A Labor of Love:
Honoring Our Roots, Fueling Our Future

2026 Labor of Love

Linda White

Linda White devoted 37 years to Upward Credit Union, including 24 years as CEO, where she transformed the institution from a $3 million operation into a thriving $100 million boutique credit union. Her leadership modernized products, expanded services, and strengthened governance, guiding Upward through decades of change with humility, discipline, and a deep commitment to people helping people. Linda began her credit union journey in 1978, promoted to teller on her first day, and built her entire career on service, learning, and member advocacy. A respected industry leader, Linda is a founding member of the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA), established in 2020 to support women CEOs of smaller credit unions. Upon retiring in 2022, she became CUWLA’s Executive Director. Linda’s contributions have been recognized with the CCUL Distinguished Service Award (2012), the Kim Bannan Eternal Flame Award (2018), and her CUDE designation (2019). She continues to serve her community through nonprofit volunteerism and senior support. Linda White’s legacy is one of extraordinary dedication, cooperative leadership, and unwavering belief in the credit union mission. Her career embodies a true Labor of Love—lifting members, empowering women leaders, and strengthening the movement for generations to come.

Chung Bothwell

For more than 30 years, Chung Bothwell has demonstrated exceptional volunteer leadership and service to UNCLE Credit Union. Beginning on the Supervisory Committee in 1991, she has served in nearly every governance role and has been Chairman of the Board since 2009. During her tenure, UNCLE has grown from a $220 million institution to a thriving financial cooperative with more than $750 million in assets, guided by strong governance and a commitment to the credit union philosophy of people helping people. Chung's dedication earned her the 2017 J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award. She holds an MBA, JD, and LL.M. in Intellectual Property and is a Certified Credit Union Board Member (CCUB). Professionally, Chung devoted 41 years to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she developed expertise in financial management, operations, and compliance. She has also served as a Tri-Valley Youth Court Judge and held leadership roles in numerous civic organizations. Her legacy is one of transformational leadership, unwavering service, and lasting impact on UNCLE Credit Union, its members, and the community.

Zach Christensen

Zach Christensen is one of the credit union movement’s most influential modern communicators, shaping how cooperatives express purpose, engage members, and elevate the voices of emerging leaders. As a Director at Mitchell Stankovic & Associates, Zach has developed relationships across the industry, bringing together people who share a desire for contemporary relevance and navigating rapid change. His work strengthens the movement’s narrative—connecting legacy institutions with diverse communities and the next generation of cooperative talent. Zach’s leadership extends across major industry platforms. He plays a central role in the Underground, challenging conventional thinking and authentic dialogue. His ability to translate complex issues into compelling, accessible narratives has made him a trusted advisor to leaders seeking to modernize their messaging and deepen member engagement. As Executive Director of CU Pride, Zach champions the industry’s commitment to belonging and representation. Under his leadership, CU Pride has become a visible force for inclusion, reflecting the cooperative ideal that a mosaic of all humans, across identities, backgrounds, and experiences, strengthens the system. As a Credit Union Development Educator, cooperative principles are core to every facet of his work. Zach Christensen embodies the spirit of the Labor of Love, a next gen leader whose storytelling expertise ensures that credit unions serve their members and inspires them.

Dalia Bieltz

For nearly half a century, Dalia Bieltz dedicated her leadership to the members of Clearpath Federal Credit Union, serving as CEO from 1968 to 2016. Her 47 years of service reflected exceptional commitment, stability, and a deep belief in the cooperative values that define the credit union movement. Under her guidance, Clearpath grew through decades of change, always grounded in her conviction that members deserved honesty, dignity, and opportunity. Dalia’s influence reached far beyond the credit union she led. She mentored hundreds of credit union employees, many of whom credit her with shaping their careers and professional values. Several went on to become CEOs themselves, carrying forward the lessons she instilled—service before self, integrity in every decision, and the courage to innovate for the benefit of members. Her leadership created a lasting ripple effect across the credit union community. For me, Dalia was my first CEO and the person who opened my eyes to what would become my career. She showed me how leadership rooted in humanity can transform an institution and inspire people to find purpose in service. Her legacy lives on in the people she guided, the members she served, and the movement she strengthened over nearly five decades of remarkable dedication.

BJ Paul

For 50 years, Barbara "BJ" Paul has embodied the credit union philosophy. Throughout her career, she has been a trusted advocate, advisor, mentor, and source of support for members and communities. Beginning her journey with Sound Lab Credit Union and eventually serving as CEO of New London Municipal Employees Credit Union for more than two decades, BJ dedicated her career to improving the lives of everyday working people. Members knew her as someone who genuinely cared about them, their families, and the challenges they faced along the way. She also served CT's broader credit union community as a Director on the CU League of CT Board, helping advance the mission of CT credit unions. Beyond the organizations she served, she mentored emerging leaders, taking CEOs under her wing, helping them understand not only how to lead a credit union, but why the credit union movement matters. She instilled a passion for service and the belief that credit unions exist to improve people's lives. Retirement did not diminish her commitment to service. BJ continued to volunteer her time and expertise on the Supervisory Committee of CT Community CU and later as a Board member at Scient FCU. Today, BJ remains a respected voice and enduring presence within CT's credit union community. A true champion and pillar of our movement, her influence can be seen in the members she’s served, the communities she’s strengthened, and the leaders she has inspired to carry the credit union mission forward.

Jeanne Dupre

Jeanne has spent over 32 years in service to the members of Workers Credit Union in Littleton, MA. During that time, she was a branch manager, financial services advisor, and deposit operations leader but most importantly she is a zealous advocate for the importance of credit unions in the lives of members. Before remote access was available, Jeanne was renowned for driving through New England snowstorms to ensure members’ ACH transactions were processed. She goes toe-to-toe with vendors who don’t live up to their commitments and has served as an inspiration for many young women as they joined the organization, demonstrating that there is a path for professional growth at the credit union. Her hard work and fierce advocacy for members set the standard for others. She is a second-generation credit union leader and no doubt; her mother would be proud!

Carol Nodurf

For more than 20 years, Carol Nodurf was a dedicated member of our credit union family. While she served in many roles throughout her career, she spent much of her time as a Data Clerk, working quietly behind the scenes to support our members and our credit union. Her responsibilities included processing ACH transactions and drafts, handling debit card disputes, assisting with account fraud, and managing the many details that helped keep our members’ financial lives running smoothly. It was work that often happened out of sight, but its impact was felt every day. Every transaction processed, every dispute resolved, and every fraud concern addressed helped a member feel secure and supported. Her work was an important part of the trust our members placed in us. Carol simply came to work each day, did her job, helped others, and gave more than two decades of dedicated service to our credit union. Carol passed away last month. It feels especially meaningful to honor her as part of Woven in History because her story represents what an unsung hero truly is: someone whose contributions may happen quietly, but whose impact is woven into the lives of countless others. We are grateful for her years of service, her dedication, and the difference she made. Her contributions—and her place in our credit union family—will not be forgotten.

Elizabeth Carr

Elizabeth Carr is the mission‑driven CEO of Santa Cruz Community Credit Union (SCCCU), leading with unwavering commitment to financial inclusion, community development, and cooperative purpose. Her leadership reflects a true Labor of Love—quiet strength, disciplined stewardship, and a deep belief that credit unions exist to uplift people and communities often overlooked by traditional financial systems. Beth’s tenure has brought a extraordinary focus on serving low‑income and underserved populations across Santa Cruz County. She has championed SCCCU’s role as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), expanding access to affordable financial services, small‑business support, and community‑impact lending. Under her guidance, SCCCU has navigated economic volatility, regulatory complexity, and unprecedented community need with a member‑first ethos grounded in dignity, fairness, and opportunity. A respected voice in cooperative leadership, Beth has built strong partnerships with nonprofits, civic organizations, and community advocates. Her work during regional crises, including floods, fires, and economic displacement, demonstrates her belief that credit unions are anchors of stability and hope. She leads with empathy, clarity, and a steady focus on long‑term community resilience. Beth’s 30‑year legacy is one of mission stewardship, community advocacy, and transformative leadership.

Mary Beth Clift

Few individuals embody the spirit of the credit union movement as completely as Mary Beth Clift, whose remarkable 50 year career at Boulder Dam Credit Union stands as a testament to dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to member service. Joining BDCU in 1975, Mary Beth became one of the most trusted and recognizable figures in Boulder City, guiding generations of families through their financial journeys with patience, kindness, and deep institutional knowledge. As Teller Supervisor, she set the standard for operational excellence, mentoring staff and shaping the member first culture that defines the credit union today. Mary Beth’s impact extends far beyond the credit union’s walls. In 2025, she was honored with a Key to the City and a City Council proclamation establishing “Mary Beth Clift Day,” acknowledging her decades of service to residents who relied on her as a steady, compassionate presence in their financial lives. Throughout leadership transitions, economic shifts, and Boulder City’s growth, Mary Beth remained a stabilizing force—preserving continuity, strengthening relationships, and embodying the cooperative principle of people helping people. Her legacy lives on in the countless members she served. Mary Beth Clift represents the very heart of the Unsung Heroes exhibit: a lifetime of service, humility, and extraordinary impact.

Thank you for joining us on this Labor of Love Giving Day! Your support and dedication mean the world to us, and we are grateful for every contribution made. Together, we celebrate the unsung heroes in our community who inspire us all. We invite you to share your story about an unsung hero below and help us recognize their incredible impact!

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Sue Tatangelo

Sue Tatangelo has devoted more than two decades to Ventura County Credit Union, serving as Board Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Supervisory Committee member. A member since 1984, she brings steadfast leadership rooted in the cooperative belief that people, working together, can strengthen an entire community. Sue’s professional career reflects her deep commitment to vulnerable populations. As a long time advocate for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers, she has led transformative programs addressing social determinants of health and community resilience. Her leadership at the Camarillo Health Care District contributed to national recognition: in 2017, the District’s Wellness and Caregiver Center of Ventura County received the Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award, the highest honor in the caregiving field. Presented by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the award recognized Ventura County’s leadership in caregiver education, evidence based programming, and community advocacy—work Sue helped shape through her strategic and operational contributions. Within Ventura County Credit Union, Sue has championed governance excellence, member education, and strategic foresight. She emphasizes the responsibility carried by volunteer directors: years of preparation and service that safeguard member assets and ensure long term institutional strength. Sue Tatangelo’s legacy is one of compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication.

Sarah Zemke

Sarah Zemke serves at Christian Financial Credit Union's SVP of Member Experience. Sarah's commitment to the members of CFCU is unmatched! Sarah serves as the credit union's chief problem solver, chief member advocate and works day and night to ensure the needs of members are met. She works to develop easy solutions for members to access credit union products and services, serving often as the credit union's chief innovator and is available 24/7 to resolve any issues our service team has and is often found talking to members in the evenings, Saturdays and Sundays too! She is a constant positive smile to all and adored by everyone she interacts with. A current Filene i3er, a CUDE and a Cuna Management School grad, Sarah brings her learnings back to the CFCU team and leads many of th credit union leadership development and employee programs.

Doug Scheppmann

Doug Scheppmann has spent decades strengthening Boulder City through service, leadership, and a deep commitment to cooperative values. As past Board Chair of Boulder Dam Credit Union, Doug helped guide one of Nevada’s most respected hometown financial institutions through periods of growth, modernization, and increasing member needs. His leadership was marked by steady governance, thoughtful oversight, and a clear focus on protecting the credit union’s mission and community identity. A longtime Boulder City business owner, Doug understands the importance of local institutions that support families, small businesses, and civic life. His volunteer leadership in Rotary reflects that same dedication. Doug has led and supported countless community initiatives, service projects, and youth programs, always showing up with the belief that strong communities are built through hands on involvement and shared responsibility. Doug’s contributions rarely seek attention, but they have shaped Boulder Dam Credit Union’s stability and strengthened the fabric of Boulder City itself. His service represents the true spirit of a Labor of Love: leadership grounded in integrity, community commitment, and a lifelong dedication to helping others thrive.

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Patti Shobe and Roxy Ostrem

Patti Shobe and Roxy Ostrem represent a distinguished mother–daughter legacy of cooperative leadership in Ventura County. Patti reflects the generation of civic volunteers whose steady, often unrecorded contributions strengthened the community institutions that enabled Ventura County Credit Union to grow. She brought employees of the County to “their” credit union and fostered trust, participation, and shared responsibility, conditions essential to the development of early cooperatives and the governance cultures that followed. Roxy Ostrem extends that legacy with modern strategic leadership. Joining the Ventura County Credit Union Board of Directors in 1997 as the first representative from the county’s agricultural community, she helped guide the credit union’s diversification. Over nearly three decades, Roxy has advanced financial inclusion for all members and supported international cooperative development initiatives that broaden Ventura County’s influence across the global credit union system. Together, Patti Shobe and Roxy Ostrem embody the spirit of the Labor of Love exhibit: two generations of women whose service, leadership, and commitment to cooperative values strengthened Ventura County’s credit union landscape. Their contributions—one rooted in foundational community engagement, the other in sophisticated governance and international outreach—demonstrate how multigenerational leadership advances the cooperative movement across eras.

Pat Madden

Pat Madden stands as one of Ventura County Credit Union’s most enduring examples of principled leadership, public sector discipline, and unwavering commitment to community service. A long-time employee of the County of Ventura, Pat brought to the credit union the values that shaped her career: integrity, accountability, and a deep belief in service. Her tenure on the Ventura County Credit Union Board, including distinguished service as Board Chair, helped guide the institution through modernization, growth, and increasing governance complexity. Pat’s leadership is even more remarkable given the personal responsibilities she carried. As a single mother of five, she balanced work, family, and volunteer board service with determination and grace. Her ability to balance reflects the resilience of women whose influence strengthened the credit union movement long before their contributions were widely recognized. Colleagues remember Pat for her calm judgment, disciplined governance, and unwavering focus on member well-being. She reinforced the connection between Ventura County’s public workforce and the credit union founded to serve them. Her legacy continues through the next generation: Pat’s grandson now serves on the Ventura County Credit Union Board, extending the family’s commitment to cooperative leadership. Pat Madden embodies the spirit of the Labor of Love / Unsung Heroes exhibit—an individual whose dedication, perseverance, and belief enriched the lives of its members.

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union is dedicated to supporting the continued preservation of credit union history.

BCU proudly supports ACUM's Labor of Love and celebrates the Unsung Heroes of their organization:

Wallace Abrahamson

In loving memory and in grateful appreciation to Wally Abramson for over 25 years of dedicated service to the Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union Board of Directors. We honor his unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership and visionary guidance. His dedication left a lasting impact on the community we serve. He touched thousands of members lives, and our hearts.

Rebekah Monroe

Rebekah Monroe serves as Christian Financial Credit Union's Chief Marketing & Growth Officer. Rebekah exemplifies the label "Credit Union Champion". With nearly 15 years experience in the industry is not only an integral part of the leadership team at CFCU she is dedicated to the industry and its success as well. A graduate of Cuna Management School, graduating the very top in her class, a CUDE, leader in the league system, chairing for many years the local chapter and a strong advocate in both state and federal government affairs, she is deeply committed to the ongoing growth of the industry. Rebekah works daily to build future leaders inside the CFCU organization, managing many of the credit union's team development programs in Outreach and Impact, Advocacy and Leadership. Rebekah has a passion for the success of CFCU's members as well. She is often found volunteering in our local communities if she is not building new technologies to improve the financial lives of our members.