MCUL & MCUF Announce 2025 Award Winners Honoring Michigan Credit Union Excellence
The Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) and the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 MCUL/MCUF Awards. These outstanding individuals and organizations exemplify leadership, innovation and a deep commitment to the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People."
“We were honored to receive a record number of nominations this year for the MCUL Awards, showcasing the dedication and outstanding contributions of credit unions, professionals and volunteers throughout the state,” said MCUL President/CEO Patty Corkery. “It is genuinely inspiring to see the lasting impact our credit union community continues to make. Congratulations to each of this year’s recipients; I look forward to celebrating your achievements at the 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition in June!”
The following winners have demonstrated extraordinary contributions to their members and communities:
Distinguished Service Award
Vickie McIntosh, FreeStar Financial Credit Union
With over 30 years of dedication to the credit union movement, McIntosh has been a steadfast leader, advocate and mentor. Her work in financial literacy, advocacy and community engagement has made a significant difference in Michigan.
Board Member of the Year
Roger Sosebee, Journey Federal Credit Union
In 2024, Sosebee continued his nearly 40 years of service by championing financial literacy initiatives and strategic growth efforts at Journey FCU, helping ensure a strong financial future for its members.
Outstanding Extra-Large-Asset-Size Credit Union
Frankenmuth Credit Union
In 2024, Frankenmuth CU expanded financial education efforts to 27 schools, launched an AI-powered chatbot to improve member service and became the first Michigan credit union to offer cryptocurrency banking services.
Outstanding Large-Asset-Size Credit Union
Members First Credit Union
Members First CU made financial well-being a priority in 2024 by certifying 98.6% of its staff in financial counseling, implementing new savings and loan programs and leading impactful community engagement efforts.
Outstanding Medium-Asset-Size Credit Union
Community First Federal Credit Union
Community First FCU provided $23,500 in financial assistance to 98 families, expanded financial literacy programs and introduced emergency savings initiatives to support members in times of need.
Professional of the Year
Martha Fuerstenau, American 1 Credit Union
Fuerstenau’s leadership in 2024 drove American 1 CU’s expansion to $685 million in assets, bolstered financial education programs and reinforced the credit union’s commitment to community impact.
Young Professional of the Year
Phillip Thompson, FreeStar Financial Credit Union
Thompson played a key role in the credit union’s recent successful core system conversion, merger integration and expansion of financial literacy programs, furthering FreeStar Financial’s mission of member service excellence.
Team Member of the Year
Julia Kaiser, People Driven Credit Union
Kaiser secured a $90,000 scholarship grant in 2024, led multiple financial education workshops and orchestrated key community initiatives to support underserved populations in Michigan.
Innovation Award
Journey Federal Credit Union
Journey FCU continued innovating in 2024 with the Journey Forward model, integrating ITMs for enhanced member convenience and launching the Amplifi Rewards Program to incentivize smart financial behaviors.
MCUF Community Enrichment Award
Lake Michigan Credit Union – HomeAssist Program
Lake Michigan CU addressed homeownership barriers by launching the HomeAssist Program, which provided up to $10,000 in assistance for first-time homebuyers, particularly benefiting Black, African American, Hispanic and Latino households.
MCUF Financial Well-Being Champion Award
Jacob Purman, Frankenmuth Credit Union
Purman led 52 financial literacy events in 2024, impacting over 2,000 students. He expanded in-school credit union branches, improved Financial Reality Fair accessibility and launched a financial education program for underserved youth in Scouts of America.
“This year’s nominations showcased the outstanding commitment of Michigan credit unions to improving the financial well-being of their members and communities,” said MCUF Executive Director Andrea Tucker. “The dedication and passion behind these initiatives are making a real difference in people’s lives. Congratulations to all of the winners for their meaningful contributions and thank you to every credit union that continues to create positive change through their programs and services.”
The award winners will be formally recognized at the 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition this June. For more information about the MCUL/MCUF Awards, visit mcul.org/awards.
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