Capitola, CA – May 5, 2026 - Bay Federal Credit Union is proud to announce that President and CEO Carrie Birkhofer has been named a 2026 Silicon Valley Business Journal Woman of Influence. 

This recognition is one of the region’s notable honors for women in leadership, celebrating executive, business, education, nonprofit, and community leaders for professional achievement and community impact. Since launching in 2005, the Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Woman of Influence awards program has honored more than 1,500 women across the region. 

Ms. Birkhofer’s selection reflects a career defined by steady leadership, thoughtful growth, and deep commitment to the people Bay Federal serves. Since becoming President and CEO in 1995, she has led the credit union from $70 million in assets to nearly $2 billion, while expanding Bay Federal’s presence across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties and strengthening its role as the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. 

“I am honored to be included among this year’s Silicon Valley Business Journal Woman of Influence honorees,” said Carrie Birkhofer, President and CEO of Bay Federal Credit Union. “This recognition is only possible due to the many people I work with who inspire me to do better as we collectively serve our community. I am proud of the team at Bay Federal and grateful for the members, volunteers, and community partners who care deeply about making a real difference.” 

Under Ms. Birkhofer’s leadership, Bay Federal has earned recognition as a Bay Area Best Places to Work winner multiple times and as the nation’s number one Best Credit Union to Work for by Credit Union Journal in 2019. She is also deeply involved in local service and education, including her long-standing work with the Scotts Valley Rotary Club, the Cabrillo College Foundation, and her role as Treasurer on the Salinas Valley Health Foundation Board of Governance. 

Ms. Birkhofer’s previous honors include being named Woman of the Year by the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and being inducted into the Monterey Bay Business Hall of Fame in 2023. 

About Bay Federal Credit Union 

Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 97,000 members, including 3,100 local businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties. With more than $1.8 billion in assets, Bay Federal is the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. The organization has been proudly serving its members and the community since 1957. Bay Federal is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, with a primary mission of promoting community development alongside their financial activities. Bay Federal has an award-winning employee volunteer program in which employees have given their own money and volunteer for numerous local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community events each year. 

Contact: Mark Ely, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer  
Bay Federal Credit Union 

831.477.8608 
mely@bayfed.com