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Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union honors long-time volunteers Gary Denault, Bill Halloran as Credit Union Builders in the state of Minnesota

ST PAUL, MN (June 28, 2018) — Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union recently announced its recognition of two long-time, dedicated volunteers, designating them as Credit Union Builders through the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation.

The Credit Union Builder award honors dedication to the success, growth and vitality of the not-for-profit financial movement in Minnesota.

Gary Denault and Bill Halloran, both of St. Paul, Minn., gave their time and talents to Affinity Plus for many years in various capacities, said Dave Larson, Affinity Plus President/CEO.

“Recruiting and maintaining a dedicated volunteer base is a key component of governance at a credit union,” Larson said. “Gary and Bill were unique, both in the knowledge they brought to Affinity Plus and their willingness to share their concerns, ideas and perspectives.”

Credit unions are democratically controlled, not-for-profit financial cooperatives. Members serve in volunteer capacities on the Boards of Directors and other supervisory roles.

The following descriptions accompany Denault’s and Halloran’s Credit Union Builder nominations to the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation:

Gary Denault was a tireless volunteer for Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. He was a member of the Board of Directors for 44 years – including five years as board Chair – and retired from his volunteer service in 2017. Gary worked in Minnesota state government for 20 years as a professional, supervisor, and manager. Gary was appreciated for his dedication and commitment to the financial health and stability of the credit union. He was known for his fairness and integrity, and through his experience and leadership made a lasting contribution to Affinity Plus.

Bill Halloran was a dedicated volunteer who served on the Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee for nearly 12 years. Bill was a volunteer from 2006 to 2018, with nearly half of this time spent serving as the chair of the Supervisory Committee. He retired from his volunteer service in 2018. During his time on the Supervisory Committee, Bill used his extensive accounting and finance background to provide oversight and guidance as the credit union transformed its operating model, advanced its ALM capabilities, developed its risk management program and strengthened its financial and internal audit functions. He easily established a rapport with regulators, had a strong ability to understand audits, and asked good questions. Bill was known for his tenacity in developing solid operational performance and controls while always ensuring members’ best interests were served.

The Credit Union Builder designation means Denault and Halloran join 56 other Minnesota credit union professionals and volunteers similarly honored in the past decade.

The names of the recipients and the contributing credit unions are permanently displayed in the lobby of the Minnesota Credit Union Network as tributes to those who have dedicated time and energy to building Minnesota’s credit union movement.

Halloran and Denault honored by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union with Credit Union Builder award