Rocklin resident wins National 2023 Credit Union Hero of the Year Award

For more information about Amanda Merz, read her previous feature in a Feb. 24 Gold Mountain California News article, "Rocklin resident one of four nominated for National 2023 Credit Union Hero of the Year Award." Amanda Merz of Rocklin won the National 2023 Credit Union Hero of the Year Award for her work in overseeing SAFE Credit Union's philanthropy through grants, scholarships, sponsorships, volunteering and donations, according to the Credit Union National Association's magazine. The award is given to current or retired credit union system employees and volunteers who are "unsung heroes going above and beyond to promote the credit union philosophy" each year, according to the Credit Union National Association. Nominations are made by the Credit Union National Association's magazine readers. "I am so excited to hear I have been named Credit Union Hero of the Year," Merz said. "This means so much because credit unions do so many great things all year round across the state and nation and to think the work I have the privilege to do receives an award such as this means a lot." Merz began working with SAFE Credit Union in 2014 as a financial education coordinator and became the community impact manager in 2016, according to a SAFE Credit Union news release. She "oversees the credit union's philanthropic endeavors, including grants, scholarships, sponsorships, volunteerism, and donation programs," according to the news release. After starting in 2014, Merz quickly began learning about the management side since "they didn't really have one person at the helm" of their philanthropic endeavors, she said in the Feb. 24 Gold Mountain California News article. Merz has grown SAFE Credit Union's Community Sustainability Grant Program to include more recipients and its scholarships program by doubling its awards for high school seniors from $1,000 to $2,000, according to the news release. She plans to expand SAFE Credit Union's scholarship program "to include assistance for adults returning to complete their college degree," according to the news release. "Amanda Merz takes a holistic approach to her work," said Credit Union National Association magazine publisher Michelle Willits. "She has a well-rounded focus on the physical, mental and financial health of members and the community. She knows the smallest actions can make the biggest impact." SAFE Credit Union Assistant Vice President of Community Relations Rebecca Delmundo said, "Whether it's through the programs that she manages, or through volunteerism, she shows up and she makes an impact every time." Merz said this work is her calling. "When you're doing the thing you're really passionate about," the job "comes naturally," Merz said in the previous Gold Mountain California News article. Work days "typically consist of making a connection" with someone in the community, "keeping tabs" on nonprofit programs and providing resources to nonprofit employees, managing volunteer programs, and by the end of the day, "I'm often out at an event," Merz said. "I think it's really important that everyone finds their space to give in the community and that's what drives me the most," Merz said, "Finding ways to help people serve is what really drives me."