Press

Gail Lewis named 2015 Credit Union Hero of the Year by Credit Union Magazine

JACKSONVILLE, FL (July 13, 2015) — Ever met a real life hero? At 121 Financial, we are proud to have worked side-by-side with a hero for 32 years and now she is being recognized.

Credit Union Magazine recognized Gail Lewis of 121 Financial Credit Union on Monday, July 13th, 2015 as the 2015 Credit Union Hero of the Year at the America’s Credit Union Conference/World Council of Credit Unions Conference in Denver.

“I’m receiving an award for being a hero amongst a bunch of heroes,” Lewis said.

Lewis thanked the board of 121 Financial for recognizing her dream to help young people with financial literacy and supporting her efforts to go into the community.

As Director of Consumer Lending/Credit Manager at 121 Financial, Gail’s primary roles are managing consumer and indirect lending. She works tirelessly to improve the community’s understanding not just of their personal finances, but also the credit union’s products and services. We agree she is without question a hero in our community and at 121 Financial.

She conducts financial education workshops, most of the time for young people at churches, schools, and other community venues—often on her own time.

“We help people handle their money better, but you can’t do that through workshops alone. Members come into the branches and see other credit union employees afterward. It’s a team effort.” Members greatly appreciate the assistance. “It’s amazing,” she says. “I run into people and they tell me about their new house, for instance.”

Lewis also serves as an adjunct instructor at Florida State College of Jacksonville, teaches financial counseling for the Credit Union Education Program, and participates on the education committee for the Northeast Florida Chapter of Credit Unions.

“Credit unions are about the community. We say that and we back it up,” Lewis says. “I love that credit unions stand for helping and caring about people. We help members position themselves financially. I can’t believe I get paid to go out and tell people how to get the best rates, raise their credit scores, and budget better.”

She volunteers at the Job Corps each month and is happy to hold workshops for any group that asks. “It’s awesome to see businesses in this day and time that genuinely care. That makes our credit union a hero.”

After 32 years, Lewis plans to leave her position at the end of this year—but she won’t stop serving.

“I want to continue providing education and community service with the credit union,” she says. “It’s such a big part of what we do.”