South Bend-based Everwise Credit Union selected Katie Cortes as winner of the David R. Sage Exemplary Leadership and Service Award.
Cortes serves as manager of the bank’s Chesterton and Valparaiso South branches. The annual award recognizes Everwise employees who demonstrate the leadership and values of former board chairman David Sage. Sage served in Everwise leadership for nearly four decades.
Award winners are nominated by fellow employees and selected by the executive management team.
Cortes joined Everwise in 2018 as a teller. She was promoted to assistant manager for two Valparaiso locations in 2019. In 2021, Cortes was promoted to her current position.
Cortes’ colleagues describe her as an inspiring leader who exemplifies the values of the credit union.
“The success of my team, the morale and accomplishments of our branches and our dedication to delivering exceptional service to our members – helping them achieve their financial goals – are at the heart of everything I do,” Cortes said in a press release.
Cortes also serves on the board of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce and leads networking initiatives like the Chamber's monthly Business Bingo Night. She is a member of the Chamber’s finance committee and serves as the Chair of the Ambassador committee.
Cortes frequently represents Everwise at community events. Since 2021, she has collaborated with Chesterton High School’s internship program, mentoring local students to enhance their financial knowledge.
Cortes was nominated for a Northwest Influential Women Association’s Influential Women Award in 2022 and 2024.
Everwise Credit Union operates 50 branches throughout Indiana and southwest Michigan. Founded in 1931, the credit union serves more than 300,000 members.
