Hillsborough Resident Race Chen Honored

Race Chen, board member at Patelco Credit Union in Pleasanton was among those honored at this year’s California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ REACH Conference.
Chen, a Hillsborough resident, received the Leagues’ J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award, which honors significant contributions by people who serve credit unions in volunteer capacities, such as a board director or committee member. It was renamed in 2013 in honor of the long-time credit union volunteer, J. Alvin George, who passed away that same year. He was honored during the annual meeting and convention for the Ontario, CA-based trade association for the two states, held Nov. 6-9 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
Chen has served as a volunteer for Patelco Credit Union since 1996. During that time, he has held several positions, starting with Credit Committee, and then moving to the Supervisory Committee and Board of Directors.
He has also been very active as a member of the Board of Governors for the California Credit Union League’s El Camino Chapter, heading many committees and participating enthusiastically in all chapter functions including many charitable fundraisers for industry as well as community events. He helped the chapter organize a pledge drive and collect funds for the North Bay Fire victims and was instrumental in the chapter collecting backpacks and funds for the San Mateo County Backpack event. More than 500 backpacks for low-income kids were collected from several Bay Area credit unions.
Chen is an active participant at various advocacy events, including the League’s Government Relations Rally in Sacramento, CA as well as visits to the Hill in Washington D.C. and in Sacramento. He also has visited regularly with local legislators in their respective districts.
“Race keeps up with credit union industry issues and is well versed on local and national matters. He is Patelco’s “go-to” government affairs representative, “ said Patelco Credit Union CEO Erin Mendez.
He’s also been involved with Patelco’s many community outreach events, including volunteering at the San Mateo Food Bank.
Chen was flattered by the award.
“It is my honor to receive the J. Alvin George Volunteer Award,” he said. “There are many other credit union volunteers who also worked tirelessly for the movement and I like to salute them all.”

PHOTO CAPTION: California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues President and CEO Diana Dykstra (right) presents the Leagues’ J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award to Race Chen, a Hillsborough resident and board member with Patelco Credit Union in Pleasanton.