Hamilton, ON – May 2026 – The Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) is proud to announce Anthony Piscitelli as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership, advocacy, and longstanding commitment to advancing the credit union and co-operative movement across Ontario.
Anthony has dedicated nearly two decades of service to Ontario’s credit union system through governance leadership, education, research, and advocacy. As Board Chair of Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU), he has played an instrumental role in major organizational milestones, including the 2016 merger between Community First and YNCU and the 2025 amalgamation between Comtech Fire and YNCU. Throughout his tenure, he has championed governance excellence, co-operative values, and innovation within the sector.
Beyond his work at YNCU, Anthony has made a profound impact across the broader credit union system. He helped establish the Ontario Directors’ Forum Co-operative Inc., strengthening the sustainability and long-term governance of director education and collaboration in Ontario. He has also contributed nationally through his work with the Canadian Credit Union Association, developing and delivering governance workshops for credit union leaders across Canada.
A professor and researcher at Conestoga College, Anthony’s work focuses on co-operative governance, social innovation, and the role credit unions can play in addressing issues such as housing affordability. His research, writing, and speaking engagements continue to influence governance practices and strengthen the co-operative sector both nationally and internationally.
While accepting the award, Anthony reflected on the personal journey that first connected him to the credit union system.
“When I first got involved in the credit union here in Waterloo, that was because my mom was a longtime board member at our credit union Cataract,” he shared. “When I went to university in Waterloo, one of my first tasks – and she made sure I did it during my first week here – was to go and find a local credit union.”
Anthony also spoke about the importance of family support in his volunteer leadership journey.
“I want to thank my wife. This is a hobby for me, and it’s a hobby that I am quite aware generates a lot of extra work for my wife, and I greatly appreciate her support in letting me do this.”
In an emotional moment, Anthony noted that the day of the award presentation would have been his mother’s 74th birthday.
“I’m very touched to receive the award today. It’s something that I think my mom would be very proud of – that our family has continued the credit union legacy involvement.”
The OCUF Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding and meritorious service to Ontario’s credit union system through leadership, advocacy, governance, and a deep commitment to co-operative values. Anthony’s contributions exemplify the spirit and purpose of the award.
The Ontario Credit Union Foundation is incredibly proud to recognize Anthony Piscitelli for his remarkable contributions to the credit union system and his unwavering commitment to strengthening communities through co-operative leadership. His impact will continue to be felt across Ontario and the broader credit union sector for years to come.
button