San Diego Business Journal Award Recognizes Excellence in Leadership

Wheelhouse Credit Union (Wheelhouse) is proud to announce that President & CEO Lisa Paul-Hill was named San Diego Business Journal’s 2024 business non-profit CEO of the Year. The publication’s annual award program recognizes CEOs in the San Diego area for their contributions to company growth, leadership, and community involvement.

Ms. Paul-Hill received the award for her exceptional leadership and commitment to Wheelhouse members and the San Diego community. With 30 years of credit union experience, Ms. Paul-Hill has served as President & CEO of Wheelhouse since 2017. During her tenure in the role, she has guided the Credit Union through a name and brand change to Wheelhouse, continuing to serve the banking needs of its municipal and community members while expanding into the sustainability sector with a focus on solar and energy efficient financing. She was also named to the San Diego Business Journal’s 2024 50 Over 50 Women of Influence recognizing women business leaders making an impact in San Diego. A graduate of the University of San Diego, she has spent the last 13 years volunteering for Make-A-Wish® San Diego and currently serves as its Board Chair.

“I am honored to receive this recognition among so many outstanding leaders in the San Diego community,” Ms. Paul-Hill said. “I couldn’t be more proud of what our entire Wheelhouse team has achieved together to provide an outstanding experience for our Members and make a positive impact on our community. After serving San Diego for the past nine decades, we look forward to continuing to grow and thrive for many years to come.”

Under Ms. Paul-Hill’s leadership, the Credit Union’s assets have grown 67% and membership has increased 75%, while establishing itself as offering a premier banking experience to San Diegans. The Credit Union’s award-winning Solar and Energy Efficiency financing have made Wheelhouse the top solar loan provider in San Diego. Green energy financing demonstrates Wheelhouse’s commitment to supporting San Diego’s move to 100% clean energy by 2035.

Ms. Paul-Hill’s commitment to member service is equaled by her dedication to ensuring Wheelhouse is giving back to the San Diego community. In 2023, the Credit Union established the D. Cruz Gonzalez Memorial Grant supporting the most in-need local communities, with its inaugural grant given to Cesar Chavez Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Southcrest. The Credit Union also proudly supports non-profit organizations, including Make-A-Wish® San Diego, the San Diego Police Foundation, I Love a Clean San Diego, Rady Children’s Hospital, Balboa Park’s San Diego Automotive Museum, the Arbor Day Foundation, and the Jacob’s Center for Neighborhood Innovation, among others. In addition, the Credit Union offers two distinct college scholarship programs to recognize and reward exceptional students who demonstrate leadership traits, commitment to public service, and a desire to make a positive impact on their communities.