Awards & Scholarships

Celebrate the exceptional achievements in Human Resources and Training!

The HRD Network proudly recognizes member achieves with awards and scholarships to support our members in their continuous learning journey, helping them thrive, tackle unique challenges in their credit unions, and achieve their career aspirations. Our prestigious scholarships—the Patti Reed Educational Scholarship, Ginny Baldauf: Trailblazer in HR, and Suzanne Carlisle Trainer Scholarship—honor the legacy of HRD Network's founding members and their dedicated contributions.

Nominate yourself or a deserving colleague by clicking on the links below. Please note that honorees must be employed by HRD Network member credit unions, and past winners are not eligible.

For more information email info@hrdnetowrk.org. 

Patti Reed Educational Scholarship

Are you part of a small credit union with assets under $300 million? This is your chance to join a community dedicated to empowering HR and L&D professionals in the credit union industry. The HRD Network is your gateway to cutting edge knowledge, robust networks, and peer collaboration. Our members thrive with the right support and connections, enabling them to tackle challenges and achieve their credit union’s goals with confidence.

Discover the Benefits of Joining the HRD Network!

As a member, you’ll gain unlimited access to:

  • People and Culture Power Hours
  • Training Power Hours
  • Discounted Rates for the annual Evolve Conference
  • Members-Only LinkedIn Group
  • Members-Only Discussion Group

We offer a scholarship to help you get started! Sponsored by Vally Strong Credit Union and the HRD Network, this scholarship honors the legacy of Patti Reed, a founding member of the HRD Network who championed the needs of small credit unions. The award, for new members, includes a one-year membership, full registration for the annual Evolve Conference and $500 – a value of $950.

Nominations for the 2025 award year have closed. If you are interested in nominating a credit union for the 2026 award, access the nomination form here. 

Ginny Baldauf: A Trailblazer in HR

Innovation in HR Award

We proudly present the Innovation in HR Award, an accolade that celebrates exceptional achievements in the Human Resources and Learning and Development domains. This prestigious award is named after a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the HRD Network: Ginny Baldauf.

As a charter member, Ginny played a pivotal role in shaping the very fabric of our network. Her unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and tireless dedication helped transform the HRD Network into the vibrant community it is today. Ginny’s professional journey exemplifies innovation, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Innovation in HR Award recognizes HR professionals who have gone above and beyond, pushing boundaries, and redefining the landscape of human resources. Whether it’s pioneering new strategies, championing diversity and inclusion, or revolutionizing talent development, our nominees embody the spirit of progress.

Let’s honor those who continue to elevate the field of HR. Access nomination form here. 



Suzanne Carlisle ​Trainer Scholarship

This award recognizes a Trainer who has shown excellence in educational initiatives. Sponsored by KeyPoint Credit Union in honor of Suzanne Carlisle, past-president of the HRD Network. Suzanne  believed in training and supporting the efforts of those who develop others. The award recipient will receive a scholarship for $500 payable to their credit union, to be used towards admission to training and development events. Access the nomination form here. 


2025 HRD Network's Award & Scholarship Winners will be announced at the Evolve Conference on April 2nd, 2025.




Previous Recipients

2019 - 2023

Recognition for Service to the HRD Network

Mark Manns, Kern Schools FCU

HR Professional of the Year

San Mateo CU
Janelle Eaton-Escalante

Patti Reed
​Educational Scholarship

Paradise Valley CU 2023

Nikkei CU - 2019
Jon Hernandez

Suzanne Carlisle
​Trainer's Scholarship

Foothill CU
Ericka Diaz

2018

Recognition for Service to the HRD Network
Jenee Rawlings, YOLO FCU
Janet Gaspard, Los Angeles Police FCU
Joyce Wasserman, California CU

HR Professional
​of the Year
Caltech Employees FCU
Martha Perea
VP, Human Resources

Patti Reed
​Educational Scholarship

Paradise Valley FCU

Elsie Nash
Director, HR & Administration

Suzanne Carlisle
​Trainer's Scholarship

First Entertainment CU
Andrea Ridgely
Director, Organizational Development

2017

  • HR Professional of the Year: Norma Feder-Dong, VP, HR & Support Services, Los Angeles Police FCU
  • Trainer of the Year, Suzanne Carlisle Trainer's Scholarship Recipient: Kristen Hartsell, FSO Training Specialist, Kern Schools FCU
  • Patti Reed Educational Scholarship: Jan Larsen, VP, Administration, Solano First CU

2016

  • HR Professional of the Year: Janet Mainenti, Director of Human Resources, Point Loma CU
  • Trainer of the Year, Suzanne Carlisle Trainer's Scholarship Recipient: David Gregg, Director L & D and Matthew Rosenthal, Financial Partners CU
  • Patti Reed Educational Scholarship: Ana Ordonez, CEO, Media City Community CU

2015

  • HR Professional of the Year: Courtnay Lynch, Human Resources, Xceed FCU
  • Trainer of the Year, Suzanne Carlisle Trainer's Scholarship Recipient: Delores Trevino, VP, Staff Development at 1st United Services CU
  • Patti Reed Educational Scholarship: Kaiperm Diablo FCU
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