The Foundation Dinner Presenting the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards

A Transformational Leader in the Credit Union Movement 

The credit union movement has been shaped by many remarkable leaders and Teri Robinson is one of them. As the driving force behind Ironworkers USA FCU, Teri’s leadership has not only transformed her organization but has also influenced the broader credit union landscape. Under her stewardship, Ironworkers USA FCU has achieved extraordinary growth—expanding tenfold in size in less than 15 years—a testament to her vision and dedication. 

To truly appreciate Teri’s impact, we must journey back to her early days at the credit union, then known as Pacific Northwest Ironworkers. In 2010, shortly after taking on the role of CEO, Teri found herself in a challenging situation. Sitting at her desk in the back of a Portland ironworkers union hall, she came across a daunting letter from the NCUA. The letter stated that the credit union was in net worth restoration and warned that without significant intervention, the agency would be forced to either merge or dissolve the organization. 

In that moment, Teri faced a pivotal question: How could she turn this struggling credit union around and create a sustainable path for its future? 

To answer that question, Teri walked out of her office and into the front of the union hall to help members on the front line. She started talking to them as they came in, listening to their stories and trying to understand their personal finances. She recognized how different their needs were compared to those of typical customers at other financial institutions. 

What Teri came to learn about the ironworker profession was that they lead very distinct and atypical financial lives. Steady paychecks aren’t common. Instead, they depend on the availability of construction jobs that may or may not be local. Often, they must travel to temporary homes to be near their work. Once the jobs are over, they return home and wait for the next project. This pattern of inconsistent wages doesn’t align with what lenders typically look for in borrowers. But that is the reality for ironworkers. Teri knew she needed to incorporate that reality into the credit union’s underwriting procedures if she wanted to make loans to help them. 

Teri established a culture of financial education at the credit union, using every interaction with members—especially those seeking loans—to teach them the principles of leading more financially secure lives. She took it a step further, knowing how frequently her members came to the credit union with loans from payday lenders and finance companies. Teri developed a strategy of scouring ACH reports to identify any payments made to those lenders. Once those payments were discovered, she or her staff would promptly call the member, encouraging them to bring those loans to the credit union. 

In some cases, Teri and her team saved their members so much money by consolidating multiple loans from payday lenders that these rough-and-tough, blue-collar workers would come into the union hall and sit across from Teri’s desk in tears, incredibly grateful for what the credit union had done for them and their families. Thousands upon thousands of ironworkers now know that Ironworkers USA FCU truly understands them. 

As the credit union continued to make this immeasurable impact, the ironworkers themselves started spreading the word. Due to the frequent travel by ironworkers, the reputation of Ironworkers USA FCU began to spill across the country. Teri soon began receiving phone calls from Boston, Florida, Mississippi—everywhere—from ironworkers who’d heard of how the credit union helped people like them and who wanted to join. 

In 2018, Teri successfully applied to the NCUA for a national associational common bond, changing the credit union’s name to Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union and expanding its ability to serve members across the country. This move led to continued growth and significant impact; since the approval of the expanded field of membership, the credit union has more than doubled its membership. Even more amazing, this was all part of Teri’s plan. Even during the darkest days for the credit union, sitting barely above 4% capital back in 2010, Teri dreamed of turning the credit union into a national organization that served ironworkers nationwide. That dream is becoming a reality. 

Read more about Teri HERE.

Making an Impact on the Credit Union Movement 

In the ever-evolving landscape of the credit union industry, few individuals shine as brightly as Mike Valentine. Over the past 40 years, Mike has made an indelible mark through his unwavering commitment to fostering a shared purpose of financial well-being for all.  

Mike’s journey in the credit union movement is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and vision. Admirably, he joined forces with four other CEOs as founding sponsors of the Foundation’s Financial Well-being For All initiative.  

Alongside his peers, Mike has consistently been at the forefront of the Foundation’s mission to improve people’s financial lives through credit unions. His commitment to reducing financial stress, boosting financial confidence, and recognizing that financial, physical, and mental health are all critical components of overall well-being dates back to his very first day at Baxter Credit Union (BCU), then a $15 million institution. Since that day, Mike has been changing lives for the better, every day. 

Building on BCU’s original single-sponsor model, Mike has introduced innovative strategies that advance the credit union’s purpose of empowering people to discover financial freedom. BCU’s strong partnerships with multiple prominent organizations like Target, Edwards Lifesciences, UnitedHealth Group, Cardinal Health, Baxter Healthcare, Boston Scientific, GEICO, and HCA Healthcare have helped cultivate a people-first culture that embodies the credit union industry’s “people helping people” philosophy. Under Mike’s leadership and the gracious contributions of the Board members who represent these organizations, BCU’s partnerships have played a key role in growing its assets from $225 million in 1994, when he became CEO, to $6.4 billion today. 

Mike freely and generously offers his time and talent to help others. He has served as a board member for some of the largest system providers, including the Filene Research Institutes Research Council, Members Development Company, CUNA CEO Council Executive Committee, CUFinHealth Advisory Council, and VISA Senior Client Advisory Council, making a significant difference in every dialogue and decision. His leadership roles extend to chairing boards like TruStage, PSCU Financial Services, and Bonifi, where his influence is felt deeply. 

If there is a need, Mike is there. Generosity is his first instinct. What’s unique about Mike is his ability to unearth opportunities to offer compassion, assistance, and guidance where others wouldn’t even see the need. If there’s a credit union-related event, you can count on Mike to be front and center. He embodies the spirit of collaboration, inspiring others with a “what would Mike do?” mindset to lend a hand—both personally and professionally. His integrity is unmatched; he consistently does the right thing, even when no one is watching. Mike is one of the most selfless individuals, always giving more than he takes in any relationship. 

Many of the CEOs who have worked under Mike’s leadership have gone on to drive success at other credit unions, yet Mike believes in empowering his team to pursue their own opportunities. He encourages his leaders to go out and do big things in the world, leading by example and demonstrating the importance of helping others. His team members regularly volunteer and contribute at industry conferences and system committees, making themselves available to assist credit unions and their members. 

Mike’s authenticity as a leader makes everyone feel comfortable, regardless of their position or the size of their credit union. He sees the best in everyone and desires the best for all. His daily impact resonates throughout the industry, benefiting our members, employees, and the communities we serve. Mike Valentine’s commitment to financial well-being, credit union employee development, and member experience continues to inspire leaders everywhere and guide our industry’s ongoing success. 

At the heart of Mike’s philosophy is his motto: “Put the member first.” He strives to work from the end user inward, always considering the value that members and prospective members will derive from any product, service, location, or message. 

Read More about Mike HERE.

Celebrating Unsung Heroes in the Credit Union Movement 

In the vibrant world of credit unions, awards often shine a spotlight on well-known CEOs whose leadership and organizational impact inspire us all. Their emotional journeys and accomplishments fuel our belief in credit unions. Yet, it’s equally important to acknowledge the countless unsung heroes whose dedication and passion might not always make the headlines but whose contributions are just as invaluable. 

One such individual is Deborah A. Wege, International Credit Union Development Educator (I-CUDE), and Cooperative Community Advocate at BECU. Debbie embodies the spirit of the credit union mission, bringing joy, kindness, and a relentless commitment to service every day. Her willingness to support others, share her insights, and guide colleagues through challenges exemplifies what it means to truly believe in our cause. 

When people enter the credit union industry for the first time, the concept of “people helping people” can be new, often leading to confusion about the differences between a bank and a credit union. However, this all changes when they encounter someone like Debbie, who makes it remarkably clear that mission matters. For her, this philosophy transcends words, it becomes a resolve that underscores her purpose and motivates her work. Debbie is truly one of the individuals who embodies the spirit of improving the financial lives of all people. 

Many in our industry have had the pleasure of meeting Debbie, who has been a passionate advocate for financial inclusion since joining BECU in 1990 as a Loan Officer. Her gentle soul and disarming smile create an emotional connection with everyone she meets. She quickly transitioned from Loan Officer to Financial Counselor and Educator, developing and conducting custom BECU financial education programs and budgeting services for members and schools in the community.  

Between 1994 and 2004, Debbie took on roles within the Learning and Development department at BECU, sharing her extensive knowledge of the credit union movement, its history, and its philosophy, which she incorporated into new employee orientation programming. In 1997, she also worked with a cultural consultant to co-design and institute the first-ever diversity training for the credit union. She was chosen as the sole facilitator of the program at that time. 

While some might say Debbie professionally “grew up” in the credit union industry with more than 34 years of experience, it was her certification as a I-CUDE in 1993 that truly uncovered her purpose. This achievement empowered her to guide the credit union philosophy through the work she does every day, reinforcing her commitment to the cooperative principles. 

Debbie’s deep understanding of these principles led her to recognize and reward volunteerism within the credit union. She launched employee volunteer programs, celebrating individuals and groups of employees who support causes impacting BECU’s membership and community. Accessibility and reaching the next generation are central to her mission. 

She knows that equitable access to financial services is essential for future members to achieve financial success. In this capacity, she managed the Financial Education Program, broadening its reach to schools, conducting more financial reality fairs, and more. Debbie intentionally sought out key community partners, linking financial education to their strategic missions, and developed BECU-branded Savertooth Classroom Financial Education kits for elementary students, engaging classrooms throughout BECU’s extensive footprint.

She was instrumental in establishing the first giving strategy at BECU increasing BECU’s commitment to community from around $100k a year to over 3.5MM from 2004 – 2016 – and increased BECUs scholarship program from $50k a year to over $200k reaching over 80 student members a year, in addition to building meaningful relationships with community partners. 

Read More HERE.

Nourishing People’s Financial and Physical Lives 

Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger serves as a catalyst for carrying out the shared credit union People Helping People philosophy by nourishing people’s financial lives and their physical well-being. Since its inception, Maine Credit Union’s Campaign for Ending Hunger has united credit unions across Maine to come together voluntarily, demonstrating remarkable enthusiasm and dedication to tackling hunger within the community.  

Maine credit unions see hunger in the communities they serve every day. Thirteen percent of the state’s population is food insecure, including one in five children. Given the challenges that many individuals and families face to put healthy meals on their tables, the impact of the Campaign is deeply meaningful. Their efforts to raise funds, collect food, volunteer, and improve the fiscal security of people statewide through their financial education programs are making a positive difference in combatting one of the state’s most pressing problems, while also elevating credit unions as thought leaders in this space.  

Credit union employees have been the driving force behind this initiative, contributing countless hours to organize fundraisers and events. From bake sales and yard sales to 5k runs and raffles, these efforts reflect the credit unions’ unwavering commitment to enhancing the welfare of their communities. Supported by every credit union in the state and the Maine Credit Union League, this initiative showcases the power of collaboration in addressing social issues. 

The Campaign’s impact is significant, raising over $1 million for Good Shepherd Food Bank since 1998, making it the 12th largest donor to the organization. This partnership allows credit unions to provide vital resources to those struggling with food insecurity, reinforcing their mission of economic empowerment and mutual self-help. A separate component of the Campaign’s work with MaineHealth is through The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. In September 2023, it presented a $14,000 donation to support food-insecure patients and their families, followed by an additional $20,000 during its annual Ending Hunger Luncheon in February 2024. 

Beyond raising dollars, the Campaign has focused efforts on identifying the root causes of hunger. This is where credit unions are uniquely positioned to address both given their proximity and commitment to their communities. As a collective, Maine credit unions have long-provided financial education to Mainers of all ages and backgrounds through Financial Fitness Fairs, in-house programs, and in adult education classes.  

Read more about Maine’s program HERE.