Tigard, OR (September 11, 2025) |
The National Credit Union Foundation has announced that Steven Stapp, President and CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union, will be honored with the Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement at the Foundation’s 2026 Awards Dinner. The event will take place on March 2, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
The Wegner Awards, established in 1988, are the credit union movement’s highest national honors, recognizing leaders and organizations that embody innovation, impact, and the “people helping people” philosophy. Also being recognized with the award for Outstanding Individual Achievement are Kathy Chartier, President & CEO of Members Credit Union, and Gigi Hyland, credit union advocate and philanthropist.
Since joining Unitus Community Credit Union in 2016, Mr. Stapp’s leadership has contributed to significant membership and asset growth. More importantly, he has championed programs that advance financial inclusion, including ITIN lending to provide immigrant families with access to safe and affordable credit, bilingual digital services that remove barriers to participation, and a Rewards Savings initiative that helps thousands of members automatically build emergency funds with each debit card purchase.
“Steven is solving an enormous financial hardship issue, for thousands of their members, every day, in the true spirit of ‘people helping people,’” said Steven Bone, President & CEO of Member Access Processing.
Beyond Oregon, Mr. Stapp has chaired the World Council of Credit Unions, advancing cooperative development in Ukraine, Latin America, South Korea, Africa, and New Zealand.
“Steven has been instrumental in assisting First Credit Union’s discussions with New Zealand policy makers... to bring a global perspective to our prudential regulators to support the member-owned cooperative model,” said Simon Scott, CEO of First Credit Union, New Zealand.
At Unitus, Mr. Stapp has directed record-setting community investments, supported food security through innovative partnerships, and embedded diversity, equity, inclusion, and access into every level of governance.
“Steve doesn’t just lead; he redefines what leadership looks like in modern credit unions. His focus is always on long-term systemic change, not short-term recognition,” said David Fehrer, EVP/Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Unitus Community Credit Union.
“Receiving the Wegner Award is a powerful reminder of what credit unions can accomplish when we live our purpose,” said Mr. Stapp. “This recognition reflects the passion and commitment of the Unitus team, our members, and partners around the world. Credit unions are at their best when we come together to build financial dignity, equity, and opportunity for all.”