At the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce Business Awards held May 1 at Duane Smith Auditorium, Zia Credit Union was named the 2026 Financial Institution of the Year. From left, Zia Marketing and Business Development Manager Mandy See, SVP of Member Experience Valerie Martinez, President/CEO Dwayne Herrera, VP of Human Resources Baby Matousek, and AVP/Senior Branch Manager in Los Alamos Jennifer Aylmer. Courtesy/ZCU
From left, Zia Board of Directors Chair JC Garcia, SVP of Member Experience Valerie Martinez, and students front row from left, Monique Trujillo, Jalina Martinez, Elise Gutierrez, Jazmine Ortiz, Jolene Campion, and Mikayla Martinez. Students back row from left, Jayden Montoya, Maribel Chacon, Jeremy O’Dell, Oliver See, Michael Marquez, and Everett Vigil. Courtesy/ZCU
Zia Credit Union News:
Zia Credit Union’s 71st Annual Meeting on May 8 at Ohkay Casino brought together nearly 200 attendees as the credit union highlighted continued financial growth, expanded financial wellness initiatives, scholarships for local students, and ongoing investments in communities across Northern New Mexico.
Organizational Growth
During the meeting, Zia reported strong 2025 results, including returning more than $3.6 million in interest and dividends directly to members and growing in asset size by 9.8%, allowing the credit union to expand services, lending opportunities, and financial wellness programs for members.
In 2025, Zia launched a new Youth Share Certificate, and in 2026, it has already begun rolling out new financial wellness tools on its website. Zia plans to continue expanding its services, investing in members at every stage of life.
Mortgage Lending Manager Sean Romero
As part of the updates shared during the Annual Meeting, Zia leaders highlighted continued investment in member services, including the addition of Mortgage Lending Manager Sean Romero.
Romero is an experienced leader and trusted partner for a range of mortgage lending needs.
Other updates shared at the Annual Meeting included progress on the renovation of the Los Alamos Branch, currently in the final stages.
Renovation of Zia Credit Union’s Los Alamos Branch is in the final stages at 1001 Central Ave. Courtesy/ZCU
Soon, members can visit Zia in person near the Cottonwood Mall in Albuquerque. In June, Zia plans to open a new branch at 3761 NM 528, Albuquerque, NM 87114.
Site of Zia’s newest branch, currently being remodeled, at 3761 NM 528 in Albuquerque. Courtesy/ZCU
Community Impact
The 2026 Annual Meeting demonstrated how Zia is translating growth into expanded community investment and member impact across Northern New Mexico.
Zia employees read to over 1,000 students during April’s New Mexico Credit Unions Read program, a partnership with local schools and the Credit Union Association of New Mexico.
This year, the Zia Credit Union Education Foundation awarded 20 scholarships to college-bound high school seniors from 13 area schools. Scholarship recipients were recognized during the Annual Meeting and empowered with tools for financial wellness.
To help fund scholarships and support the UNM Children’s Hospital Connected Academy (which provides instructional support to students receiving long-term care), Zia announced its upcoming Chip In 4 Kids charity golf tournament, set for Sept. 25, 2026, at the Los Alamos County Golf Course. learn more at https://www.ziacu.org/golftournament.
Leadership and Recognition
Zia Credit Union was proud to report that in May 2026, it was named Financial Institution of the Year by the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce Business Awards for the third consecutive year.
“This award comes from a community vote, and it shows the trust and support from our members,” Zia President/CEO Dwayne Herrera said. “It’s an honor, and one our team truly appreciates. We are proud to serve our members in New Mexico!”
Governance
Newly elected Board member Reyna Salyer attended the meeting, along with re-elected incumbent Matty Perez.
Newly elected board member Reyna Salyer, left, and re-elected incumbent Matty Perez. Courtesy/Zia
Guest Speaker
CUANM President/CEO Melia Heimbuck, Esq., spoke about the role credit unions play in strengthening New Mexico communities through financial empowerment and local investment. She highlighted Zia’s involvement in a cooperative fraud awareness campaign currently running throughout the state.
CUANM President/CEO Melia Heimbuck, Esq., addresses Zia’s members and guests at the 2026 Annual Meeting, emphasizing the importance of local not-for-profit credit unions. Courtesy/ZCU
Door Prize Winners
Zia shared an information booth, where guests learned more about Zia’s products and services, financial wellness, and fraud prevention and received tickets for door prizes. Six winners took home more knowledge about saving and managing money, as well as cash door prizes.
Door prize winners from left, Arturo Torres, Ruby Valdez, Rubel Martinez, Cheryl Chavez, Jeremy O’Dell, and Antonio Archuleta. Courtesy/Zia
“Zia will continue expanding programs for every stage of life throughout 2026, bringing even more value to our members while maintaining the high level of personal service our members expect,” President/CEO Herrera said.
Zia leaders said the credit union will continue expanding financial empowerment initiatives and community partnerships as it prepares to open its newest branch in Albuquerque this summer.