LOCKPORT, NY — Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that Michele Walczak has joined the organization as Senior Vice President, Director of Internal Communications & Organizational Effectiveness.
Walczak joins Cornerstone after serving as Chief Executive Officer of Kaleida Health Federal Credit Union, bringing more than 15 years of leadership experience across executive management, lending, operations, and organizational development within the credit union industry.
In addition to her executive leadership experience, Walczak is widely recognized throughout New York’s credit union community for her service as President of the Western New York Tri-Chapter of the New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA) and as a Board Member of the NYCUA Foundation. In these roles, she has worked alongside credit union leaders across the state to advance advocacy, financial education, and awareness of the credit union difference.
Walczak’s transition to Cornerstone represents more than a leadership appointment—it reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the cooperative principles that unite credit unions of all sizes. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal advocate for collaboration, financial education, and industry engagement, helping advance the collective impact of credit unions across Western New York and beyond.
In her new role, Walczak will focus on strengthening organizational alignment, enhancing communication across the organization, fostering industry partnerships, supporting leadership development, and advancing strategic initiatives that create long-term value for members, employees, and the credit union community.
“Michele has built an impressive legacy of service and leadership throughout her career, most recently at Kaleida Health Federal Credit Union, where she helped drive meaningful growth and member impact,” said Eric Hepkins, CEO of Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union. “Her leadership has positively influenced not only the members she served, but also the broader credit union community across New York State. Michele’s career has been defined by service, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the credit union movement. We are excited to welcome Michele to Cornerstone, where her experience, relationships, and passion for cooperative finance will help us further our mission and contribute to the continued success of the credit union movement.”
“I am thrilled to be joining Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union,” said Walczak. “After more than 15 years in the credit union industry, I remain deeply passionate about the credit union mission of people helping people. What excites me most about joining Cornerstone is the opportunity to continue that mission with an organization that is deeply committed to its members, employees, and the communities it serves. I look forward to leveraging my experience to build strong relationships, advance strategic collaboration, and help make a meaningful impact for members and the broader credit union community.”
Walczak’s appointment reflects Cornerstone’s ongoing commitment to investing in leadership, collaboration, and innovation that benefit not only its members, but also the cooperative network that makes credit unions uniquely positioned to improve financial lives and strengthen communities.
About Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union
Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union is a trusted, member-owned financial cooperative proudly serving Niagara and Erie Counties for over 69 years. Founded in 1957 as Unit No. 1 Federal Credit Union to serve employees of the Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors, Cornerstone has grown to become the largest credit union in Western New York, with nearly $800 million in assets and seven convenient branch locations.
Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, or volunteers in Niagara or Erie Counties. Individuals outside of Cornerstone’s field of membership may also become members by making a qualifying donation to the Cornerstone Community Impact Foundation. Cornerstone is committed to providing accessible, personalized financial services that empower individuals and strengthen the communities we serve. Through the Foundation, the credit union invests in financial education, expands access to opportunity, and supports local initiatives that create lasting impact across Western New York. Learn more at www.ccfcu.org.
