American Heritage FCU’s Holly Benedetto, a virtual contestant representing the Philadelphia Region, was named the 2021 Credit Union Ambassador. The annual contest, which draws applicants from across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, had the winner announced during CrossState’s Second Annual Convention. Benedetto is the Digital Marketing Content Developer at American Heritage and will represent CrossState at Association events for the next year.
The runner-up was awarded to Tiffany Lawson. Lawson is a Learning Specialist II at TruMark Financial Credit Union. She represents the Montgomery County Chapter of Credit Unions.
The additional contestants were:
- Northwest Susquehanna Chapter — Ali Munshower, Members Choice Financial Credit Union
- York Chapter — Anna Hartman, First Capital FCU
- Northeast PA Chapter — Jessica Berlew, Cross Valley FCU
- Harrisburg Chapter — Kayla Whitmoyer, Members 1st FCU
- Marya Mazzeo, Members 1st of New Jersey (virtual contestant)
CrossState Credit Union Association conducts the contest to attract young professionals to credit unions and prepare them for leadership roles. Credit union members or employees between ages 21 and 30 and are sponsored by the Association’s chapters. The contestants are judged on their knowledge of credit unions and their ability to communicate that knowledge.
Several hundred young people have competed in the Credit Union Ambassador Contest since its inception in the early 1970s. Many of the contestants have gone on to hold volunteer and professional positions within the credit union movement.
Holly Benedetto