The Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards honored recipients in one of three categories, individual, organization, or legacy, for providing exceptional financial literacy and capability education in an inclusive and innovative manner. The legacy award is given to an organization, business, or individual whose purpose and heritage is ingrained in sustained financial literacy and capability efforts.
Altra Federal Credit Union received an award in the organization category for their "Youth in Foster Care Financial Education Program." This program provides financial education, sole account ownership, resources, incentives, and mentorship to those in foster care and those who have recently aged out of the foster care system in the La Crosse area. By completing the program, participants receive a maximum of $500 in a checking account. The course has proven to increase knowledge by over 15% on average when comparing pre- and post-test scores.
Community First Credit Union received an award in the legacy category for their long-standing dedication to financial literacy effort, including launching a multilingual financial education program for immigrant and refugee adults, partnering with 26 schools across their region to support financial learning tailored to educator objectives, and maintaining a team of certified financial counselors at their branches.
Nationally, Chris has represented Corporate Central with credibility and heart, taking on leadership roles to ensure priorities for corporate credit unions, Wisconsin's credit unions, and credit union members everywhere are well-represented. As a fixture of Wisconsin credit union advocacy in Washington, it is more than fitting to have Chris's name added to the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders.
Janet Behnke
Vice President, WISCUB Service Center
As Vice President of WISCUB Service Center, Janet celebrated an extraordinary milestone in August 2025 – 45 years of dedicated service. Over those past four and a half decades, Janet has not only witnessed the evolution of WISCUB but has also been instrumental in shaping it. Her leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on every team, department, and credit union she has worked with.
Janet began her journey in 1980 with Cleveland State Bank (CSB), starting as a Client Service Representative before steadily growing through the ranks. From embracing technological changes to navigating economic shifts, Janet has consistently been a stabilizing force and a forward-thinking leader. Former head of WISCUB Service Center, Mary Ann Vogel, recalls “I still remember Janet’s first day at CSB. Even then, she carried herself with quiet confidence and a spark that told me she was someone special. Her fingerprints are on so many of our milestones, and her presence has always been a steady, trusted force.”
As a valued member of the Executive Management Team and Leadership Team, Janet has also played a critical role in guiding and training the bank’s staff. Her mentorship and guidance have touched countless lives and strengthened the bank’s service offerings and internal development. Current CSB President Tim Schueler remarked, “Her leadership has shaped not just our systems and processes, but also our culture. WISCUB Service Center is what it is today in large part because of Janet’s lifelong commitment– and we are forever grateful.”
Under her guidance, WISCUB has grown into a trusted and high-performing department that ensures consistency, accuracy, and reliability across complex financial operations for Wisconsin credit unions. Janet’s legacy of consistency, excellence, and a deep dedication to both people and processes have left an indelible mark on the bank and continue to influence its culture and performance today.
Lora Benrud
Former President & CEO, WESTconsin Credit Union
Over a distinguished 40-year career with WESTconsin Credit Union, Lora exemplified exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to The Credit Union Movement in Wisconsin. Beginning as a part-time teller in 1984, she rose through executive leadership roles including Vice President of Human Resources & Member Services, Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and ultimately Chief Executive Officer, a role she held for ten years until her retirement in 2024. As CEO, Lora guided WESTconsin through a decade of strategic growth and transformation while remaining firmly grounded in cooperative principles and member ownership. Under her leadership, the credit union expanded across western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, strengthened its financial foundation, and invested in long-term infrastructure, including the development of the Administrative Center in Menomonie. Her leadership combined sound financial stewardship with forward-thinking strategy, ensuring both stability and sustained growth.
Lora consistently advanced the mission of “People Helping People” through strong advocacy for financial education, youth engagement, and community partnerships. Her commitment extended well beyond her executive role through significant board and volunteer service, including service on the boards of The League, the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation of Dunn County, Dunn County Economic Development Corporation, Stepping Stones of Dunn County, Western Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross, and UW–Stout Foundation, as well as long-standing volunteer service with the Women’s Giving Circle of Dunn County.
Known for her collaborative and people-centered leadership style, Lora fostered a culture of integrity, service, and professional growth. She mentored emerging leaders and empowered employees, leaving a lasting impact on members, colleagues, and the broader credit union system. Lora's four decades of service embody the cooperative spirit and servant leadership that define The Legends of The Movement.
Sally Dischler
Former President & CEO, Heartland Credit Union
For over 45 years, including 21 as CEO, Sally dedicated her career to The Credit Union Movement, evolving Heartland Credit Union from a modest institution into one of the leading financial cooperatives in southwestern Wisconsin. Her vision and strategic guidance led to an expanded charter, enhanced services, and broader community outreach, all aligned with the core philosophy of "People Helping People." Sally's commitment to The Movement was evident in every facet of her work:
- Member Focus: Sally's leadership prioritized members and placed them at the heart of every decision. She ensured that Heartland provided affordable financial services and innovative products that met the community's needs. Under her guidance, the credit union expanded services, including agricultural loans, to better support the local economy.
- Commitment to Education: Sally was an active advocate for credit union education. She served on many credit union organizations and industry groups promoting the importance of credit unions to peers and the public.
- Leadership and Mentorship: Sally was a strong leader and a generous mentor. Her leadership fostered a culture of trust, empowerment, and continuity, ensuring the next generation was prepared to continue the good work of credit unions.
- Community Engagement: Sally championed Heartland to be a good corporate citizen. Through outreach and partnership initiatives, she exemplified the cooperative ideal of building stronger, more vibrant communities.
Sally's influence extends far beyond Heartland Credit Union, as her leadership has strengthened The Credit Union Movement across Wisconsin and has inspired many. The foundation she laid continues to support initiatives that positively impact The Movement. For her decades of visionary leadership, integrity, and devotion to Wisconsin credit unions, Sally is deserving of this honor.
- Remarks from Sally: I’m honored to be recognized by The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation’s “Legends of The Movement.” Collaborating with credit unions across Wisconsin—I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside dedicated colleagues, volunteers, and members. This recognition reflects the work we’ve done together and the strength of The Credit Union Movement. Thank you to everyone who has supported and inspired me along the way.
John “Jack” Edgerton
Former Board Chair, Sentry Credit Union
For 45 years, Jack served on the Sentry Credit Union Board of Directors, including an impressive 25 years as Board Chair. During these decades of service, Jack’s motto remained unchanged-- “look out for the little guy.” He held every role on the Board and participated in every committee, watching Sentry Credit Union (SCU) grow from $1 million in assets to nearly $100 million.
In 1962, Jack first joined SCU as a Sentry Insurance employee, having learned the value of cooperatives from his father, an early employee of the CUNA Mutual Insurance Society (now TruStage). Jack completed all educational courses through the Volunteer Achievement Program offered by the Credit Union National Association (now America’s Credit Unions), as well as additional courses sponsored by The League and the National Association of State Chartered Credit Union Supervisors.
Jack was the recipient of the Board of Directors Award, Edward A. Filene Award, Friedrich W. Raiffeisen Award, and the Roy F. Bergengren Award. Today, SCU is a profitable, stable, and well-reserved credit union that has earned the designation of a “Full Service Financial Institution,” thanks in large part to Jack’s tenure. Jack passed away in May 2026 at the age of 87.
John Engel
Former VP of Legal Affairs, The Wisconsin Credit Union League
Upon his graduation from Marquette University Law School in 1986, John joined The League as their first in-house attorney. Throughout his career, John was an invaluable legal resource for Wisconsin’s credit unions, developing and curating a library of forms for credit unions, launching The League’s online compliance resources, authoring dozens of ii Releases and numerous Compliance Couriers, and much more.
John spoke at countless seminars and roundtable events and answered thousands of legal questions from credit union staff in his nearly 38 years on the job. For his unwavering dedication to members as a near-walking Encyclopedia of credit union compliance knowledge, and for his lasting impact on The League, John has rightfully earned his legendary status among The Legends of The Movement.
- Remarks from John: I was unaware of credit unions until the late 1970s. Then, while working on my family tree, I found my grandfather’s 1964 probate file. It showed that loan protection insurance at the Brewery Workers Credit Union had paid off his car loan, and life savings insurance had paid his widow a nice death benefit! I wondered whether I could join a credit union myself. But most were closed-charter at that point. I had no idea that both my parents were also credit union members through their workplaces, and that I would have been eligible to join through them. Many years later I was amazed to learn that my grandfather had served as a credit union president in West Allis during the Great Depression. When I was hired on at the League in 1986, I was pleased to find myself working in this great Movement of “People Helping People.” The League staff and the credit union folk we served were wonderful!
Joyce Harris
Former President & CEO, Heartland Credit Union
Joyce is honored for her distinguished career and lasting contributions to The Credit Union Movement, highlighted by her service as Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Credit Union in Madison, Wisconsin, until her retirement in 2001.
Raised on a farm, Joyce developed an early understanding of the power of cooperation, observing how agricultural cooperatives sustained families and strengthened communities. This formative experience shaped her professional philosophy and guided her lifelong commitment to the credit union principle of “People Helping People.”
During her tenure at Heartland Credit Union, Joyce provided steady leadership through a period of organizational growth and industry change. She was instrumental in reinforcing a strong member service culture while ensuring that cooperative values remained central to the credit union’s mission and daily operations. Her leadership emphasized both financial stewardship and community impact, helping position the institution for continued success.
Her influence and list of accomplishments is long and impressive:
- At the time of her retirement, she was the first and only woman to chair The Wisconsin Credit Union League, paving the way for female empowerment and involvement in key positions of leadership;
- She served as the sole credit union representative on the Federal Reserve Board's Consumer Advisory Council from 1991 to 1994;
- She was the director of the Madison Area Chapter of Credit Unions for four years, a director at America's Credit Unions (formerly CUNA) from 1986 to 1992, and in 1995 helped to restructure the organization through a renewal project committee;
- She served on the CUES national board and was later named CUES Executive of the Year in 1989 due to her efforts and inducted into the organization's hall of fame the following year;
- She earned the prestigious Cooperative Builder Award in 1990 recognizing her outstanding contributions at the local, state, and/or national level to advance cooperative philosophy and ideals to recognize those that have committed substantial time and energy to advancing the cooperative movement;
- She served on the TYME board of directors to advance money movement and technology – ones that serve all of us today!
- She was politically active to ensure credit union regulatory and compliance needs were met, spending time with the officials of the Office of Credit Unions, NCUA, and at the federal level
Joyce’s career reflects a deep dedication to advancing the cooperative spirit within financial services, and she served as inspiration to other aspiring women leaders. Upon her retirement in 2001, she expressed the hope that her work had strengthened the principles that define The Credit Union Movement—a legacy that continues to influence Heartland Credit Union and the communities it serves.
Anne Heggelund
Former President, Marathon County Employees Credit Union
For 32 years until her retirement, Anne served as the President of Marathon County Employees Credit Union and was dedicated to its success and the success of The Movement as a whole. When Anne began her tenure at just 23 years old, the credit union operated without a computer system, relying entirely on manual processes. Guided by the mission to “serve our members’ changing financial needs,” she led the organization through modernization efforts, including computerization and the expansion of services, and grew the credit union from $600,000 in assets to $25.6 million.
As a steadfast advocate for the interests of small credit unions, Anne was deeply involved in advocacy, regularly attending events such as the State Government Affairs Conference, Convention, roundtables, and more. Her expertise in planning, compliance, and policy development was also widely recognized, and she quickly became a well-known name within the industry. She believed in the power of credit unions helping one another and frequently assisted other small credit unions by sharing her policies; so frequently, in fact, that state examiners once advised her to remove MCECU’s name from the documents she distributed.
Anne’s career-long dedication to credit unions more than exemplifies the title of “Legend of The Movement.”
Kevin Nitka
Former President/CEO, Guardian Credit Union
Kevin spent 39 years at Guardian Credit Union in key leadership roles, including as President/CEO from 2016 to 2026. His tireless efforts as President/CEO helped guide Guardian through challenges, grow its net worth, and expand new products and services to its members. Kevin’s contributions to The Credit Union Movement have extended beyond Guardian. Throughout his career at Guardian, Kevin also contributed his time and expertise to serving as a presenter at the CUNA (now America’s Credit Unions) Economics and Investments Conference, as an accounting instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College through a partnership with The League, and as a member of The League’s Audit Committee until his retirement in 2026.
Exemplifying the philosophy of “People Helping People,” Kevin has served in Board and committee roles for various non-profit organizations in the Milwaukee community and as a mentor to many individuals both internally at Guardian and externally, demonstrating his commitment to helping others grow professionally and positively contribute in their roles. Under Kevin's leadership, Guardian has been recognized as a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace for 8 consecutive years, showing the strong, positive culture Kevin has been able to build at the credit union. He continues to serve on Guardian's Board of Directors, sharing his knowledge and years of experience with the credit union and the industry.
- Remarks from Kevin: I feel honored to be inducted into Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation's Legends of The Movement. Being named along with the other inductees and in knowing firsthand what they contributed to The Credit Union Movement is truly humbling for me to be a part of this group. I am most thankful for every one of my 39 years at Guardian Credit Union. My most sincere thanks to the GCU Board of Directors, for their trust and support over the years and to our dedicated GCU employees and colleagues for being part of my journey. I am most proud of what we have accomplished together. This industry gave me opportunities to grow, build lasting friendships, and to make a positive difference in the lives of others and for that I am forever grateful.
David Stark
Former President & CEO, Bull’s Eye Credit Union
David’s career in credit unions spanned 35 years, including 25 as CEO of Bull’s Eye Credit Union. He worked in virtually every area of a credit union during his tenure, from the member contact center to lending, and gained valuable experience in a variety of disciplines from financial oversight to strategic planning. As a dedicated champion of The Credit Union Movement as a whole, David also lent his leadership to the Wisconsin Credit Union Shared Service Centers (serving on their founding Board of Directors), The League’s Government Affairs Committee, and The League’s Services Corp. Board of Directors.