The nation’s leading credit union innovators, leaders, and changemakers were honored Thursday night at the 2025 Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards, held at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in Orlando, Fla.
Hosted by CU Times Editor-in-Chief Michael Ogden and Executive Editor Natasha Chilingerian, the awards recognized 25 winners across categories spanning community impact, marketing, technology innovation, leadership, and product development.
“This year’s Luminaries represent the best of what the credit union movement stands for — impact, innovation, and integrity,” Ogden said. “They are building stronger financial futures for their members and communities.”
Community Impact
- Credit Union ($4 billion and higher): VyStar Credit Union
- Credit Union ($1 billion to $4 billion): Park Community Credit Union
- Credit Union ($1 billion and below): Michigan Legacy Credit Union
Excellence in Marketing
- ($4 billion and higher): Delta Community Credit Union
- ($1 billion to $4 billion): Chartway Credit Union
- ($1 billion and below): Century Federal Credit Union
Executive Leadership
- CEO ($4 billion and higher): Christina O’Brien, Robins Financial Credit Union
- CEO ($1 billion to $4 billion): Laurie Butz, Capital Credit Union
- CEO ($1 billion and below): Judy DeLucca, New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union
- C-Suite: Joann Bergrud, North Star Community Credit Union
- CUSO: Charles “Chuck” Fagan III, Velera
- League/Trade Association: Patty Corkery, Michigan Credit Union League
- Service Provider (Non-Tech): Catherine Berman, CNote
- Technology Vendor: Nicole Haverly, nCino
Innovation in Technology
- CTO/CIO of the Year: Dale Watkins, MAX Credit Union
- AI / Cybersecurity / Mobile Banking: Addition Financial Credit Union
- Technology Project or Rollout: VyStar Credit Union
Rising Stars
- Individual ($4B and higher): Lindsey LeWinter, FAIRWINDS Credit Union
- Individual ($1B to $4B): Dania Angeles, FirstLight Federal Credit Union
- Individual ($1B and below): Maddison Gleim, Members Choice Credit Union
- Service Providers / Third Parties: Jessica Woo, LendKey Technologies
Product Innovation
- Advances in AI: Eltropy
- Core Processing / Conversion: Nymbus
- Credit/Debit Payments Solutions: Corporate One Federal Credit Union
- Mobile Banking: Mahalo Banking
Now in its fourth year, the Luminaries Awards shine a national spotlight on individuals and organizations transforming the credit union industry through innovation, leadership, and community impact. This year’s honorees were selected by a panel of independent judges including Cathie Mahon (Inclusiv), David Tuyo (TwinStar Credit Union), Ron Shevlin (Cornerstone Advisors), Melissa Ashley (Corporate One FCU), Tammy Schultz (TruStage), and Jeff Rendel (Rising Above Enterprises).
“The Luminaries program continues to highlight the powerful stories and strategies shaping the future of credit unions,” said Chilingerian. “Each honoree exemplifies what it means to innovate with purpose and lead with heart.”
The 2025 ceremony featured a packed ballroom of credit union leaders and industry partners, with laughter, live music, and plenty of movie-themed surprises woven throughout the evening. The event capped off the Credit Union Times Luminaries Day, which also included roundtable sessions on innovation, leadership, and the credit union difference.
From VyStar’s community-driven initiatives to Addition Financial’s AI-powered digital tools, the winners reflected a common thread of purpose-driven performance, using innovation to expand access, inclusion, and opportunity in financial services.
As Ogden closed the night, he summed up the spirit of the event: “These are the leaders writing the next chapter of the credit union story. The Luminaries are not just our award winners, they’re our inspiration.”
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