Apr1

Risk Management Council; Session One

By connecting peers in these areas, this council fosters communication and support that helps the industry identify and reduce the many areas of risk that credit unions face daily.
Apr3

Collectors Council; Session One

This session provides an opportunity to share challenges and successes with collection and recovery peers, ask questions and learn from each other, as well as gain insights from outside legal and industry experts. The demand to keep delinquencies low and recoveries high is challenging for any professional in this field.
May6

Virtual Compliance Legal Update

Join us for the 2024 GoWest Compliance Legal Update Seminar, a virtual seminar designed for credit union professionals like you.
May19

Q2 CDFI Roundtable

A place to connect with other CDFIs, learn what credit unions are doing in their communities, stay current on updates and relevant changes, and discover how GoWest can support you on your CDFI journey.
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Unitus Community Credit Union Celebrates International Community Heart Award Winners

Posted by on March 18, 2025

(L-R) George Y. Ombado, Steven Stapp, Lois Kitsch

Unitus Community Credit Union recently announced the winners of its 2025 International Community Heart Award. Established in 2023, this annual award honors individuals and organizations not just for their extraordinary service but also for the time and energy they have given to causes in our international credit union community.

At this year’s recognition event in Washington, D.C., Unitus President and CEO, Steven Stapp, recognized George Y. Ombado and Lois Kitsch. These recipients earned an International Community Heart Award for their inspiring service and commitment to financial inclusion and empowerment.

George Y. Ombado serves as the Executive Director of the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA). He works closely with governments, international organizations, and non-government organizations to design and implement African development programs and policies. His work has directly contributed to the re-establishment of credit union networks in eight countries. Ombado also serves on the Board of Directors for the World Council of Credit Unions.

Lois Kitsch is the co-founder of CU Difference, an organization dedicated to using the credit union difference to optimize member experience, create an engaging staff experience, and build coaching confidence. Kitsch chairs the African Cooperative Development Foundation (ACDF), the philanthropic arm of ACCOSCA. With experience spanning six continents and more than 40 countries, Kitsch has empowered credit union leaders to strengthen their institutions and enhance member relationships.

“These champions for financial wellness and inclusion are most deserving of our 2025 International Community Heart Award,” announced Stapp. “As leaders in the global credit union movement, our recipients demonstrate time and time again their commitment to ensuring individuals and communities around the globe have access to the financial tools they need to thrive. Their work drives meaningful change and strengthens our collective efforts around the world.”

Past recipients of the Unitus International Community Heart Award include Jaime Chavez Suarez (2023), former president of the largest credit union in Bucaramanga, Colombia, Financiera Comultrasan; and Rafał Matusiak (2024), CEO of Poland’s National Association of Cooperative Savings and Credit Unions (NACSCU) and founder of Via Stella Foundation, which assists Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

Posted in Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Washington.