November 3, 2025
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) Financial Education Supervisor, Rachel Downs and Regional HR Business Partner, Carrie Halvorson, have been named Royal’s 2025 Positive Impact Award winners. The Positive Impact Awards are Royal’s highest team member recognition for a leader and team member who have truly gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on Royal’s Members, team members, and communities.
Leader Positive Impact Award – Rachel Downs
Downs is a standout leader whose impact resonates across her team, Royal, and the broader community. She guides the Financial Education Representative and High School Teller teams with humility, empathy, and intentionality while consistently exemplifying Royal’s core values. She fosters a family-like culture and goes the extra mile to support her team’s growth both professionally and personally. Downs’s dedication is evident in her ongoing involvement, such as attending High School Tellers’ events and even providing transportation when needed. Under her guidance, team members feel more connected, supported, and inspired to pursue meaningful work. Her actions reflect a deep commitment to building relationships and creating a positive impact in the lives she touches.
“Rachel’s leadership is a powerful example of Royal’s values in action,” said Royal President and CEO, Brandon Riechers. “She goes above and beyond to support her team and students, creating meaningful connections that embody the spirit of Royal. We are proud to recognize her with Royal’s 2025 Leader Positive Impact Award.”
Team Member Positive Impact Award – Carrie Halvorson
Halvorson has made a meaningful impact on Royal’s Talent Services Team and the broader organization through her dedication, expertise, and commitment to Royal’s success. Over the past year, she has balanced day-to-day responsibilities with large-scale projects, serving as Interim Recruitment & Retention Manager, stepping into a new Regional HR Business Partner role, and supporting the Compensation team. As a natural connector, Halvorson builds cross-department relationships, mentors generously, and collaborates with purpose. Her thoughtful listening and curiosity help her offer guidance aligned with Royal’s goals, making her a trusted advisor and a source of support for peers. Her professionalism, positivity, and passion for Royal’s mission inspire those around her.
“Carrie consistently goes above and beyond in her role, not only excelling in her responsibilities but also uplifting those around her,” shared Riechers. “Her contributions truly reflect the values of Royal, and we are honored to acknowledge her with Royal’s 2025 Team Member Positive Impact Award.”
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 300,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. A complete list of Member eligibility requirements is available on the Royal Credit Union website. To learn more about Royal, visit rcu.org or call 800-341-9911.
