Before the official kickoff of the America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), a lot has already taken place in Washington, D.C. One event of note is the Farley League Leadership Award Reception, which takes place annually on the Saturday evening preceding the start of the GAC.
There are many awards in our movement that recognize various forms of achievement. Celebrating those successes is important, and those honors are well-deserved. But to me, there is something particularly special about the Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award. Presented by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), it honors the steady, often behind-the-scenes leadership that strengthens our entire system: the kind of work that doesn’t always seek the spotlight but is essential to our success.
Established in 2000 to honor extraordinary leadership within the credit union League system, the Farley Award recognizes a League CEO and an accomplished League executive who show visionary leadership at both the state and national levels. It’s not just about how long someone has been in the role or the title they hold, it’s about the difference they make for their League and the movement as a whole.
Knowing the history of this award makes it even more meaningful. It was endowed by Dr. Richard Heins, former CEO of CUNA Mutual Group (now TruStage), to honor his lifelong friend Eugene “Gene” Farley upon his retirement. Gene’s work had a lasting effect on the Virginia Credit Union League and the entire credit union movement. He spent 40 years at the League, personally helping organize 35 credit unions, and served in key roles for organizations like the Credit Union National Association (now America’s Credit Unions), the World Council of Credit Unions, and the Filene Research Institute.
Having served as a League president earlier in my career, I know firsthand that League leadership is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. Leagues act as the bridge between national strategy and local impact, ensuring no credit union has to navigate the complex environment alone. The work isn’t always visible, and the wins are often shared. The challenges are complex and constant. But when League leaders do their jobs well, the entire movement is stronger for it.
That is why the Farley Award matters so much. It recognizes leaders who:
- Lead credit union advocacy at the highest levels.
- Build partnerships across state lines and organizational boundaries.
- Develop strong, future-focused league teams.
- Uphold the cooperative spirit that defines our industry.
- Strengthen the credit union system for generations to come.
As Brad Miller, president of AACUL, shared:
“The Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award represents Credit Union League executives who exemplify vision, service, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the credit union system. Farley Award winners embrace the kind of steady, collaborative leadership that not only advances advocacy and innovation but also reinforces the cooperative spirit that defines our movement. It’s an honor to celebrate these League leaders who continue to build a stronger future for credit unions nationwide.”
This award highlights leaders who are part of a long tradition of service and impact, which you can see in the list of past recipients here. That tradition continues with this year’s honorees. On behalf of the CUInsight team, congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award, who were honored last evening in Washington, D.C.
To read the full press releases announcing the 2026 honorees, click here:
It’s one thing to lead an organization; it’s another thing entirely to lead a movement. These two individuals have spent their careers doing both. They haven't just strengthened our advocacy, they’ve mentored teams and built the kind of partnerships that keep us all moving in the same direction. Their influence reaches beyond state lines, ensuring credit unions remain the most relevant choice for their members while keeping our movement connected and resilient.
Congratulations again to this year’s recipients. Your work carries forward the legacy Gene Farley helped build: one rooted in a lifetime of service and a steadfast belief in the credit union difference.
