2026 EMERGING LEADER AWARD Logo

  • MIRIAM RIVERA LIEB EMERGING LEADER AWARD

    Presented by the MD|DC Credit Union Association

  • AWARD APPLICATION

  • Recognizes a young professional 40 and under who is highly engaged in the success of their credit union and demonstrates the potential to be one of the next generation of leaders in the credit union movement. The award honors the legacy of Miriam Rivera Lieb who was a passionate credit union leader and advocate.

  • APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED JANUARY 8 - February 16, 2026

  • The winner of the Emerging Leader Award will receive a professional development package, sponsored by TruStage, that includes:

    • Executive Coaching - 3 one-hour sessions (winner) / 1 one-hour session (runners-up)
    • Scholarship to MD|DC Credit Union Association Tech Summit with accommodations
    • Scholarship to 2027 MD|DC Credit Union Association Annual Meeting & Convention with one-night accommodations
    • Airfare/accommodations for 2026 visit to TruStage in Madison, WI
    • Lunch with MD|DC Credit Union Association President/ CEO John Bratsakis and winner's CEO
    • Opportunity to attend and participate in the Association's YPN Summit 
    • Appointed to serve a one-year term as an Associate Director on the Credit Union
      Foundation MD|DC Board of Directors

  • Finalists will present at CONNECT 2026, MD|DC Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting & Convention on June 2, 2026 at the Ocean City Convention Center. The Association will pay for one night of accommodations; however, your credit union is welcome to cover additional nights.

    Please complete the application below and then click "submit."

    Please direct any questions to John Coleman, at jcoleman@mddccua.org.

    Review the official rules.

  • TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT:

  • I acknowledge that I have informed my CEO of my intention to apply for the Emerging Leader Award and that if I am chosen as a finalist, I will be required to present at CONNECT 2026, the MD|DC Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting & Convention, on June 2, 2026 in Ocean City, MD.

  • Clear

  • QUESTIONS TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT:

  • (500 words or less for each response) 

    • Describe your role in the credit union and how you help contribute to its success.
    • Describe your relevant professional accomplishments and why you have the potential to be a next generation credit union leader.
    • Describe what you see as the future of the credit union movement.

  • SHORT VIDEO TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANT

  • Submit a link to a 2-3 minute original YouTube video describing an innovative idea or program that addresses:

    How can credit unions better position themselves as the best financial choice for consumers?

     

    Here are examples of past video submissions:

    https://youtu.be/d2Pw_91W9UU

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOmnkGCT8nw

     

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