Theresa Palumbo

For more than 48 years, Theresa Palumbo has been a pillar of Lighthouse Credit Union (formerly Northeast Credit Union), dedicating her life to the credit union movement and to serving others. Her unwavering commitment to volunteerism was born out of personal hardship—when her family lost their home to fire as a child, it was the kindness of organizations like the United Way that offered comfort and stability. That experience ignited in Theresa a lifelong desire to give back and to ensure others would have the same support in times of need.

 

In 1976, Theresa joined the Lighthouse Credit Union Board and was elected the following year, bringing invaluable personnel expertise at a time when the credit union needed it most. Since then, she has given nearly five decades of continuous service, including more than 40 years as Board Secretary, safeguarding Lighthouse’s institutional memory while guiding critical decisions for more than 165,000 members. Her wisdom, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to collaboration have been central to shaping the credit union’s growth and strategic direction through decades of change.

 

But Theresa’s influence goes far beyond the boardroom. She has lived the cooperative principle of people helping people every day, dedicating countless hours to volunteer work both within the credit union and throughout the community. Her leadership inspired the creation of the Theresa Palumbo Award in 2022, which recognizes Lighthouse employees who carry forward her legacy of service and commitment to mission.

 

Outside of Lighthouse, Theresa continues to serve on nonprofit boards—including the United Way—and remains a tireless volunteer in her church and local community organizations. Whether lending her time, expertise, or compassionate presence, she exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that is at the heart of the credit union philosophy.

 

Theresa is more than a volunteer; she is a changemaker, a mentor, and a beacon of hope. Her steadfast dedication has strengthened Lighthouse Credit Union, uplifted countless individuals, and advanced the broader credit union movement. Her story is a testament to how one person’s commitment to service can transform hardship into purpose, and purpose into a lifelong legacy of impact.