Our Story
Since 1953, Beginnings Credit Union has been a place where YOU, our members, come first! We are where new beginnings take shape. What started as Cornell Federal Credit Union, a small, member-owned cooperative with roots in education, has grown into a trusted full-service financial partner for individuals, families, and businesses across the diverse communities we serve.
Our purpose is simple but powerful: to connect people with better financial opportunities that unlock possibilities and move our communities forward.
At Beginnings, we combine the latest in digital and mobile banking with real, human support, offering tools and financial guidance to aid you in your everyday life and meeting you where you are. Through financial literacy programs like Banzai and Your Money Matters, community partnerships, competitive rates, trusted products and passionate staff, we’re working every day to build a more connected, empowered, and financially confident community.
Over our seventy-plus years, we have grown to meet the needs of our members and the those we serve. Throughout our journey, we’ve continued to strengthen our communities not just through banking, but with volunteerism, sponsorship of community events and investments in the people and organizations who live alongside us.
Every dream, big or small, deserves a strong beginning. Whether it's buying your first car, moving into your first home, launching a small business, or finally taking that long awaited trip, we’re here to help and support you for all that’s possible…
Strong communities begin here.
First homes begin here.
College savings begin here.
Financial independence begins here.
Transforming Generations and Communities. Simply. Personally.
As a local not-for-profit financial institution, we don't just say we care, our very foundation for our existence is to care for our members. As we grow and evolve, the local communities we serve grow and strengthen too! As a Credit Union, our earnings are put back into our members' hands through better rates and yields, more services, and support for our local non-profits and charities.
Our Leadership
Executive Leadership Team
Lisa Whitaker
President and CEO
Paul Kirk
Chief Operations Officer & Chief Financial Officer
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Cathy Benson-Aloi
Chief Lending Officer
William Crane
Chief Production Officer
Mallorie David
Chief People Officer
Eliza Mulhern
Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel
Volunteers
Board of Directors:
Blixy Taetzsch
Chair
Michelle Miner
Vice Chair
Douglas North
Treasurer/Secretary
Bruce Ryan
Director
Lisa Whitaker
Director
Amy Wood Gonzalez
Director
Joseph During, CPA
Posthumous Director Emeritus
Claude "Skip" Hewitt
Posthumous Director Emeritus
Supervisory Committee Members:
Susan Schattschneider
Supervisory Committee Chair
Debbie Conley Jordan
Supervisory Committee Secretary
Gregory Mezey
Supervisory Committee Member
Supervisory Committee Member
As a reminder, the Beginnings Credit Union code of ethics requests any member who suspects a violation of Corporate Policy, laws or regulations, or general business ethics to report their suspicion to the Committee in writing or by messaging them through the form on our website. All communication will be held in strict confidence. You do not have to identify yourself, but it is important to provide sufficient information and/or documentation to allow the Committee to investigate your concern.
Send a letter to:
Supervisory Committee
P.O. Box 4321
Ithaca, NY 14850
More Than Banking®
Community is at the center of everything we do. As an organization, we give back to the communities we serve through scholarships, sponsorships, and local volunteerism. Giving back to the communities we serve is a big part of our culture and it’s another benefit that makes working for Beginnings Credit Union a great experience.