NCUF Names 2027 Herb Wegner Memorial Award Recipients
By CU Today Staff —
MADISON, Wis.--The National Credit Union Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2027 Herb Wegner Memorial Awards following a competitive nomination and selection process. Three honorees will receive one of the credit union movement’s highest honors and will be recognized at the Foundation’s annual gala next year.
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.
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, NCUF said.
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, NCUF said.
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, NCUF said.
The recipients will be honored during the National Credit Union Foundation Gala presented by Visa, on Monday, March 1, 2027, in Washington, held in conjunction with America's Credit Unions' Governmental Affairs Conference.
"The Herb Wegner Memorial Awards showcase the tremendous impact of our movement," said Lauren Culp, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation. "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."
The Foundation 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.
Individual tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities for the 2027 Foundation Gala are now available.
Originally reported by CU Today.