DALLAS — Linda Winkfein, a longtime executive with the Texas Credit Union League and later the Cornerstone CU League, died Monday evening after suffering a heart attack.
She was with TCUL/Cornerstone for 16 years. The league noted that Winkfein held various positions of increasing responsibility, including VP of small credit union development — a position she held since 2010.
"Many of us have known Linda for a long time and had the pleasure to work alongside her and share in her passion for life and for the credit union movement," said Cornerstone CEO Dick Ensweiler. "We will miss her dearly."
In 2012 the Texas CU League developed a
A Credit Union Life
According to the Cornerstone CUL, Winkfein was a Certified Credit Union Executive. Prior to becoming an employee of Cornerstone, Winkfein served on its board of directors. She was first elected in 1991, and served on the board for seven years. At that time, she worked for Dallas CU.
Dee Pennington, CEO of Dallas CU, told the Cornerstone League Winkfein served the members of the credit union from 1979 to 1998. Her last position at the credit union was executive vice president.
"Linda has had such a strong influence on me. She was an exceptional leader, mentor and credit union advocate," said Pennington. "She cared deeply about the success of our members, the credit union and the movement. She wasn't just an employee. She was my friend."
During her tenure at Dallas CU, Winkfein was active in the Dallas Chapter of Credit Unions. She was president of the chapter in 1989.
"Linda was on the board when I came to the League; in fact, she was on the CEO Selection Committee," Ensweiler recalled. "Linda was always dedicated, positive, and looking to the future."
A memorial service will be held Feb. 20 at First Baptist Church of Forney, in Forney, Texas. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation.
