Steven Stapp: 2026 Herb Wegner Memorial Award Winner

“Cooperation, inclusion, concern for community – Steven brings every cooperative principle to life, not only through what he leads, but how he leads.” – Susan Mitchell, CEO, Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates

Since the beginning of his credit union career, Steven Stapp has pioneered models of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access that have become the standard for the credit union movement. As the SVP of Branches, he led Golden 1 CU to be the first in California to accept the Matricula Consular ID card, blazing the path for credit unions across the United States to reach more members in desperate need of financial support.

Steven didn’t stop there. He has risen to meet the challenges of diverse organizations, helping them expand their visions and ability to serve the underserved. At Unitus Community Credit Union, where he has served as CEO since 2016, he has led the launch of Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) lending, implemented bilingual digital tools, and championed programs that help families stop living paycheck to paycheck, save for emergencies, and begin to build generational wealth. Under his leadership, Unitus has become a national model for inclusive, people-first credit union service.

Rick Gaupo, President and CEO of Marion Polk County Food Share, says, “He listens, he asks questions, and he seeks to understand the needs of our community.”

Steven’s leadership extends far beyond the walls of Unitus and across the credit union system. Steven has served on the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) Board, contributed to the AACUL Board, and supported CU Pride, bringing LGBTQ+ voices into the national credit union conversation. He founded the Northwest Juntos Avanzamos Roundtable with partners Inclusiv, NLCUP, and Coopera, bringing together credit unions, practitioners, civic leaders, and lawmakers to share best practices and advance strategies that serve the Latino community.

Through intentional partnerships, he has directed funding to programs like Latino Network’s Summer Bridge initiative and opened the first credit union storefront in Junior Achievement’s BizTown, embedding financial education in the next generation’s learning experiences.

For more than a decade, he has volunteered to lead strategic planning for Valley Isle Community FCU in Hawaii, where Trevor Tokishi, President/CEO, says: “He brings new perspectives, thoughtful challenges, and fresh ideas, all of which have had a direct and significant impact on how we serve our community.”

Steven not only models community spirit, he encourages his credit union team to connect with the causes that resonate with them and then celebrates their commitment. He launched the Community Heart Award to honor employees and others who serve their communities and champion inclusion and empowerment. In 2023, Unitus introduced the International Community Heart Award to recognize inspirational credit union influencers across the movement.

Mentorship is also a cornerstone of Steven’s leadership. Zach Christensen, Marketing Director, Mitchell Stankovic & Associates, reflects: “He taught me what it truly means to lead with clarity, purpose, and care for people. I carry those lessons with me every day, and I’m proud to say that much of what I strive to be as a leader is a direct reflection of what I learned from Steve.”

Steven Stapp is a cooperative leader in the truest sense: an innovator who opens doors, a mentor who lifts others up, and a changemaker who lives the credit union principles daily. His vision, his service, and his heart for people make him an extraordinary choice for the 2026 Herb Wegner Memorial Award.

Click here to secure your ticket or sponsorship for the 2026 Foundation Gala!