January 2023 Newsletter

Celebrating a Legacy, Embracing the Future

She also guided Homebase Credit Union through two charter expansions, ultimately providing membership opportunity to the Greater Richmond community, including 14 counties and 4 cities. To provide clarity on the expanded membership eligibility, Mrs. Stuard oversaw the credit union’s name change and rebrand from Fort Lee Federal Credit Union to Homebase Federal Credit Union (regularly referred to as Homebase Credit Union). 

Living the credit union’s mission to improve the lives of our members and build a stronger community, Mrs. Stuard positioned the credit union to be an advocate for members and a champion for the community. Over the years, Homebase Credit Union has led numerous adult and youth financial education programs and classes; created credit-building products and services; implemented a youth scholarship program; provided sponsorship and support for Fort Lee Army Community Services, Housing, and Family Morale Welfare and Recreation initiatives; participated in area chambers; donated and volunteered at area food banks; supported local civic organizations; sponsored area schools and sports teams; participated in Adopt-A-Highway; hosted an annual charity golf tournament; facilitated bi-annual Shred Day and Food Drive events; among many other generous initiatives.

During her leadership, Homebase CU received numerous awards: 2009 Credit Union of the Year by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions; several Diamond Awards from the Credit Union National Association; and various service awards on state and national levels, including the Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring, and Desjardins Awards. In 2016, Mrs. Stuard was named CEO of the Year by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.

An avid supporter of the credit union movement, Mrs. Stuard has donated her time over the years to numerous industry organizations. She has served in various roles, including President of the Southside Chapter of Credit Unions, member and Chair of the Virginia Credit Union League Board of Directors, member and Chair of the League’s Governmental Affairs Committee, member of the Virginia Corporate Credit Union Board of Directors, Chair of the Defense Credit Union Council Hall of Honors Committee, member of the Council’s Military Advocacy Committee, and member of the Board of Directors for Member Advantage Mortgage. 

“Patsy’s contributions to the staff and members of Homebase Credit Union go beyond just management. She has led with heart and steadfast commitment. We are grateful for her service and much of the credit union’s success is owed to her leadership,” shared Eric Palco, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the credit union. 

Mrs. Stuard will step down February 2, 2023. The Board of Directors, Supervisory Committee, and staff all wish her the best as she retires.

Mr. Palco also commended outgoing CEO Patsy Stuard for her service to Homebase Credit Union. “On behalf of the Board, we want to thank Patsy for her leadership and service to the credit union and members over the years. We wish her a happy and healthy retirement.”

Mr. Summers joins Homebase CU with more than 11 years of experience working in credit unions, most recently, with Clearwater Credit Union where he served as Senior Vice President of Brand and IT before being promoted to Chief Operations Officer. He holds a graduate degree from Pacific Coast Banking School, and a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems & Accounting from Idaho State University.  

Mr. Summers commented on his new position, “I am humbled and thrilled to have been offered the position of CEO at Homebase. Patsy has done an amazing job over her tenured career, and I am excited to follow in her footsteps.”

$5,500 in Scholarships to Award!

We will award four merit-based scholarships to high school seniors within our membership! Applications will be available in mid-January at both branches and at homebasecu.org. Students should complete and submit applications with letters of recommendation and transcripts by end of business Friday, March 17, 2023. Winners will be contacted in April.

Any high school senior who is a Homebase Credit Union member and entering into any area of study at a two- or four-year college/university, or pursuing a certificate or technical degree at a career or technical school is encouraged to apply. Four scholarships are available:

• One (1) award of $2,500
• Three (3) awards of $1,000 each

Details & Applications

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Mark These Upcoming Dates

SHRED DAY & FOOD DRIVE:

Saturday, March 25, 2023

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS:

New Years: January 2 
Martin Luther King Jr Day.: January 16
Washington’s Birthday: February 20

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