A group of exceptional leaders were recognized during a special virtual Credit Union Awards Ceremony for their remarkable service to the credit union movement and their members during the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ Virtual REACH 2020 conference held recently.
The Leagues’ Virtual REACH attracted credit union executives and professionals from California and Nevada as well as throughout the nation. Attendees discovered innovative ways of engaging and serving members in the midst of a pandemic and economic crisis. The conference—held over five days (Oct. 26, 28-29, and Nov. 4-5)—featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions, as well as virtual exhibit hall interactions.
At the Nov. 5 Virtual Credit Union Awards Ceremony, this year’s recipients of the League, Kim Bannan Eternal Flame, and Advocacy awards were honored for going above and beyond the call of duty whether in political advocacy, credit union movement, or community outreach work. This year’s recipients are:
Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award: Retired Ventura County Credit Union CEO Joe Schroeder. This is the League’s highest honor, recognizing excellence in credit union philosophy and a lifetime of contributions to the California credit union movement. It is named after Leo H. Shapiro, father of the California credit union movement and founder of the League. Schroeder was honored for his more than 30 years in the industry. His strong belief in the “People Helping People” philosophy is apparent everywhere at the credit union—including reaching out to serve modest means and underserved groups within the community.
Distinguished Service Award: WestStar Credit Union CEO Rick Schmidt
Recipients of the League’s Distinguished Service Award are honored for service to the credit union community over the most recent three years. Schmidt was recognized for his involvement with advocacy efforts—representing the credit union movement not only before elected officials but also before regulatory agencies—and also his recent successful leadership and community outreach efforts.
- Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award:Wesley Hall of Valley First Credit Union and Terrance Tremelling of SAFE Credit Union
This award honors significant contributions over the most recent three years by people who serve credit unions in a volunteer capacity. It was renamed in 2013 in honor of long-time credit union volunteer J. Alvin George, who passed away that same year. Wesley Hall was recognized for his more than 70 years of service on the Valley First CU board, including 35 years as chairman, while Terrance Tremelling—who joined the SAFE CU board in 2006 and served as chairman in 2017—was honored for his tireless advocacy of credit unions and his work in the community.
Tomorrow’s Star Award: Tyrone Conde of Downey Federal Credit Union and Aron Harrington of CalCom Federal Credit Union, Mattel Federal Credit Union, Nikkei Credit Union, and Southern California Credit Union Alliance
This award recognizes the achievements in the most recent three years by young credit union professionals age 35 and under. Both Conde and Harrington are new to the credit union movement but already have distinguished themselves in myriad ways, helping their respective credit unions thrive and volunteering within their communities.
Kim Bannan Eternal Flame Awards: Santa Ana FCU CEO Jill Mahany (individual) and Richards and Associates, CPAs (organization)
These awards recognize efforts that contribute to the success and future of Shapiro Group credit unions and are named after the League’s late vice president of credit union development and research and information. Both Mahany and Richards and Associates, CPAs were honored for their outstanding work and support of Shapiro credit unions throughout the years.
ADVOCACY AWARDS: These recipients are credit unions, individuals, and organizations that display extraordinary leadership in advocacy and political action. The 2020 recipients are:
Political Professional of the Year: Carina Hollis, Wescom Credit Union. Hollis was recognized for her commitment to advocacy. She went above and beyond to assist by reaching out to legislators, attending and hosting fundraisers, and leading lobbying discussions.
Advocate Credit Union of the Year-California: Travis Credit Union (CEO—Barry Nelson). The credit union and Nelson were honored demonstrating incredible leadership in advocacy this year.
Advocate Credit Union of the Year-Nevada: Great Basin Federal Credit Union (CEO—Jennifer Denoo). The credit union has supported the League’s various advocacy efforts and it, along with Denoo, was recognizes for its outstanding work and commitment.
Advocate of the year-California: Dave Gunderson, Credit Union of Southern California. Gunderson was recognized for going above and beyond to assist with all of the League’s advocacy events this year.
Advocate of the year-Nevada: Matt Kershaw, Clark County Credit Union. Kershaw was honored for his sacrifice of his valuable time to assist during an unexpected special session during a non-session year.
Shapiro Advocate of the Year: Delta Schools Federal Credit Union. The credit union and its CEO Rob Greaff really stepped up its grassroots advocacy efforts this year especially during the battle against AB 2501 and AB 1436.
Volunteer of the year: Howard Welinsky, First Entertainment Credit Union. Welinsky went above and beyond to assist the Advocacy team by reaching out to legislators and leading critical lobbying discussions that helped the League achieve major victories this legislative session.
Supplier of the year: American Share Insurance (President and CEO—Dennis Adams). Advocacy is a collaboration and partnership. When action is needed American Share Insurance (ASI) is always there to answer the call. ASI continues to ensure the Leagues has the resources needed to engage our membership and fight in the halls of Carson City, Sacramento, and Washington, D.C.
California PAC Advocate of the Year-California: Josh Smith, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. Smith has gone above and beyond to assist the League’s PAC. He was honored for his hard work and leadership by leading lobbying discussions and attending every advocacy related event this year.
PAC Advocate of the Year-Nevada: Sue Longson, Boulder Dam Credit Union. Longson was recognized for her countless hours dedicated to PAC. The Leagues wouldn’t have such a successful political program without her efforts.