Chief Financial Credit Union president and CEO Tom Dluzen was honored at the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Silver and Gold Awards on December 6. Dluzen received the Detroit Pistons Game Changer Award, which recognizes an individual who is changing the way business is done or making a significant contribution to the community.

“It is a privilege to recognize Tom Dluzen as one of our Silver and Gold Award winners,” said Jean Jernigan, president of the Auburn Hills chamber. “Tom has been a mentor and inspiration to many, and numerous people can attribute their professional growth to his leadership and guidance.”

During the COVID-19 crisis, Dluzen steered Chief Financial as the credit union continued to serve its members and communities. Under his leadership, Chief Financial was able to pause loan due dates for 90 days for over 13,000 members, pivot resources to help over 50 organizations with PPP loans, and provide service to members of other local credit unions forced to close during the early days of the pandemic.

Dluzen is no stranger to leading in times of uncertainty. When he joined Chief Financial in 2010, the credit union was just months away from potentially having to close its doors due to the ongoing financial crisis. Over the past 11 years, he has led Chief Financial to nearly $100 million in organic asset growth.

“I am truly honored to receive this award from the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Detroit Pistons, but I also want to shine a light on the incredible team we have at Chief. Our employees have stepped up over the past two years when our members needed it the most,” said Dluzen. “We look forward to continuing to serve our members and communities in 2022!”

About Chief Financial
Chief Financial Credit Union is committed to empowering financial success and inspiring creative philanthropy throughout each community it serves. Chief Financial has been meeting the needs of its members since 1941 with branch locations in Birmingham, Dearborn, Pontiac and Rochester Hills, Michigan. Chief Financial is also the official credit union of Leader Dogs for the Blind and Rochester University. For more information, visit www.chiefonline.com