America’s Credit Union Museum Unveils First Nine Honorees for “Woven in History: A Tapestry of Unsung Heroes” Exhibit

America’s Credit Union Museum is proud to announce the first nine honorees featured in its newest exhibit, “Woven in History: A Tapestry of Unsung Heroes,” currently open.

The Unsung Heroes exhibit highlights individuals whose steadfast vision and community spirit built strong foundations for financial cooperation—often without fanfare or public recognition. The first nine honorees include:

1. Latonya Allen-Amerson – Chief Lending Officer at Government Printing Office Federal Credit Union
2. Colin Baxter – Volunteer Board Member at Credit Union 1
3. Cathy Brorson – Outreach Coordinator at Kitsap Credit Union (now retired)
4. Julie Cosgrove – Chief Talent Officer at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
5. Tony Kitt – Founding President and CEO of Plexcity
6. Hazelmae Overturf – Chief Impact Officer at Kaua’i Federal Credit Union
7. Theresa Palumbo – Volunteer Board Member at Lighthouse Credit Union (formerly Northeast Credit Union)
8. Kimberly Pare – Teller Supervisor at St. Mary’s Bank
9. Bill Smith (posthumous) – Coast Credit Union’s Board of Directors

Together, these pioneers embody the resilience, innovation, and service that define the credit union ethos. Each story is preserved through digital archives ensuring that future generations can learn from their contributions.

“This exhibit is about more than history—it’s about gratitude,” said Stephanie Smith, Executive Director of America’s Credit Union Museum. “By honoring these first Unsung Heroes, we are shining a light on the individuals who worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to strengthen their communities and expand financial opportunity. Their stories remind us that leadership takes many forms, and each thread is essential to the tapestry of our shared movement.”

The exhibit is made possible through the generous support of Callahan & Associates, serving as the Digital Legacy Sponsor. In addition, stories of these first honorees were submitted and sponsored by St. Mary’s Bank, Lighthouse Credit Union, Coastal Credit Union, and Callahan & Associates, whose partnership ensures that the contributions of these Unsung Heroes will be preserved, digitized, and made accessible to the entire credit union community and beyond.

The Museum welcomes additional nominations of Unsung Heroes from across the movement. Submissions are open on the Museum’s website, where community members can share the names and stories of those whose quiet impact deserves recognition. For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit https://www.acumuseum.org/unsungheroes.