Leadership Transition Announced for CU4Kids Advisory Board
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Shares New Chair and Vice Chair to Guide Credit Unions Partnership
Salt Lake City, UT (September 3, 2025) — Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) today announced a leadership transition for its Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) Advisory Board. After years of dedicated service, John Bratsakis, President & CEO of the Maryland & DC Credit Union Association, has completed his term as Chair. Stepping into the role as the new Chairperson is Caroline Willard, President & CEO of the Cornerstone League.
Bratsakis has played an instrumental role in advancing CU4Kids’ mission to engage the credit union movement in fundraising efforts that support children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. Under his leadership, CU4Kids achieved significant milestones, improving the long-term sustainability of the program and year-after-year fundraising records. In his tenure, CU4Kids increased from $10.3 million raised annually to $18.7 million. In addition to his work with the national program, he also spearheads the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run – which has raised nearly $12 million for CMN Hospitals since 2002.
“John’s leadership has left a lasting impact on our shared mission,” said Aimee J. Daily, Ph.D., President & CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “His passion for the credit union movement has been instrumental in strengthening Credit Unions for Kids. His efforts have helped us provide vital support for local children’s hospitals, laying a strong foundation for future growth. We are deeply grateful for his dedicated service.”
Caroline Willard now assumes the role of Chairperson, bringing her deep industry expertise and commitment to the CU4Kids mission. As President & CEO of the Cornerstone League, Willard has long been a champion of credit union advocacy and social impact, having served as Vice Chair of the CU4Kids National Advisory Board for the past year. In 2024, she founded and hosted the inaugural Bourbon, BBQ & Bands event, which raised an incredible $600,000 for CMN Hospitals. The second event is set for October 30, 2025 in Fort Worth, TX.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue the incredible work John has championed,” said Willard. “CU4Kids is a powerful example of the credit union difference—when we come together, we can transform the lives of children and families in our communities.”
In addition, Chris Roe, SVP of Corporate and Legislative Affairs at TruStage, will begin his tenure as the Vice Chair of the Credit Unions for Kids Advisory Board. Chris has been a supporter of CU4Kids for over 15 years, beginning when he was a member of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run organizing committee. He has also been a member of the national CU4Kids Advisory Board for over five years.
“Chris has been a real difference maker for the CU4Kids program, playing an active role on our national Advisory Board and supporting many of our regional events,” says Nick Coleman, Director of Credit Unions for Kids. “I’m grateful Chris has agreed to step up in a prominent way to help us improve the lives of many families across the country.”
CU4Kids, the credit union industry’s charity of choice, has raised more than $200 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals since its inception. The Advisory Board plays a critical role in guiding strategy, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the program’s impact nationwide.
For more information about CU4Kids and how credit unions can get involved, visit www.CU4Kids.org
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals:
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. We’ve raised over $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we’re not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services.
Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.
Media Contact:
Christina Vitale
Communications Manager
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
O: 801-214-7400
C: 908-839-2152
cvitale@cmnhospitals.org
CMNHospitals.org