SOUTH BEND, Ind.–Everwise Credit Union has selected Cassie Peyton, Manager of its Warsaw North and South branches, as the winner of the 2025 David R. Sage Exemplary Leadership and Service Award.
Presented annually, the award recognizes Everwise employees who demonstrate the leadership and values of former board chairman David R. Sage, who served in Everwise leadership for nearly four decades. Award winners are nominated by fellow employees and selected by the executive management team.
Peyton’s tenure with Everwise began in 1999, when she joined as a Teller. In the 26 years since, she has grown through several roles including a Member Service Representative, Assistant Manager, and Branch Manager, ultimately leading both Warsaw branches with steadiness, experience, and heart. Her career reflects continuous growth, deep institutional knowledge, and a clear commitment to helping people build financial confidence.
She received this year’s award for her exceptional leadership, dedication to developing others, and meaningful impact on both Everwise and the communities she serves, the credit union said.
“Her colleagues describe her as an empowering leader who puts people first. She is known for investing time in coaching her team to help employees identify their goals and build the skills they need to advance. Under her guidance, many staff members have grown into leadership and frontline roles across the organization.”
“I’m truly humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Peyton in a statement. “Helping others has always been my passion, and my career at the credit union has allowed me to live that passion every day. The credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’ is at the heart of everything we do, from supporting our members, to mentoring our teams, and lifting up our communities. I’m grateful to be part of an organization that makes such a real and lasting difference.”
Peyton’s impact reaches well beyond Everwise. She is deeply involved in her community, having served with the Rochester Kiwanis, Warsaw Rotary Club, Fulton County Chamber of Commerce (including four years as a Chamber Ambassador), the Kosciusko Leadership Academy, and the Kosciusko County Literacy Foundation.
