Unitus Community Credit Union CEO Steven Stapp Honored with 2026 Herb Wegner Memorial Award

Posted by member on April 6, 2026

Unitus Community Credit Union‘s President and CEO Steven Stapp was the recipient of the 2026 Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement. This award, one of the Credit Union Movement’s most prestigious national honors, recognizes individuals who make an extraordinary contribution to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People.

A career-long champion of financial inclusion, Stapp has significantly expanded access to financial services for underserved communities across the United States and internationally. During his tenure at Golden 1 Credit Union, he helped set a national precedent by accepting the Matrícula Consular ID, enabling thousands of immigrants previously excluded from traditional banking to become members.

Since joining Unitus in 2016, Stapp has accelerated this work through initiatives that break down barriers and create long-term financial opportunity, including:

• ITIN lending programs that open pathways to homeownership and personal loans for individuals without Social Security numbers.
• Bilingual digital banking innovations designed to meet members where they are and provide seamless access to services.
• Generational wealth‑building resources aimed at strengthening financial futures for families across the region.

Stapp’s influence also extends globally through his leadership on the World Council of Credit Unions board and his advocacy in support of LGBTQ+ communities and Latino financial empowerment. He is the founder of the Northwest Juntos Avanzamos Roundtable, a coalition of regional partners working to advance inclusive financial practices.

Known for his people‑centered leadership style, Stapp is recognized for his commitment to mentorship, developing emerging leaders, and strengthening credit unions locally and across the nation.

“This award is a testament to Steven’s unwavering dedication to expanding financial opportunity for all,” said Nicole Davison León, Unitus Board Chair. “His vision, collaboration, and deep commitment to community perfectly represent the values that define the credit union movement.”

The Herb Wegner Memorial Award honors those whose contributions exemplify innovation, impact, and the cooperative spirit at the heart of the industry. In addition to Stapp, fellow 2026 honorees Kathy Chartier, President & CEO of Members Credit Union, and Gigi Hyland, longtime credit union advocate and former Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation, were also recognized during the National Credit Union Foundation’s annual awards ceremony on March 2 in Washington D.C.

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