VACU Financial Education Director is Finalist for National Award

Cherry Dale, financial education director for Richmond-based Virginia Credit Union, is one of four finalists for a national award from the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).

CUNA will recognize a Credit Union Hero of the Year as someone who personifies credit union philosophy and ideals, shows dedication to credit union principles, and makes a difference in their community. Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit cooperatives dedicated to their members’ best interest and to the health and development of their local communities.

Cherry Dale was nominated for strengthening the credit union’s financial education programs and quadrupling the number of people reached. In 2018, Virginia Credit Union’s workshops, seminars, and financial education classes reached a record 27,113 individuals. Dale is also the statewide chair of the Virginia Jump$tart Coalition, which promotes youth financial literacy throughout the Commonwealth.

Credit Union members are invited to cast their vote to help determine the Credit Union Hero of the Year. An online ballot and additional information on each nominee is available on the CUNA website. The voting deadline is March 22.

The other nominees are Harlene Johnson, president of Light Commerce Credit Union in Houston, TX; Diane Sandoval-Griego, financial empowerment and outreach manager for Guadalupe Credit Union in Sante Fe, NM; and Bridget Staffileno, vice president for community affairs at Catholic Federal Credit Union in Saginaw Michigan.

A financial cooperative serving more than 278,000 members, Virginia Credit Union offers a variety of affordable banking services, loans, mortgages, and free financial education resources, with a focus on helping people be more confident with their finances. Virginia Credit Union is an equal housing opportunity lender and is federally insured by NCUA.