Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union (FCU) proudly announces that our very own Teri Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, has been awarded the prestigious Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement by the National Credit Union Foundation. This award is the highest national honor in the credit union movement, celebrating individuals who have made a profound and lasting impact on the industry, and will be presented at the annual National Credit Union Foundation Dinner held on March 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The award, named in honor of the late Credit Union National Association CEO Herb Wegner, recognizes outstanding leaders who embody the spirit of the credit union movement—people helping people. Teri’s dedication to advancing the credit union philosophy through advocacy, innovation, and community engagement exemplifies this spirit.
“Teri Robinson is a resilient leader who generously shares her insights, ideas, and passion with those around her. She is also a textbook example of a credit union leader who deeply knows and supports her credit union members,” said Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association. “Teri can often be found in her office at the credit union, talking through and problem-solving the challenges a specific member is facing. She understands the unique needs of her membership, SEG, and passionately supports her members’ personal growth and financial well-being.”
Throughout her 35-year career, Teri has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building credit unions for their members. Since joining Ironworkers USA FCU in 2010, she has grown assets from $7.5M to an impressive $122M today and tripled membership from 5,500 to over 15,000, all during some of the most challenging economic times when many credit unions were seeing declining membership. Under her leadership, Ironworkers USA FCU is now one of the fastest-growing credit unions in the country.
Teri exemplifies the credit union spirit of “people helping people.” She advocates for all ironworkers and the broader community. Through impactful member education and programs—such as helping members avoid predatory lenders, improving credit scores, and increasing savings and loan opportunities—Teri has enhanced financial literacy and independence while fostering a culture of support. She is dedicated to ensuring that everyone understands the foundations of financial literacy, teaching the importance of budgeting and the intricacies of using credit wisely through regular apprenticeship trainings, industry podcasts, and during daily counseling with her members. And it’s not just her, nearly all of her staff that supports members are Certified Credit Union Finanical Counselors (CCUFC) through the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).
“We are truly making a difference every day in uplifting ironworkers who may not have opportunities in the traditional banking environment. We love helping them solve a puzzle and, one day, achieve financial freedom—whether that means not worrying about rent, going on a family vacation, or making a car payment. We believe in giving chances and trusting that people want to do the right thing each day. Sometimes, we just need to hold their hand and provide a clear blueprint they can understand. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated.”
Teri’s passion extends beyond her members; she also volunteers her time advising women inmates at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in the Union Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (U-PACT) program. She regularly teaches a four-hour training session on the nature of contract work, budgeting, and understanding their credit.
“Her willingness to share her knowledge, experience, and resources exemplifies the cooperative spirit that is the cornerstone of our industry. Teri’s efforts have not only strengthened her own credit union but have also contributed to the success and resilience of credit unions nationwide,” said Kim Waite, CEO of Carpenters Credit Union. “Teri’s leadership is characterized by countless sacrifices and a selfless dedication to her members. She consistently puts others first, striving to uplift her members and ensure their financial well-being. Her actions and decisions are driven by a profound belief in the power of community and collaboration. Teri is the perfect embodiment of the commonly held belief in our industry that ‘together we are stronger.’”
Teri is known as a powerful advocate for smaller credit unions around the country. She works with the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) to inform on the unique challenges industry-specific credit unions face. She mentors her peers and industry leaders as a co-founder of the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA) and previously served as a board member of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Small Credit Union Committee, CUNA Mutual Select Council Committee, and GoWest Association.
“Not only does she run a great shop, but she works with other credit unions and young CEOs to help them grow their organizations,” said Lori Herrick, President and CEO of Manchester Municipal Federal Credit Union and board member of America’s Credit Unions. “She clearly cares deeply not only for Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union but for the credit union movement as a whole.”
The 2025 Foundation Dinner marks the 36th annual celebration of leaders and organizations contributing significantly to the credit union movement. It reminds industry leaders of the importance of collaboration and commitment to the communities they serve.
Teri expressed her gratitude for the nomination and reaffirmed her commitment to her members. “Our growth represents more than a number; it shows how we connected with real people and made their lives better,” she said. “How’d we do that, well, we listen to our members. We take the time to understand what’s happening in their lives and build our services around their needs. They know we care and are always there for them, just like a family.”
For more information about Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union and its commitment to community service, please visit https://ironworkerscu.org/.
Contact: Teri Robinson, CEO
Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union
(877) 769-4766
Teri@ironworkersfcu.org
About Ironworkers USA Credit Union:
Ironworkers USA Credit Union is a financial cooperative owned and operated by its members. It serves Union ironworkers nationwide, ironworker retirees, and their families. We are dedicated to promoting community development in all areas where we conduct business and providing affordable financial services to low-income people. In doing so, we will help them build assets and achieve financial stability.
