The Foundation Gala Presenting the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards
About the Foundation Gala
The Foundation Gala is our primary fundraising event. The generosity and support of attendees and sponsors directly affects our ability to improve financial well-being with and through credit unions.
A mainstay of the annual gala is the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards ceremony—the credit union movement’s highest national honors.
The Foundation Gala is held in conjunction with America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference and will take place:
March 2nd, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C.
Tickets and sponsorships are available here.
Nominations
The awards were established to honor the memory of Herb Wegner, a visionary leader who served as President & CEO of CUNA in the 1970s who is noted for seeing the credit union movement not as it was but how it could be.
The National Credit Union Foundation is proud to host these awards, the credit union movement’s highest national honors.
The nomination period for the 2026 awards are now closed!
Questions? Contact Jenni Speth at [email protected].
2026 Herb Wegner Memorial Award winners
Kathy Chartier
More to come on Kathy and her impact on the credit union system.
Kathy Chartier, President & CEO, Members Credit Union
Gigi Hyland
More to come on Gigi Hyland and her impact on the credit union system.
Gigi Hyland, credit union advocate and philanthropist
Steven Stapp
More to come on Steven and his impact on the credit union system.
Steven Stapp, President & CEO, Unitus Community Credit Union
2025
Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger – Maine
2024
Selfreliance Foundation – Illinois
2023
2022
Faith Based Credit Union Alliance – Illinois
2020
Maurice R. Smith – North Carolina
2019
Crystal Long – Texas
Nusenda Credit Union Foundation – New Mexico
Bill Hampel – District of Columbia
Past WinnersSponsors
We are excited to gather for our 37th annual National Credit Union Foundation Gala Presenting the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards. This evening is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and impact our peers have made on our movement.
We also celebrate you. Your attendance at our annual fundraising gala allows your Foundation to improve financial well-being with and through credit unions.
Presenting Sponsor
Herb Wegner Memorial Awards
The Herb Wegner Memorial Awards were established in 1988 to honor the memory of Herbert G. Wegner. The National Credit Union Foundation is proud to recognize leaders, programs and organizations that, like Herb Wegner, make a lasting impact on the credit union movement.
Testimonials
Linda Armyn, President & CEO, FourLeaf FCUThe Foundation Gala demonstrates how as an industry credit unions are intentional about being at the center of the communities we serve. Credit unions are making impactful contributions to communities across the globe everyday. The awards dinner amplifies that while we may all be leading our own incredible efforts, together we are a part of a movement that makes a difference for all.
Get in touch
For more information on the Foundation Gala
Contact Jennifer Speth, Engagement Director
Jenni leads engagement initiatives for the Foundation including our primary fundraising event, the Foundation Gala.
Photo/Video/Recording Release
The Foundation, itself or by its contractors, may be photographing, videotaping, audio-taping or webcasting sessions and events at its events. By attending, participants acknowledge these activities and agree to allow their image and/or voice to be used by the Foundation, such as in publications, on the Foundations’ website and in marketing and promotional materials, without compensation.