El Paso, TX (March 10, 2026) |
Raiz Federal Credit Union proudly announces that President and CEO Max Villaronga has been inducted into the 2026 African American Credit Union Hall of Fame, an honor presented by the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). Villaronga was formally recognized during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held March 3, 2026, at the Hamilton Hotel in Washington, D.C, in conjunction with America’s Credit Unions’ Governmental Affairs Conference.
Now in its eleventh year, the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame honors leaders whose service has expanded access to financial services and strengthened economic opportunity nationwide. The program has recognized more than 80 trailblazers whose leadership has advanced financial inclusion and expanded access to capital for African American and majority ethnic communities.
Max Villaronga was one of five distinguished leaders inducted into the 2026 class. His recognition carries special significance as he becomes the first El Pasoan and the first Latino of Puerto Rican descent to receive this prestigious honor, highlighting the growing impact of diverse leadership within the credit union movement. Nearly 400 credit union executives, volunteers, and industry partners gathered for the ceremony to celebrate the impact of leaders who continue to shape the future of the credit union movement.
“This Hall of Fame affirms what our industry knows to be true: leadership rooted in service and access transforms communities,” said Marvin York, Board Chair of the African American Credit Union Coalition. “Our 2026 inductees represent the very best of the credit union movement – executives who have championed financial inclusion, strengthened institutions, and expanded pathways to capital.”
Since becoming President and CEO of Raiz Federal Credit Union in 2014, Villaronga has led the organization with a strong focus on human dignity, culture transformation, and inclusive leadership. A proud Puerto Rican and longtime advocate for financial inclusion, Villaronga has championed initiatives that expand access to financial services, strengthen community partnerships, and support economic opportunity for underserved families and small businesses throughout the Borderplex region. Under his leadership, Raiz continues to uphold the cooperative principle that people helping people can transform lives.
Villaronga’s career spans leadership roles across multiple industries, including service in the United States Marine Corps. He holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas and professional designations, including Certified Chief Executive and Development Educator. Villaronga also serves on several national civic and philanthropic boards, including the National Association of Latino Credit Unions and Professionals (NLCUP), where he serves as Board Secretary.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it reflects the collective work of people committed to expanding opportunity,” said Villaronga. “Credit unions have a unique responsibility to serve communities with dignity and to create pathways for financial growth. I am honored to be part of a movement that continues to open doors for others.”
Raiz Federal Credit Union celebrates Villaronga’s
