Jeff Schwalen recognized for a decade of leadership at Hiway Federal Credit Union
ST. PAUL, MN (September 9, 2013) -- Jeff Schwalen, President & CEO of Hiway Federal Credit Union, was recently honored with the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) Credit Union Builder Award. This distinction recognizes those who have dedicated time and energy to building the credit union movement. Nominations for this award are made by credit unions and other organizations in honor of or in memory of a significant individual who has been instrumental in their success.
Schwalen served as Hiway’s President & CEO for the past 10 years. During his tenure, the credit union experienced a steady rise in membership, assets grew by $350 million, and Hiway developed a reputation for offering innovative products and services to its members.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Jeff throughout my entire time on the board and supervisory committee for Hiway,” said Board Chair Pam Tschida. “He takes his job very seriously. Jeff is committed to the prosperity and well-being of the credit union, his staff and our members and has made a significant positive impact to the community and credit unions in general. I truly appreciate and admire his commitment.”
Active in the Minnesota credit union movement, Schwalen has served as a table officer and member of the Minnesota Credit Union Network Board of Directors from 2007-2013. He was also an active member and past chairman of MnCUN’s Political Involvement Committee and CENCOPAN Partnership Steering Committee, a group active in international credit union development in Paraguay.
On a community level, Schwalen has erved as a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America, as a member of the Minneapolis Builders Association, as a participant in the Junior Achievement financial education program, and as a member of the finance commission for his local church. Schwalen has been a longtime proponent of Credit Unions for Kids, serving on Minnesota’s steering committee and leading Hiway to becoming a fundraising force for Children’s Miracle Network and the local Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.
“Jeff embodies the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ as evidenced by his long resume of accomplishments and achievements,” said Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Board Chairman Pat Brekken. “It is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge Jeff as a Credit Union Builder, and I wish him well in his retirement.”
Schwalen – who will retire in October – joins 20 other individuals who have been honored over the past six years with the MnCUF's Credit Union Builder Award. The names of the recipients and the contributing credit unions are permanently displayed in the Minnesota Credit Union Network's lobby as a tribute to their accomplishments. The honorees receive acknowledgment from the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation, and donors are also listed online and in the Foundation's annual report.
To learn more about MnCUF’s Credit Union Builder Award and to view a list of those who have been honored with this recognition, visit the Foundation website (www.mncufoundation.org/cubuilder).
Dedicated to providing the resources for credit unions and communities to prosper and thrive, the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1969 to serve as a charitable arm of the Minnesota credit union movement. For more information, visit www.mncufoundation.org