Capitola, CA – March 27, 2023 – Each year, Bay Federal Credit Union honors the employees who most consistently go above and beyond and who embody the credit union’s values. Recently, Carrie Birkhofer, Bay Federal’s President and CEO, revealed Elsa Limas and Jack Baldwin as the winners of the 2022 Service Excellence Award, the most prestigious award for employees.
Mrs. Limas, who is a Financial Services Officer at the River Street Branch, was recognized for being one of Bay Federal’s greatest treasures with her positive energy and compassion for anyone going through a hard time. Mr. Baldwin, who is the Service Desk Supervisor, was recognized for being friendly and uplifting no matter what technological challenge is at hand.
“Our employees are an integral part of what makes Bay Federal special,” Ms. Birkhofer said. “Elsa and Jack not only provide exceptional member service, but they take initiative beyond their daily duties to help their coworkers, our members, and the community. They are the credit union philosophy of People Helping People come to life.”
Ms. Birkhofer also announced the winners of the Wind Beneath Our Wings Award, which celebrates collaboration between back office departments and frontline branch staff; the Community Champions Award, which honors employees that go above and beyond when volunteering in the community; and the PACIFIC Spirit Award, which honors employees who represent Bay Federal’s values and demonstrate dedication, initiative, and a positive outlook. She also lauded employees who made significant contributions by proposing efficiencies (BayIDEAS Awards), regularly collaborating with others (Collaborator Club Award), and making positive impacts as newcomers (Rookie Awards).
Bay Federal continued its tradition of honoring branch employees for outstanding member service with its Member Experience Champions Award, Member Hero Awards, Sales Super Star Awards, Service Supervisor Award, Service Manager Award, and Branch Manager Award.
Full Awards List:
Service Excellence:
Elsa Limas, Financial Services Officer
Jack Baldwin, Service Desk Supervisor
Member Experience Champions:
River Street Branch
Member Heroes:
Judith Godinez, Member Service Representative, Salinas
Courtney Kuljis, Member Service Center Representative
Sales Super Stars:
Art Ruvalcaba, Financial Services Officer, Scotts Valley
Kaila Wiseman, Home Loan Consultant
Service Supervisor:
Aldo Espinoza, Salinas
Service Manager:
Albert Vizcarra, Salinas
AVP/Branch Manager:
Rueben Munoz, Watsonville
Rookie Awards:
Abra Larr, Member Support Representative, MSC
Andre Berteaux, Member Services Supervisor, Aptos
Holga Nugent, Member Service Center Manager
BayIdeas Awards:
Paul Henry, Senior Deposit Production Specialist
Nayeli Arriaga, Service Desk Specialist, Technology
Collaborator Club Award:
Andrew Berteaux, Service Supervisor, Aptos
Pacific Spirt Awards:
Bailey Meyer, Member Services Supervisor, Scotts Valley
Catherine Schneider, Senior Member Service Center Specialist
Jesus Flores, Senior Collections Representative
Josie Daly, Consumer Lending Specialist
Kelsey Robinson, Education and Development Specialist
Maria Garcia, Accounting Services Specialist
Melanie Otts, Deposit Production Specialist
Michelle Asistin, Senior Loan Services Specialist
Mirna Quintero, Digital Lending Officer
Philippe Nivelle, Senior Treasury Analyst
Ryan Borella, Member Services Specialist, Capitola
Jeanette Larkin, Human Resources Generalist
Wind Beneath Our Wings Awards:
Behnaz Zandkarimi, Deposit Production Manager
Mindy Cinelli, Education and Development Manager
Community Champion Awards:
Joey Miranda, Human Resources and Payroll Specialist
Corey Spadaccini, Member Relationship Specialist, Scotts Valley
Cassy Rozinski, Lead Member Services Representative, Scotts Valley
About Bay Federal Credit Union
Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 80,000 members and 2,400 local businesses throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties. With more than $1.6 billion in assets, Bay Federal is the largest member-owned financial institution in Santa Cruz County, serving its members and the community since 1957. Bay Federal is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, with a primary mission of promoting community development alongside their financial activities. Bay Federal has an award-winning employee volunteer program in which employees have given their own money and volunteer for numerous local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community events each year.
Contact: Amy Ivey, VP Marketing and Development
Bay Federal Credit Union
831.477.8409
aivey@bayfed.com
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