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PenFed Credit Union’s Lemuel Sanchez Rivera receives national recognition for outstanding work following hurricane devastation in Puerto Rico

Sanchez Rivera honored with the 2018 Rock Star award from Credit Union Magazine

TYSONS, VA (July 24, 2018) — Credit Union Magazine named Lemuel Sanchez Rivera, PenFed Credit Union branch manager at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, one of its 2018 Rock Stars. Sanchez Rivera has been instrumental in coordinating philanthropic efforts for PenFed in Puerto Rico in the devastating wake of Hurricanes Maria and Irma last year, including a benefit concert sponsored by PenFed, American Airlines and the Gary Sinise Foundation in March of 2018.

“Since I became part of the PenFed family, I’ve expected big things from PenFed, and as their involvement and community engagement in Puerto Rico demonstrated, I was not wrong,” said Sanchez Rivera. “I am so proud to be part of this amazing team and touched to be given this remarkable award.”

Earlier this year, Sanchez Rivera won the PenFed Leadership Award for a courageous recovery from 2017’s massive hurricanes at the PenFed branch in Puerto Rico. One of his many contributions was being the liaison between the Fort Buchanan community and PenFed to ensure those on base had ATM accessibility and that PenFed ATMs were filled with currency during Puerto Rico’s prolonged power outage.

Additionally, PenFed took immediate action waiving fees at all local ATMs following Hurricane Maria, and provided several crucial services to its employees and members. Employees were given food, water and power generators and member borrowers were given relief on their loan payments. The company is investing $4 million in a new branch currently being built on the island, creating new job opportunities for the local population.

“Before dawn each morning, Lemuel put himself in harm’s way to make sure PenFed’s ATMs were restocked with cash and working for members,” recalls PenFed President and CEO James Schenck. “Thanks in large part to Lemuel’s leadership, PenFed built a reputation as the most resilient, reliable and caring financial institution in Puerto Rico.”

The Rock Star awards are given to individuals in the credit union community who demonstrate passionate and effective leadership. Credit Union Magazine cited Sanchez Rivera’s creativity, innovation and determination as qualifications for the honor.

“As an organization, we are so proud of Lemuel and the compassion and fortitude he brings to our branches in Puerto Rico,” said Schenck. “Truly, it was our honor to back his vision for restoration in Puerto Rico this year. He has a big heart, and the vision and leadership to take an idea and turn it into reality. His driven and empathetic approach is an inspiration.”

Sanchez Rivera and other winners will be featured in the Credit Union National Association’s (CUNA) special Credit Union Rock Star edition magazine, which will print ahead of International Credit Union Day on October 18.


About PenFed Credit Union

Established in 1935, Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) is America's second-largest federal credit union, serving 2.9 million members worldwide with nearly $35 billion in assets. PenFed Credit Union offers market-leading certificates, checking, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and a wide range of other financial services with members' interests always in mind. PenFed Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender. To learn more about PenFed Credit Union, visit PenFed.org, like us on Facebook and follow us @PenFed on X. Interested in working for PenFed? Check us out on LinkedIn. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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Abagail Chambers
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+1 724 366 0397

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