and the Alliant Foundation was the first-ever Alliant Day of Action. In July, 207 Alliant employees sent emails to state policymakers asking these local lawmakers to prioritize digital equity and to go #AllInForDigitalEquity.
Tina Thornton, AmeriCU Credit Union:
At the Rome, N.Y.-based AmeriCU Credit Union ($2.7 billion in assets, 161,320 members), Tina Thornton has dedicated her 27 years at the credit union as not only a brilliant executive, but as a volunteer, advocate and relationship-builder with Fort Drum and North Country civilian communities. Thornton is a proud member of the North Country Veteran and Service Member Suicide Prevention Coalition. She is currently President of the Association of the United States Army Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter and has served as President for three terms, and is a great champion for the military community. She continues to volunteer her time and talent to support the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division soldiers and the Fort Drum community through a variety of different partnerships and events. Thornton looks for the stability of our service members to continue to grow and succeed financially.
Prisca Walters, Associated Credit Union:
In 2021, the Norcross, Ga.-based Associated Credit Union ($2.1 billion in assets, 158,147 members) hired Prisca Walters to become manager of the ACU Foundation to take the Foundation's efforts to the next level. Since taking over, Walters has had a primary focus: Using her heart for service and passion for people to help shift family legacies from helpless to hopeful. Continuing the credit union's "People Helping People" philosophy, Walters has worked with members, employees and other credit unions to help find solutions to lack and despair. She unites local communities to have a worldwide impact. In 2022, under her direction, the ACU Foundation made a giving impact of $186,000 in the community. Her coordinated efforts directly impacted the successful outcome of annual programs and the need for immediate support at home and abroad.
Advertisement
Patricia Wayrynen, Workers Credit Union:
As Learning and Development Lead for Littleton, Mass.-based Workers Credit Union ($2.6 billion in assets, 125,391 members), Patricia "Patty" Wayrynen has helped countless individuals not only by successfully training new employees at the credit union, but by her contributions to the community as well. Wayrynen is a cancer survivor who started a nonprofit called the Cancer Support Fund of Central Massachusetts that helps financially vulnerable at-risk cancer patients focus on their recovery. This nonprofit, of which she serves as both co-founder and treasurer, has provided more than $67,000 in financial assistance to over 100 cancer patients since its founding in 2018. Wayrynen regularly volunteers at annual fundraising events for the local veteran affairs organizations and takes part in the Workers Credit Union's philanthropy efforts, including participating in check presentations to local nonprofits, running food drives, and participating annually in the credit union's Relay For Life team and serving on the sponsorship committee.
We are excited to present and recognize the CU Times LUMINARIES Class of 2023 Finalists who have proven themselves to be exceptional leaders in the credit union industry. This slideshow highlights the 10 finalists from our Community Impact – Individuals category of credit union leaders from all sizes of financial cooperatives from around the country. The LUMINARIES Class of 2023 Finalists are currently being reviewed by an incredible and diverse judging panel of experts from across the credit union landscape. A select group of winners will be announced live on stage during our awards dinner and gala, which is scheduled for Nov. 9, 2023 at the Disney's Yacht Club Resort in Orlando, Fla.
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Michael Ogden
Editor-in-Chief at CU Times. To connect, email at [email protected]. As Editor-in-Chief of CU Times since 2016, Michael Ogden has led the editorial team in all aspects of content strategy and execution, including the creation of the publication’s exclusive and proprietary research database of the credit union industry’s economic landscape. Under Michael’s leadership, CU Times has successfully shifted to an all-digital editorial product with new focuses on the payments, fraud, lending and regulatory beats. Most recently, he introduced a data-focused editorial product for subscribers that breaks down credit union issues into hard data, allowing for a deeper and more factual narrative for readers. In 2024, he launched the "Shared Accounts With CU Times" podcast, which offers a fresh, inside-the-newsroom perspective through interviews with leaders from the credit union industry and the regulatory world. He dives into pressing credit union issues, while revealing the personalities working behind-the-scenes to push the credit union world forward. His background includes years as a radio and TV anchor/reporter and a public relations and digital/social media manager, where he covered the food and music industries, as well as cooperatives and credit unions. Over the years, he has launched numerous exclusive video and podcast series, including a successful series of interactive backstage interviews with musicians at music festivals, showcasing his social media and live streaming production skills.
