2023 MCUL GAC: Grassroots Advocacy and PAC Fundraising Awards

On May 3, during the 2023 Michigan Credit Union League Government Affairs Conference, the League recognized credit unions and activists that performed at a high level over the past year with a brief awards ceremony.

PAC fundraising comes from individual credit unions and chapters across the state working together to support our mission and industry. In 2022, Michigan credit unions raised more than $608,000 to support our advocacy agenda.

The following is a complete list of this year’s winners:

Gold Star Awards Winners: 

• Adventure Credit Union: Shanna Schneider, VP of Operations 
• Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union: Michelle Woodruff, Director of Advocacy 
• Marshall Community Credit Union: Misty Seavolt, COO & Hayley Nevins, Branch Manager 
• Calcite Credit Union: Michelle Woodruff, Director of Advocacy
• People Driven Credit Union: Brian Howell, Chief Strategy Officer

Chairman’s Award (State) 

This is designated in asset categories and given to those who raised the highest percentage over their state PAC fundraising goal.

This year’s State Chairman’s Award winners are: 

• Under $20 million category, with 446% of goal: Eastpointe Community Credit Union, Theresa Hing, CEO 
• $20-100 million category, with 1,206% of goal: Limestone Federal Credit Union, Jennifer Watson, CEO 
• $100-250 million category, with 667% of goal: Financial Edge Community Credit Union, Jeremy Coberly, CEO 
• Over $250 million category, with 1,068% of goal: Frankenmuth Credit Union, Vickey Schmitzer, CEO
   

Chairman’s Award Winners (Federal)

This is awarded to credit unions, based on asset size, which raised the highest percentage over their federal PAC fundraising goal. 

This year’s Federal Chairman’s Award winners are:

• $20-100 million category, with 536% of goal: Route 31 Federal Credit Union, John Rupert, CEO 
• $100-250 million category, with 555% of goal: Calcite Credit Union, Michelle Woodruff, Director of Advocacy 
• Over $250 million category, with 623% of goal: Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union: Michelle Woodruff, Director of Advocacy
   

Trustee’s Award Winners

This is awarded to the chapter that raises the highest percentage over their state and federal PAC fundraising goal:

• 523% of goal at the state level AND 395% of goal at the federal level: Blue Ox Chapter, Nick Montie, CEO of Wolverine State Credit Union

President’s Award Winners

This is awarded to credit unions who raised the most money overall for state and federal PAC fundraising: 

• State level with $16,368: Frankenmuth Credit Union, Vickie Schmitzer, CEO 
• Federal level with $37,020: Genisys Credit Union, Heather Pizzala, VP of Marketing
   

Greatest Percentage Increase from Prior Year Award Winners

This is awarded to credit unions who raised at least 25% of the prior year's goal and has had the greatest percentage increase for state and federal PAC fundraising:

• State level with a 468% increase: Lake Huron Credit Union Beverly Lee, CEO 
• Federal level with a 334% increase: Route 31 Credit Union John Rupert, CEO
   

A Stronger Financial Michigan Leadership Circle Award Winners

This is awarded to credit unions, based on asset size, which raised the highest percentage over their ASFM fundraising goal:

• With 188% of their ASFM goal raised: Awakon Federal Credit Union, Scott Pauly, CEO 
• With 178% of their ASFM goal raised: Forest Area Credit Union Alex Lutke, CEO 
• With $250 Million Category With 140% of their ASFM goal raised: PFCU Michele Makely, CEO 
• With 122% of their ASFM goal raised: Safe Harbor Credit Union Adam Johnson, CEO 

Lon Bone Grassroots Award Winner

The 2023 recipient of the Lone Bone Grassroots Professional Activist Award is PFCU’s former CEO Harvey Hoskins.

When it comes to recognizing the importance of grassroots activity and political fundraising, PFCU has provided an exceptional example for a very long time with Harvey Hoskins at the helm. Over the years, he has engaged at a high level, running successful programs and has been a key supporter for the Michigan credit union industry’s advocacy efforts.

“Harvey has been a central figure for PFCU’s continued success in the advocacy space over the last 33 years,” said Director of State Advocacy Haleigh Krombeen. “He encourages and empowers his team to get involved in advocacy efforts at all levels … His team is always involved in our advocacy events at the chapter, state and federal level, providing valuable insight in these meetings.”

See a full recap of the 2023 MCUL GAC here.

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