Page 10 - Michigan Credit Union League: 2018 Contact Q2

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE:
TODAY’S AWARD WINNERS,
TOMORROW’S LEADERS

Every year, the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) recognizes young people in the credit union movement who
are doing incredible work with two awards: Young Professional of the Year and Youth Advocate of the Year. This year,
those honors belong to Kristen Taber, eCommerce experience strategist for Midland-based Members First Credit
Union, and Olivia McCormick, educational program coordinator for Lansing-based CASE Credit Union.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: KRISTEN TABER

In the two and a half growth in fundraising over the past two years has won
us awards from MCUL and, more importantly, recognition
years since Taber in the state and Washington, D.C., that has led to many
special meetings with lawmakers and their attendance
joined Members at our events.”

First Credit Union True to the credit union spirit, Taber is highly involved in
multiple opportunities to make an impact. She volunteers
as an eCommerce regularly with the credit union’s Community Difference Proj-
ect and the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region.
strategist, she has She was honored to be a Credit Union National Association
(CUNA) Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) Michigan
made a name for Crasher in 2017 and was previously an Annual Convention
& Exposition (AC&E) Crasher in 2015. Nominated by her
herself as a depend- Members First coworkers, Taber won their President’s
Award and Strategic Superstar honors, both of which are
able, positive and usually given to longer-termed employees.

professional pres-

ence. Her work with

Kristen Taber the credit union’s

digital platforms

has directly translated to growth for Members First’s

education, fundraising and advocacy efforts. Additionally,

Taber has shown outstanding eagerness to get involved

with the credit union’s community and advocacy initiatives.

Because of her passion for the credit union movement, “As Kristen was welcomed into Members First, she quickly
Members First members and political action have been developed a network of employees and launched our
a significant advantage for the credit union and make internal Political Action Committee,” said Marcie Long,
her more than deserving of the Young Professional of strategic development manager at Members First. “In
less than three years, Kristen’s leadership has inspired
the Year Award.
more funding and support of the Michigan Credit Union

“She came to me within her first six months on our team League than we’ve ever experienced. Members First

and asked to form a Political Action Committee. She knew has grown from a candy sales and raffle contributor to a

that we were doing well in this area, but with a formed leader and active participant in the Michigan credit union

purpose we could excel. She was right!” said Carrie movement, thanks to Kristen’s dedication and leadership.”

Iafrate, executive vice president at Members First. “Our

10 SECOND QUARTER 2018 I CONTACT