YORKTON – Larry Malinowski was honoured with the 2023 Lifetime Co-operative Achievement Award at the Co-operative Merit Awards Ceremony held at TCU Place in Saskatoon on Oct. 16, 2023.
Malinowski’s journey with the Credit Union System began in his early 20s and was among the youngest directors on the board when he joined Theodore Credit Union.
Over the course of 49 years, he has been an integral part of the system, contributing significantly to its growth and development, read a release from the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association.
“I have many memories of my time in the credit union system,” Malinowski told Yorkton This Week, adding, “participating in the development of a collaboration agreement with Conexus, Innovation and Cornerstone Credit Unions, and working with consultant management and others in developing and revamping our new governance system are some of the highlights.”
Malinowski’s tenure was marked by his love for learning and his appreciation for the intelligent and good people within the Credit Union System.
“Change gave me the opportunity to learn and I love learning to this very day,” said Malinowski.
At 75, Malinowski retired last year after serving as president of the Cornerstone Credit Union board for almost 20 of his 49 years.
“It is a very evolving job and I just felt it was time for some new blood,” said Malinowski.
His leadership was instrumental in navigating the difficult governance and operational decisions when Theodore Credit Union entered into amalgamation discussions with Cornerstone Credit Union in 2004, according the release.
Malinowski helped revamp the Cornerstone governance structure and was a key part of a team that developed a skills assessment matrix. This tool was used to inventory existing director competencies and identify the skills needed by current and newly-recruited directors in the future.
Even after retiring from the Cornerstone board in 2022, Malinowski continues as a member of Cornerstone Credit Union and Legacy Co-operative Association.
His legacy includes a unique collaboration agreement between Cornerstone, Conexus, and Innovation credit unions, which resulted in sharing resources like internal audits and developing a wealth management subsidiary.
Each credit union gained superior products, which was especially important for a smaller credit unions like Cornerstone.
“To be selected as a recipient is a great honour for me,” said Malinowski. He expressed his gratitude to the directors, management and staff who guided and supported him throughout his journey, as well as his wife, Luanne.
