Saint Paul, MN (April 20, 2026) |
City & County Credit Union and the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation have awarded Patrick Pierce the Credit Union Capstone Award, the highest honor within the CU Builder Award program, in recognition of his extraordinary 40-year career dedicated to the credit union movement. The Credit Union Capstone Award celebrates leaders whose contributions have strengthened, protected, and advanced credit unions at the highest levels of service, advocacy, and philanthropy.
Pat began his career in 1986 as an Accountant with the Minnesota Credit Union Network. He went on to serve as Vice President of Finance at United Educators Credit Union (now Expedition Credit Union) before becoming President/ CEO of Hermantown Federal Credit Union in 1997. In 2001, he joined City & County Credit Union as President/CEO, where he served until his retirement in April 2026.
“Pat Pierce is the embodiment of what the Capstone Award was created to recognize — unwavering dedication to the success, growth, and vitality of Minnesota’s not-for-profit financial cooperative movement,” said Thomas Coulter, President/CEO of City & County Credit Union. “No one is more deserving of this honor. Over four decades, Pat has delivered transformative impact not only for the credit unions he led, but for credit union members across Minnesota and the entire country.”
Pat played a central role in shaping the credit union industry at both the state and national levels. In Minnesota, he was instrumental in the historic 1997 merger that established the Minnesota Credit Union Network. Nationally, as Secretary of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Board and later as Chairman of America’s Credit Unions, he provided key leadership in the landmark merger of CUNA and NAFCU.
“Pat’s contributions have helped shape the Minnesota credit union system through sustained state and national service, unwavering advocacy leadership, and a commitment to collaboration that extends well beyond his organization,” said Mara Humphrey, President & CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network. “As the inaugural Credit Union Capstone Award recipient, Pat has set the standard this honor represents.”
During his 25 years at City & County Credit Union, Pat significantly expanded the organization’s reach and impact. He led the transition to an eight-county community charter, grew membership from 34,000 to more than 62,000, and increased total assets to $1.1 billion, strengthening the credit union’s ability to deliver exceptional service to its members.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve the credit union movement,” said Pierce. “I’ve seen firsthand how credit unions change lives — I experienced it in my own family. They provide affordable, trustworthy financial solutions that truly make a difference in communities. I hope the next generation of leaders carries forward this passion. Our work is never done. While I never sought recognition, I’m deeply humbled and honored to receive this award as I begin my next chapter in retirement.”
To ensure continuity of Patrick Pierce’s legacy, Thomas Coulter, who most recently served as Executive Vice President of Operations, has been named the new President/CEO of City & County Credit Union.
