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Gigi Highland
(From the National Credit Union Foundation) – The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation), the national charitable arm of the credit union movement, announced that Gigi Hyland, Executive Director, plans to retire on December 31, 2024.
Hyland joined the Foundation in 2013. Under her leadership, the Foundation doubled in asset size and substantially expanded its signature fundraising event, the Foundation Dinner presenting the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards, into an annual “must-attend” during the America’s Credit Unions’ Government Affairs Conference.
During her tenure, Hyland spearheaded research, catalytic grants, and convenings on financial well-being for all and the link between health and wealth, expanded cooperative values offerings to include virtual and self-study options, and co-founded the CU DEI Collective with many credit union system partners.
“I’ve loved serving the credit union movement as Executive Director of the Foundation,” said Hyland. “It’s been an amazing journey of collaboration and cooperation to focus on placing the financial well-being of all our members and employees at the heart of credit unions. Nothing of consequence in life is done alone. I am so grateful to the Foundation Board, our donors, and supporters, and to the talented and dedicated Foundation team for their hard work. I know the Foundation will continue to thrive after I retire, and I am dedicated to helping with a smooth transition.”
“There is no doubt the entire credit union industry has benefited from the passionate, dedicated work of Gigi Hyland,” stated Jim Nussle, President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions. “Propelling our movement into the future, Gigi’s influence is seen not only through her philanthropic work leading the Foundation, but her focused leadership on the Board of the NCUA. A trailblazing advocate for increased financial education and wellness, Gigi’s role in elevating Financial Well-being For All has driven real impact for credit unions across the country and undoubtedly transformed the lives of so many American families. Gigi’s leadership and grace will truly be missed, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”
John Sackett, the Foundation Board Chair, stated, “Gigi has been the face of, and the driving force behind, the Foundation for the past 11+ years. Her commitment to the credit union movement has been a shining example to many of us who have had the privilege of working with her. She will certainly be missed. Speaking for the Board of Directors, I want to thank her for all she’s done.”
The Foundation Board is working with Hudson RPO and the America’s Credit Unions human resources team to conduct the national search for Hyland’s successor.
Hyland’s career in the credit union system spans 33 years as an advocate, attorney, federal regulator, and philanthropist. She is a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE). She served on the America Saves® Advisory Board, the Credit Union Network for Financial Literacy Board, and is currently a board member of the National Cooperative Bank (NCB). In September 2022, Hyland was inducted into the America’s Credit Union Museum inaugural “Herstory” exhibit which highlights a range of credit union women and their achievements throughout the history of the credit union industry. In July 2023, she received the Maurice R. Smith DEI Leadership Award from the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). Hyland will remain in her role through the end of December 2024.