Unitus Community Credit Union Awarded the John Pembroke “Catalyst for Change” Award

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on October 24, 2024

Matthew Mičetić, Steven Stapp, Carolyn Cereghino, Frank Chinn, David Fehrer

The Credit Union Executives Society (CUES) awarded Unitus Community Credit Union its John Pembroke “Catalyst for Change” Award during a celebratory luncheon at Unitus Business Center in Tigard, Ore., on Oct. 11. This national honor, awarded to only one credit union, recognizes Unitus for its efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the credit union industry.

CUES’ VP of Sales and Member Relations, Carolyn Cereghino, presented Unitus President and CEO Steven Stapp with the John Pembroke “Catalyst for Change” Award, celebrating the credit union’s leadership in embedding DEI principles throughout the entire organization. “What sets Unitus apart is the way their efforts were shaped by the feedback and commitment of their employees, who championed greater inclusivity and equity well before the events of 2020 brought national attention to these issues,” read CUES’ award announcement.

Unitus recently added “access” to its diversity, equity, and inclusion action plan to better support, develop, and implement policies, practices, and interventions that promote inclusivity. At Unitus, access is defined as “offering design, construction, communication, and services so all people can fully and independently use the credit union and its services.” Unitus’ commitment to access ensures all have the opportunity to access financial services and capital.

“Being recognized for our commitment to our DEIA action plan and practices is an honor and a reflection of how we embed this work into our daily operations,” remarked Stapp. “As one of just four credit unions to ever win this award, we sincerely appreciate the acknowledgment of our efforts and how we incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and access into our shared values.”

The “Catalyst for Change” Award is named in honor of John Pembroke, CUES’ former President and CEO. Under his leadership, CUES evolved into a thought leader in the industry, with a strong emphasis on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization.

On behalf of Unitus, CUES made a donation to the National Credit Union Foundation’s CUAid Disaster Relief program, which provides funds for credit union volunteers and employees affected by natural disasters, including those recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. On Oct. 11, Unitus also announced it donated $5,000 to World Central Kitchen and $3,000 to CUAid to help support their work as communities begin recovery from the hurricanes.

Posted in Oregon, Regional Member News, Washington.