WASHINGTON, DC (November 24, 2014) -- Diana Dykstra, president/CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues was presented AACUL's highest honor--the Eagle Award— by Mike Mercer, president/CEO of the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates and a member of the Eagle selection committee during the AACUL Annual Meeting.
AACUL membership also elected their Board during the Annual Meeting.
The Eagle Award has been presented only 20 times in the award's 34-year history. It is bestowed on a league president who:
- Has an outstanding record of achievement at the league level;
- Is willing to speak out and take a stand on critical, controversial issues;
- Demonstrates leadership beyond the league level;
- Is innovative in creating or implementing new ideas; and
- Maintains an unremitting dedication to credit union and personal principles, and an unflagging focus on important issues.
Mercer lauded Dykstra’s leadership for her focus on constant improvement, on pushing forward to improve what is good to be even better; not being afraid to “rock the boat” by taking controversial stands; her commitment to member engagement; and her constant search for collaboration opportunities that are in the best interest of the whole movement, not just the best interest of their own organization. He cited specific undertakings, including:
- California and Nevada’s over 500,000 Congressional contacts during the movement’s Don’t Tax My Credit Union campaign;
- The creation of Power Comment and subsequent partnership with CUNA to take the program nationwide; and
- Her leadership to create Plexity, a partnership between her Leagues, the New Jersey Credit Union League and Maryland & DC Credit Union Association with a mission to consolidate back office operations of the four Leagues to reduce costs, while maintaining the identify and uniqueness of each of the states.
"While Diana has been a League President for just four years, she has already had a significant impact in California and Nevada along with CUNA and all 42 Leagues,” noted Susan E. Newton, AACUL Executive Director.
"I cannot think of a better person to receive this high honor from our association," stated Wendell Lyons, AACUL Chairman.
Also at the meeting, Dykstra was elected to the AACUL Executive Board, replacing John Radebaugh who stepped down at the Annual meeting where he was recognized for his six years of exemplary service on the AACUL Board.
AACUL re-elected Lyons, who also serve as President/CEO of the Kentucky Credit Union League to another year as AACUL chairman. Other members of the Executive Board include:
- First vice chairman Tracie Kenyon, CEO, Montana Credit Union Network;
- Second vice chairman, Mark Cummins, CEO, Minnesota Credit Union Network;
- Treasurer Scott Simpson, Utah League of Credit Unions;
- Immediate past chair Bill Mellin; and
- Susan Newton, AACUL Executive Director.