Onsite: 2015 National Credit Union Foundation Dinner presenting the Herb Wegner Memorial Award
Monday night at the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference can only mean one thing, The National Credit Union Foundation Dinner presenting the 27th Annual Herb Wegner Memorial Award. This year over 850 people from around credit union world came to the Marriot Marquis Washington dressed to the nine’s to recognize three incredible individuals and one extraordinary organization.
The recipients of the 27th Annual Herb Wegner Memorial Award were:
Lifetime Achievement, Bob Schumacher
In recognition of a career that has touched every corner of the credit union movement, as well as his inspiring work with credit union leadership programs, both in the U.S. and overseas, the National Credit Union Foundation is pleased to announce Bob Schumacher, retired President and CEO of MountainCrest Credit Union, as the recipient of a 2015 Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement.
“Bob is one of the most dedicated and devoted followers of the credit union philosophy who has worked on all levels of the movement,” said John Gregoire, Chair of the Foundation’s Wegner Awards Selection Committee and President of The ProCon Group. “His impact particularly on Foundation programs such as the Community Investment Fund, Biz Kid$ and the Credit Union Development Education Program is beyond belief. Anyone who has had the opportunity to be touched by Bob’s contagious energy and enthusiasm comes away a more committed individual.”
Read more about Bob Schumacher
Lifetime Achievement, Clarence Hall, Jr.
In recognition of his selfless work on behalf of the struggling population of Issaquena County and his lifelong embodiment of credit union values, the National Credit Union Foundation is pleased to announce Clarence Hall, Jr., CEO of Issaquena County FCU, as the recipient of a 2015 Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement.
“Clarence Hall is not a household name in the credit union movement, but his work has been absolutely inspiring in building a better life in a downtrodden part of our nation,” said John Gregoire, Chair of the Foundation’s Wegner Awards Selection Committee and President of The ProCon Group. “Clarence is an unsung hero who has led efforts around financial literacy, civil rights and much more to make a positive impact on those in his community. Roy Bergengren used to say that the credit union’s real job is to prove the practicality of the brotherhood of man and Clarence’s achievements align perfectly with those words.”
Read more about Clarence Hall, Jr.
Lifetime Achievement, Mike Mercer
In recognition of his ground-breaking leadership, innovative contributions, personal commitment and unfaltering dedication to the advancement of the credit union system, the National Credit Union Foundation is pleased to announce Mike Mercer, President/CEO of the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, as the recipient of a 2015 Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement.
“Anyone who knows Mike knows he’s an innovator and status quo challenger who has always pushed leaders to rethink old habits and consider new ways of doing things,” said John Gregoire, Chair of the Foundation’s Wegner Awards Selection Committee and President of The ProCon Group. “From his role at the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, time as CUNA Chairman, his work with the Polish credit union system, and more, Mike always has displayed tremendous insight and innovation.”
Read more about Mike Mercer
Outstanding Organization, Iowa Credit Union League
In recognition of its organization-wide dedication to ensuring the prosperity of credit unions and improving the financial lives of consumers, the National Credit Union Foundation is pleased to announce the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) as the recipient of the 2015 Herb Wegner Memorial Outstanding Organization Award.
“The Iowa Credit Union League has been fortunate to have a series of leaders over the years who’ve all been pioneers in helping build the credit union movement,” said John Gregoire, Chair of the Foundation Wegner Awards Selection Committee and President of The ProCon Group. “The breadth and depth of the organization shine through the league’s focus on reaching the Hispanic population, savings initiatives, as well as a host of other programs. You always know if the Iowa Credit Union League straps on a challenge, they’ll go far and beyond.”
