STAMFORD, Conn.—Kathy Chartier, president and CEO of Members Credit Union, who was recognized earlier this year with a Herb Wegner Award for Individual Achievement, has passed away.
Due to illness, Chartier had been unable to attend in person to accept the award. The CU Daily had coverage here.
Chartier was recognized with the award, the highest in U.S. credit unions, for her role in bringing financial services to numerous underserved markets.
“While the teachers Members Credit Union (originally called Greenwich CT Teachers FCU) served were earning a living wage, Kathy recognized that the people supporting the schools – including bus drivers, staff, and nutrition workers, many of whom were immigrants – struggled to make ends meet,” the National Credit Union Foundation said in selecting Chartier for the Wegner Award. “In response, she and her team worked to expand the credit union’s charter and launch a plan to address the needs of the diverse and underserved communities in her area.
‘Redefined Its Mission’
“Members Credit Union boldly redefined its mission, expanding its charter to serve all of Fairfield County – not for profit, but to transform into a community-focused cooperative that serves everyone, especially those of modest means, offering access, dignity, and empowerment,” foundation added.
Chartier had been especially active in expanding services in the Hispanic community in the Stamford, Conn. market.
The foundation said Chartier had been a role model for intellectual curiosity and professional development, was a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) and an international CUDE; had done work with credit unions in the Caribbean, Kenya, Latin America and Mexico.
Chartier’s acceptance remarks at the Wegner Awards dinner were read by Lynn Sabatino, mortgage officer with Members Credit Union.
‘Deeply Honored & Overwhelmed’
“Thank you. I am deeply honored and overwhelmed,” Chartier wrote. “When I began this journey 38 years ago, I did not set out to build a career. I set out to make a difference. What I discovered along the way is that credit unions are not a career path; they are a calling. And more than that, they are a family.
“What I am most proud of is not a title held or an award received. It is the family of credit union people who have surrounded me, challenged me, supported me and walked beside me for nearly four decades. That family has continued to grow and expand, including more of our staff at our credit union.
One of the ‘Rare’ People
Social media channels were filled with tributes to Chartier.
“Some people leave behind accomplishments. Some leave titles, awards, and professional success. And then there are the rare people who leave behind something far more meaningful: beloved community. That was Kathy Chartier,” wrote Scott Butterfield.
The tribute video to Chartier that was shared during the Wegner Awards dinner can be viewed here.
