Our Story
With 17 locations, more than 77,000 members, and over $1.4 billion in assets, Beginnings Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in New York State. Our ongoing success can be traced to a number of factors, including sound management practices, adherence to a strict code of ethics, excellent rates, and great products. But what truly sets us apart from other financial institutions is our ability to connect our members to all that's possible through highly personalized, quality service.
We began in 1953 as Cornell Federal Credit Union and served the employees of Cornell University. Over forty year later, in 1997, we adopted a New York state charter and became Cornell FingerLakes Credit Union.
With deep roots in the Finger Lakes Community, we branched out in 2003 by converting to a community charter for Tompkins and Cortland counties and changed our name to CFCU Community Credit Union. The community charter made it possible for us to serve anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, or maintains a business in these counties.
In 2017, we expanded to also serve individuals, businesses, and organizations in Cayuga, Ontario, and Seneca Counties. Then we expanded further in 2022, when we merged with CORE Federal Credit Union who became CORE, a division of CFCU Community Credit Union. This expansion allowed us to also serve individuals, businesses, and organizations in Madison and Onondaga Counties.
Our transformation throughout our almost 75 years makes it possible for anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, or maintains a business in Tompkins, Cortland, Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Madison, or Onondaga counties eligible to become a member.
In 2025, we continued our journey of transformation and changed our name to Beginnings Credit Union, uniting our current and future members under one meaningful name. We're moving forward and connecting our members to new opportunities that unlock all that's possible. Strong communities begin here. First homes begin here. College savings begin here. Early retirement begins here. Financial independence begins here.
Tomorrow begins here.
Beginnings Credit Union is truly "More than banking".
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
.jpg?sfvrsn=63964f6b_0 "Cathy Benson-Aloi")
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
Cortney Lowie
Secretary
Lisa Whitaker
Director
Amy Wood Gonzalez
Director
John Birmingham
Director
Bruce Ryan
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
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.