Waco, TX (October 25, 2021) |
At its recent conference, the Lending and Collections Council of the Cornerstone League recognized long-time executive committee member Gary Parker for his leadership and many contributions. During the recognition presentation, the Gary D. Parker Legacy Scholarship was announced. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a young professional in the credit union movement and will allow the recipient to attend the Southwest Lending and Collections Conference at no cost to them or their credit union.
“Gary has a heart of gold and lives and breathes the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’” said Elizabeth Newman, vice chair of the Lending and Collections Council. “He has a passion for mentoring young professionals, and because of that this scholarship will allow one Young Professional in the Cornerstone region to attend the Southwest Lending and Collections Conference at no cost. We plan to launch the scholarship in 2022.”
Parker, who has been the president and CEO of 1st University Credit Union in Waco for the past 26 years, began his credit union career in 1975 at Bison Federal Credit Union in Shawnne, Oklahoma. At the age of 20, he became the youngest president of a credit union in the state. Since joining 1st UCU, he has been an active participant in the Cornerstone League (formerly Texas Credit Union League). Parker was a founding member of the Lending Council in 2001 and served on its executive committee for 20 years. Additionally, Gary has served on the executive committee of the Small Credit Union Council and is the current incoming chairperson. He has also filled many roles for the Central Texas Chapter of Credit Unions including serving as its current president.G
Gary D. Parker, President and CEO, 1st University Credit Union