November 8, 2021
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) Vice President of Community Engagement, Jennifer McHugh, has been honored with the 2021 CUES Exceptional Leader Award. The Credit Union Executives Society (CUES), a leading talent development organization, presents the Exceptional Leader Award annually to a credit union industry professional who has rendered exceptional service and made outstanding contributions to strengthen their credit union and the industry.
During her ten years with Royal, McHugh, directly and through the leadership of her teams, has elevated the degree to which the credit union is able to live out its core purpose of “creating a positive impact in the lives we touch” through community involvement and giving efforts. McHugh has established Royal as a financial education leader in the credit union industry proudly offering free in-person and virtual financial literacy programs for people of all ages and a robust School $ense program made up of 29 student-run credit unions in schools across Wisconsin and Minnesota. McHugh also oversees the credit union’s political advocacy efforts and led the creation of the Royal Young Professional Credit Union Activist program. McHugh is a known subject matter expert on credit union issues and is regularly sought out as a presenter, media contributor, and a trusted advisor to elected officials.
“Jennifer is energized by developing and mentoring her own team, as well as others here at Royal, seeing them receive recognition for their accomplishments and sharing their pride when they achieve their own career aspirations,” shared Brandon Riechers, Royal’s President and CEO. “The fulfillment that Jen gets from her work comes from the impact she has on the ability for others, including the underserved in our communities, to achieve their own dreams through enhanced financial stability.”
McHugh also shares her leadership talents and expertise outside of the credit union industry. McHugh has served on the Wisconsin Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability since her appointment in 2011 and is the chair of the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs committee. McHugh is also actively involved with the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation, UW-Eau Claire Blugold Beginnings, and Eau Claire Public Library Capital Campaign.
McHugh was presented the 2021 CUES Exceptional Leader Award during the virtual CUES Member Appreciation and Awards event. In her acceptance speech, McHugh stated, “I am honored to receive this award from the members of CUES and appreciate being recognized for doing work I truly love with some of the most inspiring people I have ever met by my side.”
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 240,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.