With a mission to serve their members and the communities they call home, Genisys Credit Union received the Community Hero Sunrise Pinnacle Award presented by the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Oakland University. 

“We share in this award with our members, our employees, and our community partners,” said Jackie Buchanan, President and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “We are inspired to continue our ‘Community Hero’ work to help build a better tomorrow for the greater Rochester community.”

The Community Hero Award, sponsored by Oakland University, is presented to an individual or business that has positively impacted the community or culture of the greater Rochester area. For over 20 years, the credit union has fostered partnerships that build strong community support by:

• Partnering with Paint Creek Center for the Arts to present the time-honored tradition of the Art & Apples Festival 
• Implementing a ‘Free Financial Library’ with the City of Rochester to provide access to financial literacy materials
• Co-presenting sponsor for a well-loved community tradition, the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade, bringing merriment and joy
• Sponsoring opportunities with the City of Rochester Hills for free and low cost fun at Van Hoosen Farms with Wet & Wild Wednesdays, Stone Wall Pumpkin Festival, and more
• Supporting the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department as donation sites to collect coats for their annual Coats for the Cold campaign to keep our neighbors warm during the winter months
• Enriching Downtown Rochester with excitement throughout the year as they partner with the Downtown Development Authority

The credit union also sponsored the Sunrise Pinnacle Young Professional of the Year Award, which was presented to Marina Burkhardt of Capital Lending. Founded by Buckhardt’s family in 2010, Capital Lending emphasized the importance of community involvement and relationship building - values that Marina embraces and embodies. This award is presented to an individual under 40 who shows an outstanding level of achievement, commitment, and presence in the community.

Congratulations to all award recipients at the 2025 Sunrise Pinnacle Awards!