MADISON, Wis..– The National Credit Union Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2027 Herb Wegner Memorial Awards, considered the highest honors in the U.S. credit union movement.
“The 2027 Herb Wegner Memorial Awards recipients represent the very best of the credit union movement: leaders and organizations whose passion, perseverance, and purpose have advanced financial well-being and inspired progress across the industry,” the foundation said.
The winners are:
- Outstanding Individual Achievement: Lily Newfarmer, president & CEO, Tarrant County’s Credit Union in Texas.
- Outstanding Individual Achievement: Cathie Tierney, President & CEO, Community First Credit Union in Wisconsin
- Outstanding Organization: National Association of Latino Credit Unions & Professionals (NLCUP)
“For nearly four decades, the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards have recognized individuals and organizations whose leadership has created lasting change for credit unions, their members, and the communities they serve,” the NCUF stated.
About the Honorees
According to the National CU Foundation:
- Lily Newfarmer has “built a legacy of making sure others have the opportunity to lead. From becoming one of the country’s strongest advocates for small credit unions to helping create the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance, Lily has repeatedly turned gaps she sees in the movement into opportunities for others while expanding access to innovation, mentorship, connection and a seat at the table.”
- Cathie Tierney has “spent nearly five decades showing what it means to put the movement ahead of oneself by strengthening credit unions in moments of crisis, championing financial well-being, and stepping forward when the cooperative model itself needs defending. Her leadership in the landmark legal challenge against the IRS helped protect credit unions nationally, one extraordinary example of a career spent making institutions, communities and the movement stronger than she found them.”
- NLCUP began as a “grassroots effort to create a space that did not yet exist and has become a national force changing who is seen, heard, and prepared to lead across the credit union movement. Today, NLCUP is building the leadership pipeline while equipping credit unions to better serve Latino and immigrant communities.”
Awards to be Presented at Gala
The recipients will be honored during the National Credit Union Foundation Gala presented by Visa, on March 1, 2027, in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with America’s Credit Unions’ Governmental Affairs Conference.
“The Herb Wegner Memorial Awards showcase the tremendous impact of our movement,” Lauren Culp, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation, said in a statement. “Cathie, Lily, and NLCUP each brought about true and lasting change for people and communities. Their impact will be felt for generations, and we can’t wait to celebrate their achievements with our credit union community.”
How to Attend
The foundation said individual tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities for the 2027 Foundation Gala are now available, and that it is “inviting the credit union movement to come together for an unforgettable evening celebrating this year’s recipients and the lasting impact of people helping people.”
Thank You’s Extended
The NCUF said it extends its gratitude to the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards Selection Committee, whose members represent perspectives from across the credit union movement. “Their thoughtful review of the largest pool of nominations in the award’s history continues a proud tradition of recognizing extraordinary leadership and lasting impact,” the organization said.
Visa returns as Presenting Sponsor of the 2027 Foundation Gala, continuing its support of an evening that brings the credit union movement together to celebrate extraordinary leadership and the enduring impact of credit unions. The Foundation also thanked Patelco Credit Union for their support of the 2027 Foundation Gala.
