Keith Baskett: from flight deck to board room. Jul 22, 2026 By Jennifer L. Warren HYDE PARK - Keith Baskett reflects deeply, a distinct glint in his eyes, as he ponders the unequivocal, intertwined variables existing between two, seemingly opposite positions: flying airplanes and overseeing a board of a large, pivotal, and transformative financial institution. "Whether you're flying a Boeing 787 or chairing a board, leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room," affirms Baskett. It's about building trust, asking good questions, and helping a great team to succeed." Baskett, who has been a pilot for United Airlines for the past 31 years, a career path he dreamt about and singularly focused upon since five years old, was recently voted the Chairman of the Board of the Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU). It's an esteemed honor and privilege that the 20 year Hyde Park resident Baskett does not take lightly, and could not be more excited to delve into with commitments to service and empowerment at the forefront. "I want to be able to empower our members; income creates opportunity, but financial education creates lasting wealth, such as through entrepreneurship, home ownership and financial literacy," Baskett said about the 63 year old strong and growing HVCU track record of success which currently has 40 branches in the Hudson Valley and Capital District. "Every member deserves to feel that their financial institution believes in their future." Taking his own flying career advice from his "five year old version of himself," Baskett clearly recalls as a youth frequently flying with his parents to see his grandparents, providing critical exposure to the aviation filed and pilots, allowing him to say, "I want to do this." He further points to the firmly planted 1989 roots of altruism and mentorship his Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity provided, inciting him-to this day- in his new HVCU Chairman role. "It's always been important to me to mentor others, whether it's people in the flight deck or any other professional capacity, guiding with full intention," said Baskett, who continues to proactively guide youth through his Kappa Alpha Psi's 10 year old Beyond the Dream Foundation. "I've been doing this since college with my fraternity where I really learned about giving back and leadership." To that end, Baskett has a clear path of action, a crystal vision with a foundation that stands strong upon HVCU's overall mission. Intent on communicating transparently as well as governing responsibly, Baskett aspires to prioritize respecting every person's voice as well as commit to always putting members first. For Baskett, it's these interconnected pieces of the overall vision- if accomplished- that would equate to success. "I want to have continuity with each of these things, allowing for sliding into the role as Chairman without making changes to negatively impact or manage the organization," explained Baskett. Rather, I want to provide oversight and keep on providing what Hudson Valley Press has been doing, continuing to remain financially strong." With a membership of 400,000, HVCU continues to grow and flourish. More excitement is brewing with the birth of the HVCU Charity Foundation. A $10 million endowment over the last three years has resulted in 80 grant recipients. The Foundation, focusing upon four key facets: Food security, education, health and housing, is yet another reason for Baskett- a Board Member since 2022- to wholeheartedly believe in and dream big when it comes to the potential of HVCU. It lies at the epicenter of the unique concept of a credit union, one merging members directly with the overall betterment of their communities as well as themselves. And it's something whose dynamic, infinite possibilities put a broad smile on Baskett's face. "It's about economic empowerment for people; I accepted the Chairmanship because I believe healthy institutions strengthen communities," said Baskett, elaborating upon the strength mined from every family who buys a home, every student who learns financial responsibility, every entrepreneur who starts a business and every nonprofit HVCU supports, as he reflects upon that vision. "Being part of that mission is both an honor and responsibility." It's also a deep passion, one inextricably tied to a lifelong dedication of service. Pondering further about his latest role to give back to community, the veteran pilot and proud mentor Baskett relays the nugget that encapsulates his guiding objective. "My goal is to leave Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union stronger than I found it."

Digging into the community: Hudson Valley Credit Union participates in 518 Day, plants positive change in the Capital Region. June 1, 2026 Underscoring its commitment to community philanthropy, Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) partnered with United Way of the Greater Capital Region to participate in 518 Day, an annual day of service on May 18 that supports upstate nonprofits and local businesses through volunteer efforts. As part of the initiative, HVCU employees worked together to beautify the property at Hope 7 Community Center, a Troy-based organization that provides a food pantry, after-school programming and summer camp to local residents. "What a gift it was to have Hudson Valley Credit Union volunteers and Hope 7 board members beautify our outdoor space together," said Holly Cargill-Cramer, executive director at Hope 7. "The children we care for are looking forward to helping maintain the beautiful flower boxes provided and filled, thanks to the generous donors and volunteers organized by United Way for 518 Day." HVCU's philosophy is that teamwork should extend beyond office walls and into the communities it serves, so it can make an impact in areas like the Capital Region. In addition to driving change through meaningful hands-on experiences, HVCU regularly gives back through the Hudson Valley Credit Union Charitable Foundation's annual grant program, which distributed $550,000 across New York in 2025. "Hope 7, HVCU and United Way share a common purpose when it comes to helping families secure and retain financial stability," added Cargill-Cramer. "It was a true pleasure to work with these like-minded organizations." Pictured on-site at Hope 7 during planting, weeding and more are HVCU team members. From left: Zarrita Triolo, branch supervisor, and Charlotte Sevazlian, relationship advisor, both from the Halfmoon branch; Armin Kuzelj, supervisor at the Niskayuna branch; Erin Phelan, supervisor of the Colonie branch; and Lee Mulligan, relationship advisor for the Green Island branch. About Hudson Valley Credit Union: A trusted, community-based financial cooperative, Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) has continuously supported its members, friends, families and the regions it serves in building successful financial futures since 1963. Committed to fostering financial freedom, HVCU serves more than 400,000 members across 40 branches in 13 counties. From personal banking to business services, the credit union offers an array of financial services and innovative digital solutions, including internship and scholarship programs, financial literacy workshops and program grants. For more information, visit www.hvcu.org or follow HVCU on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.