Print
From left to right: Community CU CEO Jen Hogan; Community CU Member Solutions Specialist Christine Wilson; and Interim League President Cris Wescott.
During the League’s annual Awards Ceremony on May 17, multiple credit union superstars were recognized in various award categories to celebrate their drive, work ethic, and commitment to serving both their communities and their peers. Each year, one of these prestigious awards honors someone who fully represents our movement’s shared People Helping People philosophy.
We are pleased to share that the 2024 recipient of the Diane L. Oceretko People Helping People award is Christine Wilson, Member Solutions Specialist at Community CU! Wilson was enthusiastically nominated by her CEO, Jennifer Hogan, for “her exceptional dedication, outstanding leadership, and unwavering commitment to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People.”
The Diane L. Oceretko People Helping People award is given annually to a person who is active in community service, volunteering, and continually goes the extra mile to help others in need. Wilson could not be more deserving of this award, as Hogan explained how “Christine has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving our credit union community. Whether it’s assisting members with financial challenges they are experiencing, participating in Ending Hunger initiatives and fundraisers, or offering a shoulder to lean on to those in need, she continually goes above and beyond to ensure that our members and community receive the support and assistance they deserve.”
As a Member Solutions Specialist, Wilson is tasked with the collection of delinquent loans.
“Christine takes a lot of pride in her work and sees her role as an opportunity to help people and truly make a difference in their lives,” shared Hogan. “She oftentimes comes down to my office to share stories of success. With tear-filled eyes and compassion, she shares examples of how members have overcome the incredibly difficult challenges of homelessness, mental health, divorce, bankruptcy, loss of a loved one, and more. Her empathetic approach in working with members allows them to recognize the credit union as a true partner, and not just a financial institution that wants them to pay their loans on time.”
Recently, Wilson tackled the increase in unemployed and underemployed members by doing more than just providing job resources. She formed and has maintained relationships with local employment agencies to help members with their job searches. She also has inspired these agencies to rethink some of their own approaches for serving unemployed and underemployed communities.
Hogan detailed in her nomination that “in addition to her contributions within the credit union, Christine extends her passion for service to the broader community through active involvement in the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club. Through the Rotary, Christine has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at addressing crucial issues, such as education, healthcare, and substance abuse. Her dedication to the Rotary’s mission of promoting goodwill and peace through service has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals, both locally and globally.”
Wilson’s heart for helping others has been felt not only by Community CU’s membership and larger community, but also by her coworkers.
“Christine serves as a beacon of inspiration for her colleagues and peers, motivating others to join her in her efforts to make a difference,” shared Hogan. “Her leadership by example and willingness to roll up her sleeves and get involved has inspired a culture of compassion, generosity, and community spirit within our credit union and beyond… Her selfless contributions to both our credit union and the community at large exemplify the very essence of what it means to be a credit union and a true ambassador of People Helping People.”
Please join us in congratulating Christine!