MCUL and MCUF Announce 2026 Award Winners Honoring Leadership, Innovation and Community Impact Across Michigan Credit Unions
The Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) and Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF) today announced the recipients of the 2026 MCUL & MCUF Awards, which honor outstanding credit union professionals, volunteers, innovators and organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to the people?first principles of the credit union movement.
This year’s honorees represent a group of leaders and institutions whose work has strengthened communities, expanded opportunities for members and advanced cooperative values across the state.
“Every one of these award winners embodies the heart of the credit union mission,” said MCUL President/CEO Patty Corkery. “Their leadership, advocacy, innovation and community commitment make Michigan’s credit union movement stronger. We’re honored to recognize their outstanding contributions.”
Award recipients will be formally recognized at MCUL’s ACE26 in June.
2026 MCUL & MCUF Award Honorees
Distinguished Service Award
Rob Bava, Community Choice Credit Union
Rob Bava is recognized for decades of collaborative leadership that has shaped both Community Choice Credit Union and the broader cooperative movement. Through visionary initiatives — including instrumental work on the GM Credit Union Member Discount Program —
Bava has delivered meaningful financial benefits to members across Michigan while championing industry collaboration, CUSO development and statewide advocacy. His commitment to service and community impact exemplifies the highest ideals of the credit union philosophy.
Board Member of the Year
Bill Cayen, Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union
With nearly 60 years of board service, Bill Cayen is honored for his extraordinary leadership, integrity and lifetime of dedicated volunteerism. His roles across multiple committees and executive positions helped guide MSGCU through major strategic milestones, strengthened governance practices and expanded the credit union’s charitable footprint — including scholarship programs that reflect the respect and gratitude of his fellow board members.
Outstanding Credit Union of the Year Awards
XLAS ($1B+) — Vibe Credit Union
Vibe Credit Union is recognized for its mission-driven strategy, strong culture and impactful partnerships — most notably its multi-year collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County. Vibe’s commitment to financial education and staff development has positioned it as a model of innovation and service.
LAS ($250M–$1B) — Public Service Credit Union
Public Service Credit Union is celebrated for its unwavering dedication to members, employees and public service. Community leaders and partners consistently highlight PSCU’s strong advocacy, compassionate service and programs that meaningfully improve financial well-being.
MAS ($50M–$250M) — Health Advantage Credit Union
Health Advantage Credit Union is honored for its deep community involvement and authentic service culture. From financial education to volunteer leadership and programs supporting healthcare workers and families, the credit union continually demonstrates its mission through long-term, hands-on engagement.
Professional of the Year
Tim Strenk, FreeStar Financial Credit Union
As CIO, Tim Strenk is recognized for leadership that extends far beyond technology. His proactive, strategic approach to systems development and security has positioned FreeStar Financial for long?term success and elevated member experience during periods of rapid change.
Young Professional of the Year
Joshua Buck, Members First Credit Union
Joshua Buck is honored for his exceptional technical expertise and statewide leadership. In addition to modernizing key systems at Members First, Joshua has strengthened Michigan’s young professional community through FUELmi leadership and by creating the inaugural hYPe the Hill event, which engaged emerging leaders directly with state lawmakers.
Team Member of the Year
Jordan Baehr, Monroe Community Credit Union
Jordan Baehr is recognized as a people-centered leader whose innovation, problem-solving and collaborative spirit have made a significant impact across Monroe Community CU. His work in advancing advocacy and developing new organizational capabilities reflects both professional excellence and deep commitment to the credit union movement.
Innovation Award
StableCommunities Foundation (LAFCU)
The StableCommunities Foundation is honored for pioneering a relationship-driven approach to community philanthropy that removes barriers and delivers measurable, equitable impact. Through trust-based decision-making, dignified engagement and hands-on support, the Foundation has helped stabilize families, strengthen nonprofits and support local small businesses.
MCUF Financial Well-being Champion Award
Kate Blaha, CASE CU
Kate Blaha was selected as this year’s MCUF Financial Well-Being Champion for her exceptional leadership in expanding financial education and access across the Greater Lansing community. In 2025 alone, she led 125 sessions reaching more than 1,250 individuals, strengthened partnerships with schools, community organizations and correctional and recovery programs, and integrated one-on-one financial counseling to help more participants open accounts and take meaningful steps towards stability. Through innovative, hands-on teaching, multilingual outreach and deeply empathetic approach, Kate has advanced financial inclusion while embodying the credit union philosophy of people helping people.
MCUF Community Enrichment Award
LAS - Genisys CU
Genisys Credit Union was selected for its innovative partnership with Oakland County Children’s Village, providing justice-involved youth with hands-on financial education and a true pathway to stability. Through mandatory reality fairs and the creation of specialized high-yield savings accounts, each funded with a $100 initial deposit, nearly 40 residents gained budgeting skills, account ownership and a tangible financial foundation upon release. By removing traditional barriers and offering direct, in-person support, Genisys delivered more than education; they provided access and a meaningful opportunity for youth to build independent financial futures.
MAS - Forest Area FCU
Forest Area Federal Credit Union was selected for its impactful 2025 November Food Drive, which raised more than $60,000 to support 13 local food pantries across rural Northern Michigan. Through strong member engagement, local business partnerships, branch donation matching and public awareness efforts, FAFCU not only exceeded its fundraising goal but also amplified conversations around food insecurities and community support. Their initiative delivered immediate relief while strengthening long-term partnerships that advance community well-being.
SAS - Awakon FCU
Awakon Federal Credit Union was selected for its extraordinary response to the historic March 2025 Ice Storm that devastated Northern Michigan. Despite facing the same challenges as their members, Awakon quickly mobilized emergency loans, skip-a-pay relief, grant partnerships and community support initiatives. By caring for both members and staff and transforming branches into community hubs during recovery, Awakon exemplified the true spirit of people helping people when it mattered most.
MCUF Innovation in Inclusion Award
LAS - Dow CU
Dow Credit Union was selected for its innovative “Money on the Move” initiative, which transformed a busy Saginaw transit hub into a hands-on financial education space serving more than 400 riders in a single day. By partnering with Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services to sponsor system-wide free bus rides and embedding interactive learning stations directly into riders’ daily routines, Dow removed transportation and trust barriers that often limit access to financial education for ALICE households and transit-dependent residents. Through practical tools, follow-up coaching and a replicable place-based model, Dow demonstrated how inclusion, when intentionally designed, can expand access and build community trust at scale.
SAS - Community First FCU
Community First Federal Credit Union was selected for its intentional and system-wide approach to serving the Amish community through redesigned service delivery rooted in trust, respect and operational discipline. By adapting workflows to prioritize in-person service, implementing alternative identification methods within compliance standards, installing physical branch accommodations and embedding Amish representation into governance, Community First removed structural barriers without lowering standards. With 157 active Amish memberships, strong loan performance and sustained membership growth, the credit union has demonstrated that meaningful inclusion is achieved not through exception, but through deliberate system design that strengthens both member access and institutional performance.
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