Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals recently recognized John Bratsakis, President and CEO of the MD|DC Credit Union Association for his contributions as the Chair of the CU4Kids Advisory Board for the last four years.

The Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) National Advisory Board serves as a liaison and advocate for the mission of CU4Kids and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) to the credit union industry. With nearly 30 years of credit union experience, Bratsakis brings a high level of credit union advocacy and fundraising experience to the program. Advisory Board members leverage their combined network and collaborate on ways to improve fundraising efforts for CU4Kids and help spread the word on the mission of CMN Hospitals. Eight years ago, when Bratsakis first joined the Advisory Board, the foundation of the board stood out to him as a huge opportunity to talk about the impact that CU4kids was/is making and what methods they’re using to get there.

Bratsakis explains what keeps him motivated:

“If I’m going to put my time and effort into something, I’m going to be invested. Hearing families stories about their experiences with CMN Hospitals makes me so thankful that there is a place for these children to go.”

Samantha Paxson, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Co-op Solutions has seen first hand Bratsakis’ commitment.

“I’m proud to work closely with John on the CU4Kids Advisory Board and I can tell you first-hand that he is integral to the success of the program. The fundraising he champions is substantial but the strategic direction he’s steered the program in might be even more valuable. His emphasis to not overcomplicate things, lead with cooperation, and invest our time and energy into things that help credit unions make a community impact have allowed CU4Kids to set a fundraising record in 2022 with $14.6m raised.”

Bratsakis also serves on the Corporate Advisory Council at Children’s National where Meredith Demeria is Senior Associate Director for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“John is an unwavering champion of Children’s National Hospital, Washington DC’s local CMN Hospital.  He has served on our Corporate Advisory Council for over 5 years, contributing his time and expertise alongside other executive leaders, to support the hospital’s most critical fundraising initiatives. John truly embodies the credit union commitment to the communities they serve. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as a partner.” 

Click here to read an article highlighting John’s work recently posted by Children’s National

According to the CUNA, credit unions are the fifth largest annual donor to CMN Hospitals and the third largest lifetime donor, having raised more than $180 million since 1996. Bratsakis attributes this successful partnership to credit unions ability to work collaboratively with their communities and partners and support both members and non-members during good times and bad.

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