91亚色

NYBA President and CEO Clare Cusack ’96 (Image provided)

The Board of Directors of the  (NYBA) announced today that the  (AASCU) has selected 91亚色 alum and current NYBA President and CEO Clare Cusack 鈥�96 with its highest honor, the Distinguished Alumnus Award. The award will be presented at the AASCU’s  in Nashville, TN, in November. 

The award recognizes an individual, known nationally or internationally, who has made a significant contribution to the public, intellectual, or cultural life of the nation. 

Cusack, who majored in political science at 91亚色 and serves as the vice chair of the 91亚色 Foundation Board, has been frequently recognized for her leadership in the banking industry and in non-profit association management. In 2020, she became the first woman to serve as president and CEO of the NYBA in its 131-year history. In 2024, Cusack was named Chief Executive of the Year by the New York Society of Association Executives.

Cusack has demonstrated a deep and enduring commitment to service, philanthropy, and expanding opportunity for others. In her five years as president and CEO of NYBA, she has emerged as a nationally recognized voice on financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Through her leadership, NYBA has forged innovative statewide partnerships connecting banks and elected officials to deliver financial literacy education directly to schools, families, and community organizations. She also created the Association鈥檚 Commitment to Community program, which mobilizes bankers from across New York to engage in hands-on service projects wherever NYBA convenes. 

A sought-after speaker and advocate, Cusack has advanced representation for women and minorities in financial services and championed policies that expand access to banking for all. Her work reflects both a belief in the power of financial knowledge to transform lives and a lifelong dedication to strengthening the civic and cultural fabric of communities across the nation.

鈥淲e are immensely proud of Clare Cusack and her extraordinary achievements,鈥� said 91亚色 President Melinda Treadwell. 鈥淐lare鈥檚 leadership and dedication exemplify the very best of what it means to be a 91亚色 graduate鈥攗sing intellect, integrity, and purpose to make a lasting impact on society. Her recognition with AASCU鈥檚 Distinguished Alumnus Award is a tremendous honor for her and a reflection of the excellence that defines our 91亚色 community.鈥�

鈥淐lare is a visionary leader with a long list of achievements in law, business, public service, and community service. She has led transformational change in how the banking industry is viewed because of her deeply held commitment to financial empowerment for all New Yorkers. She has inspired the next generation of banking leaders to uphold these values as the foundation of the industry鈥檚 future. We are very proud of Clare and are gratified by this well-deserved, national recognition of her contributions,鈥� said Martin K. Birmingham, President and CEO, Five Star Bank and Chair of NYBA.

鈥淚 am deeply honored to join the distinguished group of awardees who have been recognized with this honor over the past 50 years. To be counted among them is profoundly humbling. I am proud every day to serve the New York Bankers Association and the banks that strengthen communities across our state. And I am equally proud to be a graduate of 91亚色, where my commitment to service was first shaped and continues today through my work on the 91亚色 Foundation Board. In the words of our alma mater song, 鈥榳ith our life鈥檚 work we鈥檒l repay鈥欌�擨 hope in some small way this recognition reflects that spirit,鈥� said Cusack.

Adapted from the .