CUNA Mutual Foundation Executive Director Steve Goldberg, a highly visible and passionate supporter of credit unions nationwide and of corporate philanthropy in the Madison area, has announced that he will retire at the end of the year, capping a 48-year career at the credit union insurer.
Under Goldberg’s leadership since 2003, CUNA Mutual Group and its employees have established a well-deserved community relations reputation as one of the top corporate donors in Dane County and a leader in major fundraising campaigns, notably United Way, JDRF, Susan G. Komen, and March of Dimes.
In addition, Goldberg and CUNA Mutual Group’s Employee Philanthropy Team have spearheaded numerous programs that have positively affected the Madison community and local non-profits. Some of those most notable accomplishments include:
◆ KinderReady, a joint program with the United Way of Dane County designed to increase the kindergarten readiness and school success of at-risk youth. Now called, “Born Learning,” this program has increased kindergarten readiness of participating youth from 48 percent to 92 percent.
◆ Forward Madison, the Madison Metropolitan School District’s partnership with the University of Wisconsin School of Education to strengthen the recruitment, onboarding and mentoring of new teachers to narrow the racial achievement gap in Madison schools.
◆ CUNA Mutual Group underwrote initial costs of the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools “Adopt-A-School” program, which now includes partnerships between 45 Madison area schools and local businesses.
◆ Major grants to more than 20 nonprofit capital campaigns for building projects.
“While we will miss Steve’s passion through his current role, we know his presence in Madison will remain a regular influence on us all,” said Robert N. Trunzo, CUNA Mutual Group president and CEO. “Steve has been a vocal champion of credit unions and demonstrated how the spirit of charitable contributions helps others in the Madison area. I know that passion will continue in his retirement, and I thank him for his commitment.”
Goldberg started his career at CUNA Mutual Group as an intern in 1968, focusing on helping credit unions address the importance of attracting younger members. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, he was hired full-time to develop the company’s youth marketing program. He later created and ran CUNA Mutual Group’s nationwide senior marketing program, known as NARCUP (National Association for Retired Credit Union People). He also led the company’s financial planning, customer quality and small credit union development areas during his career.
Goldberg said he will continue to stay involved in supporting area non-profits and charitable activities. “I’ve loved my 48 years at CUNA Mutual Group. The opportunity to work closely with credit unions nationwide and the opportunity to help the company give back to the Madison community have been extremely rewarding. This is a special organization, and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of it. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the local community and with credit unions across the country.”
In 2017, the CUNA Mutual Foundation will celebrate 50 years of philanthropy.
