January 30, 2026
Tech Credit Union announces the appointment of Steven A. Minchuk and Randy Palmateer to its Board of Directors, reinforcing the credit union’s long-standing commitment to organized labor, working families, and the communities it serves across Northwest Indiana and Illinois.
The addition of Minchuk and Palmateer brings decades of union leadership, public service, and regional advocacy to Tech Credit Union’s Board, strengthening the organization’s ability to support current members while expanding access and engagement for future generations of union households.
Steven Minchuk is a lifelong Merrillville resident with more than 24 years as a union member and a career rooted in public service and workforce advocacy. He currently serves as President of the Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation (AFL-CIO), representing 23 counties, 58 affiliated unions, and more than 24,000 union members throughout the region. His leadership experience includes service on the Ross Township Board, as President of the Merrillville Fire Territory Board, and as an elected Merrillville Precinct Committee Person.
Professionally, Minchuk serves as a Safety Training Instructor and Assistant Griever at Cleveland-Cliffs, representing USW Local 6787. His background includes decades of service with the Merrillville Volunteer Fire Department, the Gary Fire Department, and Norfolk Southern Railroad. He is also deeply involved in community service, including more than 20 years as a Merrillville Pop Warner Football Coach, mentoring youth and supporting local families and public safety initiatives.
Randy Palmateer is a highly respected labor leader who currently serves as Business Manager and Executive Director of the Northwest Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, a position to which he was successfully elected in 2009 after years of service within the building trades. A graduate of Merrillville High School, Palmateer entered the IBEW Local 697 apprenticeship program in 1997, earning an associate degree from Ivy Tech Community College and completing a rigorous five-year training program.
After becoming a Journeyman Wireman, Palmateer served as Political Education Director for IBEW Local 697 before being elected to its Executive Board and later appointed Business Agent and Organizer. His leadership has extended statewide through service as State Political Director and Head Lobbyist for the Indiana State Building Trades.
Palmateer has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout Northwest Indiana, including the Lake County Redevelopment Commission, City of Crown Point Redevelopment Commission and Board of Public Works, Ivy Tech Advisory Board, and the Boy Scouts of America Construction Advisory Board. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Regional Development Authority, overseeing major infrastructure investments such as the South Shore rail expansion, and holds leadership roles with the Lake County Economic Alliance and other civic and charitable organizations.
Both Minchuk and Palmateer are recipients of the George Meany Award, recognizing their leadership and dedication to the labor movement.
Their appointments reflect Tech Credit Union’s continued focus on strong labor partnerships, community leadership, and cooperative values. By adding leaders with deep ties to organized labor and regional development, Tech Credit Union is positioned to expand membership, strengthen trust with union families, and ensure long-term financial opportunity for working people across Northwest Indiana for years to come.
About Tech Credit Union
Tech Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to serving working families, union members, and communities across Northwest Indiana and Illinois. Guided by cooperative principles, Tech Credit Union delivers trusted financial solutions while investing in the people and communities it serves.