Carole and Michelle with their medals after the award ceremony.

January 20, 2023

BRANDON, MB – At an awards ceremony held this week, Fusion Credit Union’s Chief Innovation Officer, Michelle Mazurkewich and Board Director, Carole Shankaruk, both received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for their dedication to public service. 

The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal program honors individuals who have made significant contributions and achievements throughout Manitoba.  From June 2022 onwards, 1,000 medals will be awarded to deserving Manitobans to mark the 70th anniversary of Her Late Majesty’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. 

“The Board, Executive and staff at Fusion Credit Union are so proud of Michelle and Carole for this amazing accomplishment,” states Richard Dereniwski, Board Chair of Fusion Credit Union.  “To be recognized at this level is a true testament to the passion and commitment they both have for their communities. We are fortunate to have Michelle and Carole volunteering on boards and working on projects that are making a difference in our province.” 

As the Chief Innovation Officer at Fusion Credit Union, Michelle oversees Corporate Governance and Strategy and leads the Information Technology, Systems, Wealth Management, Insurance and Real Estates teams.  She was a founding member of the Frosting Foundation, a non-profit organization that provided Birthday party supplies to children in hospitals, a Board Director for Peter Pan Day Nursery School and the Field of Dreams Fundraising Coordinator for Countryfest Community Cinema. 

“Michelle has such a kind heart and always thinks of others before herself,” says Darwin Johns, CEO of Fusion.  “She leads her team with respect and dignity. Michelle also demonstrates Fusion’s commitment to supporting our communities through her volunteer efforts.  She inspires us all to give back and make positive contributions to projects and organizations.  Congratulations to Michelle on this well-deserved recognition.” 

An active volunteer, Carole joined the Fusion Board in 2021.  Carole collaboratively works with the Board of Directors, assisting with the governance and management of the organization.  Currently, she is the Indigenous Education Facilitator for Mountain View School Division and volunteers as a Board Member for the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Kids Help Phone. 

“Carole brings extensive knowledge and experience to the Board from her work and volunteer roles,” says Richard Dereniwski, Board Chair at Fusion.  “Her innovative leadership qualities have provided significant contributions and perspectives to both Fusion and her community.  Her efforts with school divisions, healthcare and youth organizations are improving the lives of others and making a real difference in our province.  On behalf of the Board at Fusion Credit Union, we want to congratulate Carole on this outstanding achievement.” 

More information regarding the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal can be found at www.news.gov.mb.ca

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WE ARE FUSION CREDIT UNION. Fusion is a full-service financial institution serving over 32,000 members across 18 branches in the Parkland and southwestern Manitoba. Collectively, we believe the future of our communities lies in our shared ability to be creative, to aspire to new things, to create and embrace new economic opportunities, while remaining grounded in our values. Individually, people who are financially confident have more freedom to live their lives on their own terms.  We actively support our members to achieve and increase their financial confidence through financial literacy programs in schools, in branches, and on-line. At Fusion, we keep the success and wellness of our members and our communities in the forefront of all our decisions, at all levels. We see this as the basis of our success.