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Helena resident receives Philosophy in Action Award from Montana’s Credit Unions
HELENA, MT (May 29, 2015) — Montana residents have benefited from Mickey Kunnary’s no-nonsense, can-do attitude. Kunnary, of Helena, was honored recently with the 2015 Philosophy in Action Award by Montana’s Credit Unions for her decade-long commitment.
For the 10 years, Kunnary took charge of organizing an annual fundraising event for Montana Credit Unions for Community Development (MCUCD), the charitable arm of the state credit union trade association. Under her supervision, the event became the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, raising tens of thousands of dollars for its programs.
Karen Smith, executive director of MCUCD, said Kunnary’s passion for the credit union movement has delivered big financial support for programs like free tax services, financial education, and matched savings accounts. “Mickey’s unconditional support and commitment to Montana’s credit unions has been remarkable,” Smith said. “She exemplifies the cooperative spirit of credit unions. I’m thrilled to present the award to someone so deserving.”
Kunnary grew up in a big family (she is one of 50 grand and great-grandchildren) in Montana and graduated from Capital High in 1988. Her connection to credit unions runs deep and started just a few years later at UniPro, one of Montana’s few credit union service organizations. She still lives in Helena and is the manager of print mail services at Member Driven Technologies, an IT service provider. She says she believes in volunteering and has helped with the Race for the Cure, at St. Peter’s Hospital, and on credit union boards, including MCUCD’s Advisory Board.
“I love their focus of trying to help Montanans with a hand-up,” she said about credit unions. “It’s not a hand-out; it’s a hand-up because it’s assisting people reach better financial goals.”
Kunnary recognizes that more time and attention should be given to young people helping them manage money, create budgets, and learn what to do with a paycheck.
She said the Philosophy in Action Award is special because she never expects recognition for her efforts.
“I don’t do it for that, but the fact that someone noticed and gave me an award is pretty cool,” Kunnary said. “I have the award right here sitting on my credenza.”