Zia Credit Union leadership from left, Louise Drisdale, Executive Assistant to the President/CEO; Robert Valerio – Chief Lending Officer; Albinita Romero – Vice President of Operations; Baby Matousek – Vice President of Human Resources; Tom Tierney – Board Treasurer; Matty Perez – Board Secretary; Gary Bobolsky – Board Member-at-Large; Rick Garcia – Supervisory Committee Secretary; Lawrence Gutierrez – Board Vice Chair; JC Garcia – Board Chairman; Richard Roybal – Board Member-at-Large; Valerie Martinez – Vice President of Member Experience; Dwayne Herrera – President & CEO; Jimi Montoya – Supervisory Committee Chairman and Paul Johnson – Vice President & CFO. Courtesy/Zia
Zia President/CEO Dwayne Herrera with his team, holds the 2024 Financial Institution of the Year Award presented at a celebration by the Chamber of Commerce at Ashley Pond. Courtesy/Zia
Zia President/CEO Dwayne Herrera
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
2024 was an incredible year for Zia Credit Union, and Zia President/CEO Dwayne Herrera said the many honors are owed to all of Zia’s members, as well as “the amazing people who have built and supported this credit union over the decades.”
A National Honor
Zia CU Marketing and Business Development Manager Mandy See said Zia also was named one of America’s Best Credit Unions in New Mexico by Newsweek. This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without our members, who inspire us every day to provide better service, innovative products, and genuine support. It’s because of your loyalty and belief in Zia Credit Union that we continue to thrive.”
Herrera said, “As we prepare to celebrate our 70th Anniversary in 2025, we are filled with gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in us and for everyone who has contributed to our success. In 2024, we were honored to receive several awards, and every one of them reflects the dedication of our members, team, and leadership. We are proud of the impact we make in our members’ lives, with personal service, great rates, and the best in financial products. We are looking forward to the next 70 years, to continued growth, and to helping our communities live better.”
Celebrating Local Achievements Together
ZIA CU also received the 2024 Financial Institution of the Year Award from the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce. This award reflects the strength of its community ties and the trust earned from members who voted in the Chamber’s community survey that selected Zia.
“It’s an honor to serve Los Alamos, and every county in our field of membership, helping our neighbors achieve financial goals and supporting local causes that make a difference,” See said.
Zia was nominated for the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award as well. This nomination is another reminder of the shared success between Zia Credit Union and the communities it serve, See said.
Gratitude for the Team Behind the Scenes
See explained that the company knows none of this would have been possible without the dedication of the “incredible team”.
“From the friendly faces you see at our branches to the staff working behind the scenes, every team member plays a crucial role in delivering the service and care you deserve,” she said. “We also want to recognize and thank our past and present board members and leadership teams. These individuals have shaped Zia Credit Union over the years, guiding us with wisdom and vision. Their leadership and commitment have laid the foundation for our success today.”
Honoring 70 Years of Service
As Zia reflects on its 69-year history, See said they are humbled by how far they’ve come.
“From our earliest days in 1955 to this most awarded year, we’ve been driven by one mission: to empower our members and strengthen our communities,” she said. “Every step of the way, our members, team, and leaders have been the reason for our success.”
Looking Ahead
This year, in 2025, Zia will celebrate its 70th Anniversary, a milestone made possible by all of it members, team and leaders, See said.
“We are more inspired than ever to continue growing, innovating and giving back to the communities we call home,” she said. “From all of us at Zia Credit Union, thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’ve built something truly special, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. Here’s to 70 years of service, success, and community—and to many more to come!”