Girl Scouts Gain Financial Management and Leadership Skills with Junior Financial Counselor Program
LITTLETON, Colo., September 8, 2024 - Girl Scouts of Colorado and Colorado Credit Union launched their new patch program this weekend. The Junior Financial Counselor Patch Program is an ongoing partnership designed to equip girls with essential financial management skills to become effective leaders.
“The Junior Financial Counselor Patch Program offers Girl Scouts the opportunity to gain essential financial knowledge and the skills to make smart financial decisions throughout their lives while empowering the next generation to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to their community,” Colorado Credit Union President Mike Williams said.
On Saturday, Sept. 7, middle school-aged Girl Scouts learned the basics of financial counseling. Then on Sunday, they put their new skills to use by leading elementary school-aged Girl Scouts in activities about budgeting, saving, and understanding quality versus cost at Girl Scout DreamLab.
“Thanks to Colorado Credit Union, Girl Scouts have the opportunity to gain practical insights on financial basics,” says Girl Scouts of Colorado CEO Leanna Clark. “The Junior Financial Counselor Program fosters personal growth and empowers girls to become effective leaders.”
At the end of the session, each participant earned the exclusive Colorado Credit Union Junior Financial Counselor patch and gained the financial tools to enable them to practice and share their knowledge with friends, extending the program's impact beyond the workshop itself.
About Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscoutsofcolorado.org.
Western CUNA Management School Graduation
Please help us celebrate our very own Director of Training and Human Resources, Josh Harden, on his graduation from Western CUNA Management School.
Josh (left) graduated from this three-year program receiving honors or high honors on every exam and project. Our President Mike Williams (right) attended the ceremony in Ontario, California, to welcome the class and help celebrate Josh’s achievement.
Congratulations, Josh. We are so proud of you!
President and CEO Appointed Chairman of State of Colorado Division of Financial Services Board
Denver, Colo. – June 14, 2024 – Colorado Credit Union is pleased to announce that our President and CEO, Mike Williams, has been appointed Chairman of the State of Colorado Division of Financial Services Board for a three-year term. Board appointments are made by gubernatorial appointment, with the chair position determined through board elections. This reflects Williams’ substantial expertise and dedication to the financial services industry in Colorado.
Williams has served on the State of Colorado Division of Financial Services Board since August 2017. His leadership and dedication have helped guide the board through numerous regulatory and economic challenges.
The Division of Financial Services is a key regulatory entity under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), responsible for overseeing state-chartered financial institutions, including credit unions and savings and loan associations.
For more information about the State of Colorado Division of Financial Services and its role within DORA, please visit financialservices.colorado.gov.
Carl Murphy Promoted to Vice President of Risk Management
LITTLETON, Colo., April 13, 2024 - Colorado Credit Union proudly announces the promotion of Carl Murphy to Vice President of Risk Management. With more than 14 years of experience at Colorado Credit Union, Murphy has demonstrated his proficiency in developing cutting-edge loss prevention strategies to safeguard members and assets. He previously served as Director of Risk Management.
In addition to his responsibilities within Colorado Credit Union, Murphy plays a pivotal role as the organization's law enforcement liaison, fostering collaborative relationships with peer financial entities to stay ahead of evolving fraud patterns. He also leads Colorado Credit Union’s anti-money laundering program and oversees the Card Services and Collections departments.
Murphy's professional credentials include the Credit Union Enterprise Risk Management (CUERME) designation and the Credit Union Compliance Expert (CUCE) designation, reflecting his commitment to upholding industry standards and best practices in risk management.
“This promotion marks a significant milestone in Carl’s career and reinforces Colorado Credit Union's dedication to maintaining the highest level of security and protection for our members,” said Colorado Credit Union President and CEO Mike Williams. “His leadership and expertise will continue to be instrumental in navigating the complexities of risk management in today's financial landscape.”
Hosting "Bite of Reality" Events in Local High Schools
LITTLETON, Colo. January 10, 2023 – Colorado Credit Union showcased its commitment to teaching financial literacy recently with two in-person events hosted at local high schools. Students in Jefferson County experienced what it is like to make the financial decisions that adults make every day. More than 100 students at Columbine High School and Dakota Ridge High School took part in Bite of Reality financial education fairs, made possible by an in-kind grant from the GoWest Foundation.
Bite of Reality is a hands-on, app-based simulation designed for high school students, giving them insight to real-world financial situations. Hosted by Colorado Credit Union staff, the events teach students how to budget basic needs, wants, and unexpected costs.
“Bite of Reality is an exciting way to engage students in lessons on personal finance. Colorado Credit Union does a fantastic job of making the simulation not only relevant but fun and interactive,” said Columbine High School teacher, Brittany Chiavini. “This is something every young person should participate in.”
Bite of Reality provides a real-world simulation experience that guides students through a day-in-the-life of an adult’s financial responsibilities. Students are given a fictional occupation, salary, credit score, spouse and a child, student loan debt, credit card debt, and medical insurance payments. The students then visit various stations to “purchase” housing, transportation, food, clothing, and other needs. The simulation also includes a credit union station to help students with their financial needs throughout the simulation.
“Bite of Reality provides students a safe educational opportunity to practice their financial literacy skills, make mistakes, and reevaluate their financial decisions before entering the real world,” said Teagan Griffith, Colorado Credit Union’s community impact manager. “GoWest Foundation has allowed Colorado Credit Union to strengthen our impact in local schools and equip students with the tools to support their lifelong financial journeys.”
Colorado Credit Union Presents $3,000 Check to Homeless Youth Nonprofit
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LITTLETON, Colo. December 18, 2023 – Colorado Credit Union recently presented a $3,000 check to TGTHR, a Boulder-based nonprofit organization working to end youth homelessness. A portion of the money, $500, was made possible through a grant by FHLBank Topeka’s #500forgood and will be used to help restock the nonprofit’s resources during the winter months. The grant was in addition to Colorado Credit Union’s annual financial support of $2,500 to the nonprofit.
“I continue to be impressed and inspired by the deep community partnerships TGTHR has formed over the decades with local businesses like Colorado Credit Union,” said TGTHR CEO Annie Bacci. “Their ongoing support directly supports housing and services for young people experiencing homelessness and their passion to give back to their community is energizing.”
Through multiple programs, TGTHR moves young people from the streets or unsafe living situations into programs that support their overall well-being. TGTHR’s services are designed to encourage young people to build healthy communities, empower them to set their own goals, and provide them with the tools to become independent.
The support from Colorado Credit Union is part of the organization’s Community Impact Initiative which aims to be the leading resource for financial empowerment in the community.
“Colorado Credit Union is proud to partner with and support the incredible work of TGTHR,” said Teagan Griffith, Colorado Credit Union’s community impact manager. “Through it’s grant program, FHLBank Topeka is enabling local nonprofits to make an even deeper impact within their communities.”
About TGTHR
Founded 57 years ago in Boulder, TGTHR (formerly Attention Homes) is building a movement that galvanizes communities, empowers young people and puts an end to youth homelessness. For young people ages 12-24, TGTHR provides a variety of programs that prevent youth from experiencing homelessness, help intervene when young people do find themselves in an unsafe living situation, and provide solutions to help youth transition from homelessness to stability.
TGTHR’s programs focus on safe independent housing, education & employment support, mental & physical health support, life-skills training, and much more. In 2022, TGTHR served 247 young people. 82 of those youth had long-term independent housing through TGTHR’s housing programs, and an additional 20 returned home with family. TGTHR also helped 81 young people gain employment, 71 enroll in an academic program, and provided over 13,000 meals to young people experiencing homelessness. For more information or to support their mission, please visit www.TGTHR.org
2023 Dora Maxwell Award
LITTLETON, Colo. October 6, 2023 - Colorado Credit Union was pleased to receive the 2023 Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for our work with Hands of the Carpenter, a Denver-area nonprofit. Colorado Credit Union was recognized for developing an internal lending
program to help single moms afford reliable transportation.
“Colorado Credit Union is incredibly thankful to GoWest for this honor,” said Sarah Haertl, Vice President Marketing, Business Development and Sales for Colorado Credit Union. “While winning awards is never the motivation behind what we do to help our members and our community, it’s always nice to have that effort recognized by others.”
The state-level award was presented at the annual GoWest MAXX Convention in Spokane, Wash. Members of Colorado Credit Union’s staff and Board accepted the award.
Best Companies Group Celebrates Inclusive Workplaces for July 2023
Best Companies Group, in collaboration with COLOR Magazine, is proud to announce the recognition of businesses that have demonstrated exemplary commitment to fostering inclusivity and a sense of belonging in their work environments through the Inclusive Workplace Program. This acknowledgment is not a ranking or competition, but rather a celebration of organizations that surpass our data-driven benchmarks to promote inclusivity.
The program, initiated last fall, assesses participating companies through comprehensive surveys and data analysis. Areas of evaluation include inclusion, belonging, psychological safety, community, and purpose. "This program highlights the real strides companies are making in cultivating inclusive cultures that help all employees feel valued and engaged," said Jaime Raul Zepeda, Executive Vice President of Best Companies Group.
Recipients of this recognition have shown significant commitment to ensuring all their employees feel included, heard, and valued. Their commitment to inclusive work environments has had meaningful impacts on employee engagement, retention rates, and brand recognition. The companies recognized this year serve as beacons of inclusive culture within their respective industries, demonstrating the immense benefits of prioritizing belonging and inclusivity in the workplace.
Best Companies Group extends its heartfelt congratulations to these businesses for their successful efforts in cultivating diverse and inclusive work environments. The dedication and effort of these organizations to foster inclusivity is commendable and sets a new standard for companies worldwide.
"These companies serve as an inspiring example of what it truly means to create a workplace where everyone feels like they belong and can bring their full serves to work. Their commitment and their actions are paving the way for a better and more inclusive future," Zepeda added.
We eagerly anticipate the continuing progress and success of these organizations as they continue to promote inclusivity and belonging within their workplaces.
To review the full list of winners, click here.
About Best Companies Group:
Best Companies Group is an independent research firm specializing in identifying and recognizing the best workplaces all around the world.
LITTLETON, Colo., September 1, 2023 - Colorado Credit Union was named one of American Banker’s Best Credit Unions to Work For in 2023. This is the ninth consecutive year the organization has received the honor. CCU ranked fifth out of the 70 credit unions from across the country that were recognized.
“We are very honored to be named a Best Credit Union to Work For,” said Mike Williams, Colorado Credit Union president and CEO. “This year, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Colorado Credit Union. This achievement would not have been possible without an amazing staff who work tirelessly to provide the best possible experience for our members. I believe that common mission unites our staff and helps create a culture that staff are proud of.”
The winners are selected by a two-step process performed with the Best Companies Group. Considerations include employee satisfaction, leadership and planning, corporate culture and communication and overall engagement. Credit unions are also evaluated for employee benefits and policies. Southwest Financial FCU (Farmers Branch, Texas) received the overall number one ranking followed by South Carolina Federal Credit Union (North Charleston, S.C.), University of Illinois Community Credit Union (Champagne, Ill.) and Rock Valley Credit Union (Loves Park, Ill.) and Colorado Credit Union.
President and CEO Mike Williams Named Pierre Jay Award
Denver, CO – Mike Williams, CEO of Colorado Credit Union (Littleton, CO), was named a Pierre Jay Award recipient for 2023 in a ceremony held Sunday, August 27 during the 58th Annual National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) State System Summit.
The Pierre Jay Award honors those who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to NASCUS and the state system. This distinction is NASCUS’s highest honor in recognizing champions of the state credit union system.
“On behalf of the NASCUS leadership and staff, I wish to extend our congratulations to Mike Williams for his outstanding accomplishments. This award recognizes the significant positive influence he has had on the overall health and prosperity of the state system,” remarked Katie Averill, Superintendent of the Iowa Division of Credit Unions and NASCUS Regulator Board Vice Chair. “Mike has committed his professional lives to guarantee a secure, stable, and resilient dual charter system, and we sincerely appreciate his enduring friendship and unwavering commitment.”
Williams has dedicated his entire 38-year career to financial services, specifically credit unions. In addition to his role as President & CEO at Colorado Credit Union, he has served on nearly every board in the credit union industry, offering his wisdom and expertise to help foster growth.
His priority has been focused on ensuring an efficient and competitive operating environment for state-chartered credit unions. For the past decade, he has served on the NASCUS Credit Union Advisory Council, serving as the Chairman from 2020-2022. In addition, he has served as a board member of the State of Colorado Division of Financial Services since 2018.
Read the full press release issued by GoWest here (PDF - 600kb)
Colorado Credit Union Promotes Jerry Lopez to Branch Manager
LITTLETON, Colo., August 14, 2023 - Colorado Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Jerry Lopez to branch manager of the Lincoln branch located in Denver’s downtown corridor.
Lopez, who joined the credit union in 2018, brings extensive credit union experience to his role having worked in the industry since 2000. Prior to his promotion, he served as branch supervisor.
“This promotion from branch supervisor to branch manager reinforces what I already believed about CCU. This organization truly cares about individuals, and that is both members who bank with us as well as employees of the credit union,” Lopez said. “I can’t express how proud I am to work at an organization that wants to make people’s lives better.”
Colorado Credit Union 717 17th Street Branch Permanently Closing
After much consideration, Colorado Credit Union has made the decision to close the 717 17th Street branch permanently on September 29, 2023. The ATM will remain in service through the end of 2023.
Since Covid-19, the transaction volume has never recovered to pre-Covid levels, and with the 2022 merger with White Crown Federal Credit Union, our branch at 2001 Lincoln Street is only a few blocks away and ready to serve our valued CCU members.
An added benefit of the Lincoln branch is free garage parking for members which can be access off Welton Street. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause but look forward to serving you through online or mobile banking and in-person at any of our three metro-area branches.
Colorado Credit Union Named Best Credit Union in Colorado
June 16, 2023 – Colorado Credit Union, a Denver-area credit union serving more than 26,000 members, was recently voted the best credit union in Colorado by readers of ColoradoBiz magazine in the publication’s 9th Annual Readers Poll. Winners of the Best of Colorado were voted on in ColoradoBiz’s annual reader’s poll. More than 25,000 votes were received in 2023.
“We are very appreciative to receive this honor from ColoradoBiz magazine. Our entire staff works hard every day to provide the highest level of service to our members. It is always appreciated to have that hard work recognized,” said Mike Williams, Colorado Credit Union president and CEO.
Colorado Credit Union has received several accolades in the past two years. In both 2022 and 2023, CCU was named the best credit union to work for in the United States by American Banker. In 2023, the credit union also received a 5-Star rating from BauerFinancial, recognizing CCU as one of the strongest financial institutions in the country for the seventh consecutive year.
Colorado Credit Union Intern and Member Awarded College Scholarship
May 31, 2023 – Colorado Credit Union is pleased to announce our member and intern, Lorenzo Giovanetti, has been selected as one of two Brayman Beach 2023 Scholars. He’ll receive a $5,000 scholarship for his college expenses. Giovanetti has worked as an intern at CCU since 2022.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Lorenzo to have his hard work and dedication recognized,” said Mike Williams, Colorado Credit Union President and CEO. “I would like to thank the GoWest Foundation for honoring Lorenzo with this scholarship. I can’t think of a more-deserving recipient.”
Lorenzo is a recent graduate of Lakewood High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar, and a student athlete on the soccer and track and field teams. He also participated in the DECA program, was a DECA state finalist, and was the Founder/President of the Lakewood HS Career Pathway Speaker Series. Along with the leadership he demonstrated at his school and in extracurricular activities, he earned a 4.85 GPA. He plans to attend the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa starting this fall.
May 4, 2023 – Colorado Credit Union Mortgage Loan Officer, Teresa Chavez, was recently named to the Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau Board of Directors.
“It’s such an honor to join the Board of Directors for the Brighton Chamber,” Chavez said. “The Brighton Chamber is committed to long-term success of our community, and I look forward to doing my part to help further the Chamber’s mission.”
Chavez is a native of Brighton, Colo., who has served the Brighton community throughout her career, including her 15 years of employment with Colorado Credit Union. She started at CCU in frontline operations helping members with their banking transactions before transitioning into consumer lending and branch management. For the past two years, she has worked in the mortgage department helping members secure financing to purchase homes.
Chavez has also served the community with volunteer work including giving time at area senior centers and food pantries and organizing Spanish financial literacy classes for women’s groups.
As a chamber board director, Chavez will help advance the mission of the Chamber and encourage input and participation in Chamber programs.
The Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau serves as a voice for area business from multiple industries including farming and agriculture to healthcare and small retail business and large-scale manufacturing. To learn more about the Brighton Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, visit brightonchamber.com.
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