Caroline Willard appointed Vice Chair of CU4Kids Advisory Board
SOUTH SALT LAKE CITY, UT (November 4, 2024) — Credit Unions for Kids is thrilled to announce that Caroline Willard, President/CEO of Cornerstone Credit Union League, has been appointed the Vice Chair of the National Advisory Board!
Caroline has been a champion for Credit Unions for Kids since 2001, when, as a Vice President at American First Credit Union in La Habra, California, she ensured the front-line support of CU4Kids for five years. After moving to Co-op Solutions in 2006, Caroline was thrilled to support the transformation from Co-op’s sponsorship of Champions Across America to the Miracle Match program, as it allowed Co-op to inspire the creation of so many new CU4Kids fundraisers across the country. In 2011, Caroline joined the CU4Kids Local Advisory Board for Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. For several years after that, she served on the fundraising committee for the California Wine Auction benefiting CU4Kids, and in 2018, she joined the National Advisory Board for CU4Kids. In 2024, she is not only becoming the Vice Chair, she is also launching Bourbon, BBQ & Bands – a new signature event led by the Cornerstone League to benefit 25 children’s hospitals in their region.
John Bratsakis, President/CEO of Maryland|DC Credit Union Association says, “The Advisory Board has benefited greatly from Caroline’s active involvement over the past 6 years that she’s been a board member. With her stepping up into a new leadership position, I’m confident that the Credit Unions for Kids program will continue to flourish.”
Nick Coleman, Director of CU4Kids, adds: “Caroline is one of the most dynamic folks in this industry and CMN Hospitals is so grateful for all she’s done to lead CU4Kids. Outside of the impressive positions listed above, Caroline has also attended/supported many CU4Kids events like the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run, CU4Kids Wine Auction, In The Cellar, Children’s Hospitals Week, and more. She’s constantly finding ways to help her community. Thank you, Caroline, for stepping up in this new capacity to serve!”
The CU4Kids National Advisory Board is responsible for working with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to set the programs strategy and determine how we can best support credit union fundraising efforts and communicate impact to communities. Current Board Members are:
- Brad Miller, American Association of Credit Union Leagues
- Caroline Willard, Cornerstone Credit Union League (Vice Chair)
- Chris Roe, TruState
- Darren Williams, Wescom Credit Union
- John Bratsakis, Maryland DC Credit Union Association (Chair)
- Merry Pateuk, Velera
- Ron Amstutz, Desert Financial Credit Union
Caroline (middle) presenting about Credit Unions for Kids at 2022 AACUL Winter Meeting
CU4Kids Advisory Board Accepting Founders Award – April 2024 (Caroline second to the right)
About Credit Unions for Kids
Credit Unions for Kids, (CU4Kids) benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® (CMN Hospitals) in collaboration with Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and was adopted as a movement and charity of choice. Credit unions with their chapters, leagues, associations and business partners throughout the U.S. donate to CU4Kids benefiting local children’s hospitals through CMN Hospitals. Whether contributing through ATM contributions, events or making direct donations to CU4Kids, credit unions are raising funds to help children’s hospitals provide the best possible care for kids, which includes providing financial, educational and emotional support for families fostering economic stability. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about CU4Kids, visit CU4Kids.org.
