Credit Union for Kids Chair Leaves Big Shoes to Fill

Long-time credit union executive Sarah Canepa Bang is stepping down as chairperson for the Credit Union for Kids advisory board. Bang has been a passionate supporter of the program since its inception. She was instrumental in formalizing the relationship between Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Credit Unions for Kids.

Part of the credit union movement for more than 35 years, Bang served 33 of those years in senior-level positions with state trade associations and as CEO of Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc. and president of CO-OP Shared Branching. In 2014, she earned the Herb Wegner Award for Outstanding Achievement for her contributions to credit unions, including shared branching and Credit Unions for Kids. Although she retired from CO-OP in 2017, she remains active in the credit union world on many levels.

Throughout her career and in her role with Credit Unions for Kids, Bang touched many lives as a leader and a mentor. A heartfelt video was created with children, industry leaders, and her husband expressing their appreciation for her many contributions. To watch the video, click here.

“As our entire globe is facing a life-threatening pandemic, let’s not lose sight of the fact that 62 children enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital every minute for treatment,” said Caroline Willard, president/CEO of Cornerstone Credit Union League and advisory board member for Credit Unions for Kids. “I hope you’ll honor my dear friend Sarah Canepa Bang’s contributions to Credit Unions for Kids by giving what you can today.”

Bang began working with CMN Hospitals in the early 1990s. “At the time, all I wanted to do was get some recognition for the work credit unions were doing for their local hospitals,” said Bang. “I never dreamed it would get as big as it is today. From the very beginning, leadership at CMNH supported the uniqueness of our approach. Credit unions raise funds for their local children’s hospitals in their own decentralized and individual ways yet come together cooperatively to support the national CMNH system. Over the past 25 years, nearly $200 million has been raised and more than a few Credit Unions for Kids floors, wings, gardens, and rooms in hospitals around the country. It makes me cry to think about it.”

She added, “As for the future, I’m failing miserably at retirement, but I’ll keep working at it. No matter what, credit unions and Credit Unions for Kids will always be part of my DNA. I am forever grateful to have been a part of it all.”

Written by: Sherrel Barry, Cornerstone Credit Union League