2026 Nominations Are Open!

Please nominate yourself or another deserving colleague for one of these five opportunities by clicking the links below.

Nominations close February 19th, and winners will be announced in March at our annual conference in Las Vegas!


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. 

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. 

Click here to submit your application by Feb. 19, 2026.



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 Valley 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.

Click here to submit your application by Feb. 19, 2026.


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

Click here to submit your application by Feb. 19, 2026.



eLeadership Academy 

Shine Bright Scholarships

The Shine Bright Scholarships from eLeadership Academy recognize credit union professionals who are committed to developing others and intentionally strengthening their leadership confidence and competence. These scholarships support leaders who show strong potential and a genuine desire to grow their leadership impact.

Two Shine Bright Scholarships are awarded annually, each valued at $750. The award includes a one-year eLeaderHUB subscription featuring monthly Leadership Spotlight webinars, short practical micro-learning, cross-credit-union peer learning, and a digital credential. This program is part of eLeadership Academy’s Certificate in Applied Leadership pathway, emphasizing practical application and ongoing development. Access the nomination form here.

Click here to submit your application by Feb. 19, 2026.

2026 Award & Scholarship Winners will be announced at the Evolve Conference March 11-13 in Las Vegas

Previous Recipients

2024 Award Recipients

Suzanne Carlisle Trainer's Scholarship
Carlie Losey, Noble Credit Union


Patti Reed Education Scholarship
TBA


Ginny Baldauf: Innovation in HR Award
TBA


2018

  • Recognition for Service to the HRD Network - Jenee Rawlings, YOLO FCU, Janet Gaspard, Los Angeles Police FCU and Joyce Wasserman, California CU
  • HR Professional of the Year: Martha Perea, VP, Caltech Employees FCU
  • Patti Reed Educational Scholarship: Elsie Nash, Director of HR, Paradise Valley FCU
  • Suzanne Carlisle Trainer's Scholarship: Andrea Ridgely, Director OD, First Entertainment CU

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

Suzanne Carlisle
​Trainer's Scholarship

Foothill CU
Ericka Diaz



Patti Reed ​Educational Scholarship

Paradise Valley CU 2023

Nikkei CU - 2019
Jon Hernandez

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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